Each day it seems the news tells the sad story of a missing child and the heart rendering search for that child often leading to tragic results. New technology that uses a small GPS personal tracking device may be the answer to solving much of this problem. The new small devices can be worn as a pendant or on a belt like a small pager. The smaller size is ideal for younger children. The system uses a combination of cell phone and GPS technology to provide real time location information that is delivered to a cell phone, computer or email. The system can be programmed to report personal location information at timed intervals as short as 15 seconds. These personal tracking systems are ideal for dealing with child custody issues or with at risk children.
GPS Personal tracking information shows not only location but speed and direction of travel. The system also can be programmed to give you a warning when a child travels out of bounds such as leaving the neighborhood or leaving school early. Being able to log into your computer at any time of day and confirm the location of your child will reduce your stress and increase your family’s security. Some units even have a panic button on the unit that the child can activate in case of any emergency. The notification goes not only to you but to the GPS tracking company that is providing your service. They in turn can notify local authorities or even attempt to call the child on a cell phone to ascertain the type of emergency. The local authorities will know exactly where your child is to within a few meters speeding emergency response time. If your child is abducted most likely the perpetrator will quickly discard the child’s cell phone reducing the chance that they can be tracked. However if your child has a small GPS personal tracking device on them their location will still be transmitted to you and the authorities. All of which increases the chance that your child will be found safely.
For preadolescent children GPS personal tracking devices are as small a phone pager (2.5″X 1″X 1.7″ inches) and will run on small AA or AAA batteries for up to 24 hours before needing a recharge. Slightly larger units that can be placed in special clothing pockets or backpacks will continue to transmit on GSM cell phone frequencies for up to two weeks before needing a recharge. If your child is old enough to drive a back up tracking system can be installed in their vehicle to provide information on driving habits and travel locations. All of which provides a parent with peace of mind.
Personal tracking devices are not cheap and generally the smaller the device the more expensive it becomes. However it is hard to put a price on the safety of your child and your sense security. In addition the GPS carrier that provides the tracking and notification services will charge you a monthly fee usually around $100.00. In this day and time each of us must choose what level of safety and security they can live with. The risk level can be managed through the use of a modern technology in the form of a GPS personal tracking device.
By: Jim Kesel
Posts Tagged ‘Panic Button’
Keeping Your Children Safe With GPS Personal Tracking
January 15th, 2010Posted in Article
Tags: Abducted Cell Phone Child Custody Issues Emergency Response Time Gps Tracking Intervals Local Authorities Missing Child New Technology Panic Button Perpetrator Personal Location Personal Tracking Device Phone Computer Risk Children Sad Story Time Location Time Of Day Tragic Results Will Reduce Your Stress
Personal GPS Tracking Units With Locator Capabilities
November 21st, 2009
Recent back country disasters have highlighted the value of personal GPS tracking units. Lost hikers, skiers, hunters, mountain climbers and outdoor adventure enthusiasts require massive efforts by SAR (search and rescue) personnel. These efforts cost thousands of dollars each day of effort. SAR personnel risk their own lives trying to locate and rescue these individuals and often as not these operations end in a recovery effort.
New cell phone technology and manufacture regulations have placed GPS technology in cell phones. This is a great step forward that will assist SAR personnel in locating lost individuals. The major limitation in using cell phones as GPS tracking devices is the phones short battery life. Granted a lost individual that is thinking clearly will manage the battery life on his or her cell phone to prolong the tracking function. However many lost or injured individuals find themselves very stressed by the experience of being lost which leads to reduced cognitive reasoning skills.
New back country GPS tracking Units with locator capability are designed to be employed by an individual that recognizes that they are lost or injured. These devices use satellite phone technology to broadcast the exact location of the device to within about 10 meter or 33 feet. Pushing the panic button is all that is necessary to activate the device. This has many benefits including the need to worry about battery life and also the need to respond to a contact by cell phone in the case of a serious injury. The injured person can be incapacitated and still expect to be located.
This past year a deer hunter had the misfortune of falling out of her tree stand and breaking her hip and leg. She was located in an area that had poor cell phone coverage. However her husband was wise enough to provide her with a GPS tracking unit with the emergency location features. She was able to push the 911 button between periods of consciousness. The emergency signal was received and local authorities used a hand held GPS unit to literally guide them to within a few feet of her. Because of the extent of her injuries this woman most likely would not have survived the sub freezing temperatures during the night.
The GPS Tracking unit used in this case was purchased on the Internet from Cabalas for less than $200. A casual search on the Internet yielded more than 30 websites where these GPS tracking and locator device can be purchased. Some SAR officials have proposed regulations requiring the mandatory possession of these devices by back country visitors. In fact in some locations these devices can be rented by backpackers and other wild country visitors.
Given the cost of SAR response it would seem very reasonable for everyone to carry such a device when in the remote areas of the world. These devices do in fact work anywhere there are GPS and communication satellites above the horizon. New innovations in technology continue reduce the size of GPS tracking units and make them even more rugged and reliable. It goes without say that it would be wise for every person contemplating a back country trip to invest in this life saving technology.
By: Jim Kesel
Posted in Article
Tags: Adventure Enthusiasts Battery Life Cell Phone Technology Cognitive Reasoning Country Gps Deer Hunter Emergency Location Exact Location Gps Tracking Devices Hikers Hunters Mountain Location Features Massive Efforts Mountain Climbers Outdoor Adventure Panic Button Phone Coverage Reasoning Skills Recovery Effort Satellite Phone Technology
