What the Tech: How to use Alexa during an emergency
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - We all those old commercials, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.”
These days, almost everyone has a cellphone to call for help.
But imagine this: an elderly relative needs immediate help, but they can’t find their phone, and they can’t get up. That’s where Alexa can help.
But only if it’s set up ahead of time.
Alexa can call 911, but only if you subscribe to Alexa Emergency Assist. That’s a paid add-on that costs about $6 a month.
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But there’s a workaround that doesn’t cost anything.
You can add s to the Alexa app, like family and close neighbors.
Then, if something happens, just say “Alexa, call the name”, and they can call 911 for you.
Another helpful feature is called “Drop In.” Think of it like a wide intercom network. Someone can say “Alexa, drop in on all devices.” And anyone with a connected Alexa device will hear what’s going on. Even if they’re not in the same house. As long as they’re logged into the same Amazon .
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And here’s something not a lot of people know, and I won’t say it out loud so I don’t trigger everyone’s phone, but Siri will call 911 if you say something like “Call 911″ or “I need help.”
Provided, of course, they do have their phone close to them and it is unlocked.
Alexa is not a replacement for a phone or a medical alert system.
Without the Emergency Assist subscription, Alexa cannot call emergency services directly.
So it’s important to add trusted names and numbers to your Alexa s and check it out ahead of time to make sure it works.
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