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Footprint and personal safety · 11 August 2026 · 6 min read

Create a Family Response Plan for a GPS Personal Alarm

Turn alerts into a calm, tested sequence covering contact order, location checks, escalation, charging and holidays.

Family reviewing a written response plan with a personal alarm

A GPS personal alarm does not create a response plan by itself. The value comes from connecting a clear user action to people who know how to assess the situation and arrange suitable help.

Write the plan before the first live alert.

Record the contact sequence

List each contact, their preferred number, typical availability and role. Footprint family setup can pair up to three mobiles and call them in sequence after sending an SOS location message. Make sure the configured order still reflects real life.

Define the first response

The first contact should answer calmly, speak through the device and establish what the wearer needs. If the call is silent or ends, follow the pre-agreed steps rather than guessing.

Record when to:

  • call the wearer back;
  • check the latest available location;
  • contact a nearby trusted person;
  • attend in person;
  • contact emergency services.

Follow current professional and emergency guidance. An alarm is not a substitute for 999 in an immediate emergency.

Plan for missed calls

Test what happens when contact one does not answer. Ensure the second and third contacts recognise the Footprint number and location text. Consider overnight, work, holiday and poor-signal scenarios.

Include charging

Choose a charging routine and nominate who responds to low-battery notifications. Keep the charging pod visible and test the device after a long period without use.

Protect information

Limit location and portal access to the agreed group. Do not forward location links casually. Remove old contacts promptly.

Run a planned exercise

Tell everyone it is a test. Activate the device from a familiar outdoor location, verify the message and call sequence, practise conversation and close the event. Note anything unclear and update the written plan.

Review every few months and after changes to health, routine, address or contacts. Learn how Footprint works and keep OwnFone support details with the plan.

Simple starts here

A simpler way to stay connected.

Build a personalised OwnFone online or speak to our team about telecare and Footprint.