 "Photo: N/A")
April 16 marks the third anniversary of the Virginia Tech massacre, where a student shot and killed more than 30 people, including himself. But out of this tragedy, an idea designed to save lives was born.
The PushtoAlert (PTA) phone application puts personal safety literally at your fingertips. PTA’s co-inventor Kevin Arndt says he was riveted by the tragedy.
“I wanted to do something to keep people from feeling so helpless,” Amdt said.
So Arndt teamed up with co-inventor Michael Saigh and application developer Mosaic International to develop PTA.
“I think it’s an excellent idea and something I would look into more,” said Felisa Barnes, director of security. “The more people you can deter, the safer it is for the whole campus.
Your fatality numbers could stay down lower.”
According to pushtoalert.com, PTA is the first personal security application designed for cell phones.
Students in trouble or who see someone in trouble can push the app button, and it gives students a list of scenarios such as gunman or accident, and they push the appropriate button.
“I think it could make a difference,” said Dillon Watkins, freshman education major. “But it’s pretty much the same as calling 911. It’s an innovative way to use the technology we have now.”
After activation, PTA sends out an alert within four seconds to everyone who has the application within a 25 mile radius, and it dials 911. It sends students with the application a Google map and physical address of your location.
Also, if traveling in an unknown region, students can check PTA’s alert history to determine if the area is safe.
“PTA prevents you from walking into a potential harmful situation,” Arndt said.
Arndt and Saigh said they have full endorsements from the New York Police Department and The International Police Association.
Currently, PTA is only available for iPhones, but Arndt says there are plans to make the app available for other phones this year.
“If PushtoAlert can save one life, then I will know it’s been worth- while,” Arndt said.
Be the first to comment on this article!