New app enhances personal security

A personal security application that provides immediate emergency assistance is now available to Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® (PAR) members.

MyForce, a new PAR Preferred PARtner, is an advanced security application that can change the face of personal safety. MyForce is a subscription-based app that launches a mobile panic button for emergencies. Members are urged to arm themselves with this safeguard when meeting new clients, showing a property, walking alone at night, or even medical emergencies.

How MyForce works:

When the MyForce button is pressed, the user’s phone begins recording audio. Trained dispatchers validate emergencies from listening to real-time audio. This is a safeguard to make sure no mistaken calls are sent to local first responders. The monitoring company is registered in all 50 states, maintaining trust with local first responders.

MyForce can access a user’s name, address, full physical description and emergency contact list, and provide that data to emergency personnel. Users are encouraged to list safety issues in their system profiles — experiences with violence or abuse, for example — plus allergies, medications and health issues. Profile information is secure and only accessed when there’s an emergency reported.

If a call for help is sent out by accident, users have the option to call in and cancel the alert. Personal identification numbers must be provided to cancel a request. Operators will also call members to make sure it’s not a true emergency. At this time, employees will ask for the specified pre-arranged “safe word.” If the safe word is wrong, they will dispatch emergency responders to the caller’s location because the user might be in trouble — or forced to cancel the alert.

MyForce is available on iPhone, Android and Blackberry devices, and works across all carrier networks and is available in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico) and Canada.

PAR members can try MyForce for 30 days free. After the 30-day free trial, the cost is $9.99 per month – a 33 percent discount. Register for MyForce at PAR.MyForce.com.