Be Prepared for Outdoor Safety with SafeZone and What3Words

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Fall is a great time to plan an outdoor adventure. Be prepared with these safety tips from UAPD.

Emergencies can happen when least expected, and being prepared is essential for your safety, whether you're exploring the outdoors this fall or navigating everyday life on campus. At the University of Arkansas, we prioritize your well-being, which is why U of A Police Department offers two powerful tools to keep you safe: SafeZone and What3Words.

SafeZone: A Safety App

SafeZone is an app designed to ensure that help is always within reach, whether you're on or off campus. Here's how it can support your emergency preparedness:

• Emergency Response: In critical situations, SafeZone connects you directly to UAPD at the touch of a button. Whether it's a medical issue, a safety concern, or another emergency, help is just a tap away.
• Real-Time Location Sharing: During outdoor adventures, share your real-time location with trusted contacts so they know where you are. This feature is invaluable when exploring hiking trails, camping sites, or other remote areas.
• Non-Emergency Assistance: SafeZone isn't just for emergencies. It's also handy for everyday situations, such as needing an escort on campus after dark or requesting assistance when you're feeling uneasy.
• Check-In Timer: Going on a solo hike or run? Activate the check-in timer to periodically share your location with UAPD.

What3Words: Simplifying Location

Exploring nature often means venturing into areas without conventional addresses. Here's how What3Words can help keep you safe outdoors:

• Three-Word Addresses: What3Words divides the world into ten-foot squares, each assigned a unique combination of three words. These words make it easy to pinpoint your location, even in the most remote wilderness.
• Emergency Situations: If you find yourself in a remote location requiring assistance, sharing your What3Words address with rescuers can help them find you more quickly.
• Offline Functionality: What3Words works offline, even in areas with limited or no internet connectivity, such as hiking trails, campgrounds, or national parks.
• Multilingual Support: This app is accessible worldwide, with addresses available in over 50 languages.

Before you set out on your next outdoor adventure, download What3Words to ensure you can accurately communicate your location, even in the most remote corners of nature. For those without the app, UAPD dispatchers will send a link to the mobile site, allowing callers to read out the three words to the operator. The app requires a GPS signal to display your What3Words address.

Outdoor Safety Tips

In addition to these apps, here are some general outdoor safety tips to keep in mind:

• Plan Ahead: Inform someone you trust about your outdoor plans, including your expected return time.
• Pack Essentials: Carry essential items like water, food, a first aid kit, and navigation tools when heading into the wilderness.
• Dress Appropriately: Dress in layers and wear appropriate footwear for your outdoor activity to avoid hypothermia or heat-related issues.
• Stay on Marked Trails: Stick to designated trails when hiking or exploring to minimize the risk of getting lost.
• Know the Terrain: Familiarize yourself with the area's terrain and potential hazards before setting out.
• Leave No Trace: Respect the environment by following Leave No Trace principles, leaving nature as you found it.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and trail conditions and adjust your plans accordingly.

At the University of Arkansas, we believe that safety should never be compromised, whether you're on campus or exploring the Northwest Arkansas. By including the apps SafeZone and What3Words into your emergency preparedness and outdoor safety toolkit, you're taking important steps to ensure your well-being during your adventures and everyday life. Download these apps today, stay safe, and enjoy all that nature and campus life have to offer.