Safety Poll: Solo activity and SAR related.

[wrinkledpants]

Would you use a website to update where you are going and when you *should* be back?

I'm working on a project where a simple website would be created to allow people to update where they are going and when they'll be back. It's not intended to notify people as to your "status," but to give people an idea on where you are, the activity you're doing, etc, in case you don't come back. To make this usable and flexible, you would eventually be able to do this by sending a text from your phone, iPhone and blackberry integration, or by leaving a voicemail on the system. You're profile could be public, or viewable by select individuals. Emergency services would have access to it as well.

It can be difficult to notify people where you are going as a safety backup incase you don't come back, short of calling someone or leaving a note. This service would be a starting point for emergency rescue in the event you don't come back.

There is obviously a lot of details that need to be worked out, but the basic idea is to utilize the mobile technology we have in the event you get hurt in the wilderness.

There are a lot of details and features we're working on, but I'm just trying to get an idea of who would use it for the marketing department.

Thanks all.

[Skipig25]

I said "no, I'm lazy" which should be combined with "I use other forms of notification"

I probably wouldn't remember to call or text the thing every single time I go out, and I try to let someone know what my plans are anyway.

[ridefree]

Something similar started in Tahoe a few years ago. Safecheckin.com I think. URL sort of like that. But I don't use it.

[wrinkledpants]

Yes they are familiar with safecheckin. The difference between this and that site is that fact it would be free, and the also the fact that it would be updatable with just about any electronic resource. Nobody would ever remember to just update it on the internet, so the text messaging idea that something as simple as "be at such and such biking" could be sent to update your profile. This would be paid for by advertisements in a non annoying way (think gmail style). They are trying to make this as simple as absolutely possible. No lengthy logins, no crazy formats, and a cheap and functional website.

[thegreyarea]

Yes they are familiar with safecheckin. The difference between this and that site is that fact it would be free, and the also the fact that it would be updatable with just about any electronic resource. Nobody would ever remember to just update it on the internet, so the text messaging idea that something as simple as "be at such and such biking" could be sent to update your profile. This would be paid for by advertisements in a non annoying way (think gmail style). They are trying to make this as simple as absolutely possible. No lengthy logins, no crazy formats, and a cheap and functional website.

Sounds exactly like Twitter.

[wrinkledpants]

I suppose you could say it is, but this is not for socializing. It would be tied in with the authorities so that after a certain timeframe has passed, every effort would be made to contact your emergency numbers, your residence, and ultimately, SAR would be notified through the system. They are working on creating something with local authority guidelines and standards so that in a worse case scenario, if your family and friends could not be reached, authorities would still be automatically notified that you're missing.

If your married or live with someone, you don't really need this. But for me, I live alone, I work from home, family is at least a thousand miles away, and I don't necessarily see friends everyday. I crash a lot too. We'll see where this goes. I really like the idea and think I would use it a lot. Might have saved that climber that cut off his arm when a rock fell on him <shrug>.

[Epiphanot]

For some it would surely be a valuable tool. For me, a dry-erase board in the kitchen has proven itself useful as roommates and friends always seems to take note of my adventures.

[sparkletarte.]

It can be difficult to notify people where you are going as a safety backup incase you don't come back, short of calling someone or leaving a note

No. I don't understand how 'it can be difficult'- it's easy, you call or leave a note. If people can't be bothered to call or leave a note, why would they be bothered to use this? eta- and I should add, I live with someone and I do not do solo winter activity unless it's something in non avy terrain.

This idea sounds harder, at least for those of us that are not crackberried and still use paper. So maybe I am not your market.