SPOT Personal Tracker

A few years ago I bought a SPOT Personal Tracker.  I thought it would be good to have if we were out hunting or snowmobiling.  At the time I purchased it, a father and son had gone out snowmobiling, got lost and the father perished.  Granted, they were not properly equipped for being out in the elements, nor did they have proper training for surviving in harsh weather if lost.  It started to make me think about more precautions I could take.  I started to research a new satellite tracking system called The SPOT.  It is GPS satellite tracking device, that works even where you don’t have cell phone service.  There are new models out now with different features, but I do like this simple model for the ease that it provides.  I know that if I was put in an emergent situation, I want something that is easy to use, and I don’t have to put a lot of thought into it.  This tracking device has four different features. The first allows you to push an ok button to check in with your preset email addresses or cell phone numbers.  It just says you are ok.  The second feature is the tracking feature.  This feature updates your position every 10 minutes.  It will send your location to your account and allow someone to see on google maps where you are.  It will also give your GPS coordinates.  The third feature is the HELP button.  This allows you to send a non-life threatening message to preset email addresses and cell phone numbers in case you need help.  It is best to let the people you program into your tracking device know you are putting them in.  If they get this message you don’t want them to be alarmed, but you do want them to be able to call for help or send help to you.  This feature sends them your GPS coordinates to their email address or in a text message to a cell phone.  The last feature is the 911 button. This feature sends a GPS distress message to GEOS International Emergency Response Center and they alert the appropriate response team to your location and it also sends your preloaded personal information.  This personal information can include medications you currently take, and medication allergies.  This information could be vital in an emergency situation if you are unable to relay this to the responder.  This alert will be sent every 5 minutes until someone arrives to help, or until you shut it off. The alert will go out to the appropriate responders that may include-your local police, search and rescue, coast guard, etc.  It will also notify your emergency contacts that you put on your profile when you get your tracking device.  This is an amazing piece of equipment, and I feel everyone that is in the outdoors should carry for their safety and ease of mind for their families.  The website for SPOT is http://www.findmespot.com.  It is worth the time for you to look into it, and I highly recommend it.

SPOT Tracking Device

Specs