Agree what an unusual message means before an emergency
A family duress word or missed check-in should trigger a defined, proportionate action—not confusion, confrontation or public group-chat speculation.
Design the plan
- Choose a phrase that is memorable but not obvious or normally used.
- Define exactly what it means: call me, collect me, contact police, or use another action.
- Agree a separate “I am safe” confirmation that cannot be guessed from the distress message.
- Set check-in times only where they genuinely improve safety.
- Create a primary and backup contact order.
- Decide when a missed check-in becomes urgent and account for flat batteries or travel delays.
- Practise calmly and update the plan after household changes.
Response matrix
| Signal | Response |
|---|---|
| Routine check-in received | Acknowledge; do not begin unnecessary tracking |
| Check-in missed | Try agreed channels, then backup contact and location-specific steps |
| Duress word received | Do not challenge the suspected person; follow the pre-agreed escalation |
| Emergency SOS alert | Review the alert details, contact local emergency services when required and avoid travelling into danger |
| False activation | Confirm safety through the separate process, then review what caused it |
Keep the plan limited to trusted people. Shared notes, smart displays, family accounts and cloud backups can expose codes or routines.
Technology is optional
The plan can use a call or message. Apps and wearables may add location or automation, but introduce battery, permissions, network, privacy and account-security dependencies.
Last checked: 1 September 2026. Use the emergency service and safeguarding process for the country where the incident occurs.