FAQs

Frequently
Asked Questions

• Do I need to use the quick trigger device or can I use just the safety app?

  Our patented device is an optional safeguard that you can add at any time. You can still use our app-only safety services. However, here are a few things to consider about an app only option:

  • Safety apps generally require users to navigate through menus or open the app before being able to send an alert. In a true emergency, it may be challenging to launch the app quickly.
  • It still requires the user to unlock their phone and find the app before they can send an alert. This can be especially challenging for people with physical disabilities or limited mobility. It is also challenging in a real life emergency situation where fine motor skills are typically compromised.

  The patented KATANA Safety Quick Trigger device eliminates the need for you to fumble with your phone in an emergency or high risk situation. With a simple flick of a finger, you can activate either a panic or discreet silent alert to initiate communication with our 24/7 response center who will respond to your distress call within seconds and help you navigate your situation. You can trigger an alert without having to unlock your phone or navigate the app. The KATANA Safety Quick Trigger device offers a faster and more reliable way to send alerts in an emergency or high-risk situation.

• Why does the safety device have to be attached to the back of my phone? 

  Attaching the quick trigger device to the back of your phone ensures that it is always with you when you need it the most. Plus, it comes equipped with its own 2 year battery life so you never have to charge it which means that you never have to worry about a low battery.  The one thing that we always bring with us everywhere we go is our smartphone. By attaching the quick trigger device to the one thing you always have with you and the one thing you keep charged ensures that this valuable device is with you when you need it the most.

• How is this different from calling 911 directly or using my Emergency SOS on my phone? 

  While 911 is designed for extreme emergencies, nearly half of the 240 million calls made to the service each year in the US are dismissed as non-emergencies. This is where KATANA Safety comes in. There may be various situations where an employee feels unsafe or uncomfortable, but it may not be an emergency that requires calling 911. Some examples could be:

  • Walking alone in a parking lot at night after work
  • Feeling threatened or intimidated by a coworker or client
  • Being followed or stalked while running errands during a lunch break
  • Being in an unfamiliar area while traveling for work
  • Feeling vulnerable due to a personal medical condition

  In these types of situations, the employee may feel uneasy and may need assistance or support to ensure their safety. Personal security services and devices, like KATANA Safety, can provide users with peace of mind and help them feel more confident and secure in these types of situations.

  This is where an employee experiences risk exposure, which personal security services and devices are designed to fill. KATANA Safety offers solutions to address these gaps and provide users with the assistance they need in non-emergency situations. What sets us apart is our ability to work with emergency services, should the need arise and the user is unable to make the call themselves.

  Discretion is crucial in the home health space, and texting may be a safer alternative to voice communication. However, text-to-911 services are limited to certain areas only. In urgent situations where a user can only trigger an alert but is unable to communicate further, we can send help their way without additional communication. KATANA Safety provides users with peace of mind and assistance in non-emergency situations, ensuring their safety and well-being.

• Will the service work without cell phone reception?

  Yes, the KATANA Safety device panic alarm will still work in an area without cell coverage or Wifi. However, to communicate with an emergency response agent, connectivity is required.

  The only option in the absence of cell phone/wifi coverage is a satellite device that is quite bulky and expensive. In addition, 911 and safety apps would not be able to communicate either. In the absence of cell phone coverage, the KATANA Safety device tries to ping a cell tower to send an alert and leaves a trail of breadcrumbs if successful.   Also, since KATANA allows your team to communicate discreetly via text, which requires less “of a communications signal” than a call, KATANA increases the chances of communication in a “low cell coverage area”.

• Does using this service mean my employer has real time access to my location? 

  KATANA Safety does not actively track your location, but only obtains access to your location when you trigger an alert. If your alert necessitates a dispatch to emergency services, your location is shared with emergency services and your designated Circle of Safety.

• Does KATANA Safety work internationally?

  At this time, KATANA Safety is only available for use within the continental United States. We are working hard to bring our service to more people around the world. While we don’t have a specific timeline for when we’ll be able to offer our service internationally, we are committed to expanding our reach. We’ll keep our customers updated on our progress and any developments related to our international expansion.

• Will my KATANA Circle of Safety be notified every time I trigger a silent, panic, or walk with me alert?

  No, your Circle of Safety members will only be notified if emergency services are dispatched. When you trigger an alert, a trained KATANA Safety Response Center Operator will assess the situation and assist you. If the operator cannot reach you or the situation requires it, emergency services will be dispatched. At that point, your Circle of Safety members will be notified.

• What are the measurements of the KATANA Safety Device?

  The KATANA Safety wallet is roughly 3.5” x 2.25” x .25” inches and weighs 6.4 oz. The KATANA Safety mini has the same dimensions but weighs about 6 oz.

  To pair, please follow the directions provided with your device. For questions about pairing or if you need further assistance, see the following FAQ: “How do I check the status of and/or manually repair my Safety Device to the app?”

• Can my Circle of Safety members speak to the Response Center?

  No, the KATANA Safety Response Center will only contact the account owner who triggered the alert. In the event that the account owner cannot be reached, or if emergency services are required, the Circle of Safety members will be notified via text message. They will also be joined together on a conference call to discuss support options. Please note that the Response Center is not included in this conference call between Circle of Safety members. 

• Does the KATANA Safety Response Center know my location?

  Yes, but the Response Center only has access to your location during an alert.

• Does keeping the KATANA App open and running impact the battery on my phone?

  Our app is optimized to use minimal battery consumption by leveraging the efficient battery management systems of the Apple and Google operating systems. It only impacts your phone’s battery during an alert.

• How do I pair my KATANA Safety quick-trigger device?

  Due to the unique and patented way our alerts bypass a locked phone screen when triggered through the device, the pairing of the device happens within the KATANA Safety app and not through the traditional Bluetooth settings on your smartphone. 

  If you are setting up your KATANA Safety profile for the first time, follow the in-app tutorial instructions to connect your device.

  If you are adding your device after you have completed your profile or you are replacing your existing device, connecting your powerful quick-trigger device can be done quickly and easily. 

  1. Wake up your device by pulling the red tab until you hear the activation chirps, then reinsert the tab. 
  2. Open your KATANA Safety App and click on the menu button (the three lines) in the top left of the screen. Select ‘My Devices’.
  3. If you need to replace an existing device, select the currently paired device, click ‘Disconnect Device,’ and then click ‘Done.’
  4. Click on the blue plus sign and choose either KATANA Mini or KATANA Wallet (the mini does not have a credit card holder). Click ‘Start Pairing.’
  5. Select the appropriate device ID to begin pairing. Once the device is paired successfully, click ‘Done. IMPORTANT: Each safety device has a unique Bluetooth serial ID, which is a combination of numbers and letters displayed after KTN: on the back of the device. 
  6. To confirm a successful pairing, wait 60 seconds to allow the device to connect properly before triggering an alert from your safety device. If the device is paired successfully, triggering an alert FROM your safety device will result in a text message and a phone call from the Response Center. Make sure to respond to them to inform them that you are placing a test. You can then provide your safety pin in order to cancel the alert.

• Do my KATANA Circle of Safety members need a KATANA Safety Device or the app to receive my alerts?

  No, they don’t. Your Circle of Safety members can be part of your circle without owning a KATANA Safety device or downloading the app. All communication between KATANA Safety and your Circle of Safety is done via text message or email. 

• How do I choose my KATANA Circle of Safety members?

  When choosing your KATANA Circle of Safety members, it’s important to consider individuals who you trust and who can help you in emergency situations. This could include close friends or family members who can assist you if you feel threatened or are in need of immediate assistance. It’s also worth considering someone who lives nearby if you require urgent medical attention.

  However, having a local Circle of Safety contact is not always necessary, as in many cases, a contact who lives far away can be notified over the phone and may not need to travel anywhere. But it’s still recommended to have at least one person on your list who can get to you quickly if needed, as a local contact can also help with other tasks in an emergency, such as caring for your pets or picking up your children.

  It’s also a good idea to have multiple Circle of Safety members in case your primary contact cannot be reached. The KATANA Safety system does require you to have at least one contact in your Circle of Safety to complete the setup, but you can include up to seven individuals as you see fit.

  Remember that your KATANA Circle of Safety members should be people who will be notified in case you are involved in an emergency situation that requires fire, medical or police services. By choosing trustworthy individuals who can assist you in these situations, you can enhance your safety and have peace of mind knowing that you have a support network in place.

• What is the "Walk with Me®" feature?

  Are you ever worried about walking alone at night or through a deserted parking garage? We understand that these situations can be uncomfortable and even scary. That’s why we created our Walk with Me® feature.

  Walk with Me® is an in-app alert that provides a reliable way to seek help whenever you feel unsafe. Unlike calling a friend who may not be available or know how to respond if the situation escalates, Walk with Me® is always available to you.

  With Walk with Me®, you can easily contact our 24/7 Response Center from anywhere and receive continuous support until you arrive at your destination. Our team is trained to handle any situation and is there to make you feel safer and more secure.

  It’s important to note that while 911 is only for true emergencies, the Walk with Me® feature can be used anytime you feel unsafe. In the event of an emergency, our Response Center can dispatch the nearest emergency services to your location, making it an even more valuable tool for your safety.

  At KATANA Safety, your safety is our top priority. We believe that everyone should feel comfortable and secure when they are out and about. Use Walk with Me® for added peace of mind and always know that someone is there for you.

• How loud is the KATANA Safety siren?

  The audible siren on the KATANA Safety Device emits a loud alarm at approximately 65 dbs. 

  However, our technology is paired with your smartphone, allowing us to engage your phone’s speaker, amplifying the alert up to 109 dbs.

• Can I still use the Wireless Induction Charging feature on my smartphone while using KATANA Safety?

  The KATANA Safety Quick Trigger Device attaches to your case, and the case can be removed to allow for induction charging. However, the recommended practice is to keep your KATANA Device attached to your phone case at all times to ensure accessibility and convenience wherever you go.

  By keeping the KATANA Device attached to your phone case, you can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you have quick access to a potentially life-saving device in case of emergency. At the same time, you can still take advantage of the wireless charging feature on your smartphone without having to compromise on safety.

  Overall, using KATANA Safety with your smartphone is easy and convenient, and you can continue to use all of the features of your phone without any issues.

• Will KATANA Safety work for minors in the United States under 18?

  KATANA Safety is designed to work for anyone who is 13 years of age or older. 

• How will the “Silent”, “Do Not Disturb”, or “Focus” modes affect KATANA Safety?

  Your Phone allows you to use silencing or Focus settings to prevent it from interrupting your day. These settings can silence ALL calls and text messages preventing you from seeing them, including calls from KATANA Safety!

  It is imperative that you and your Circle of Safety add your KATANA Safety Contact Card as an allowed contact for calls and notifications even when these settings are being utilized.

  The KATANA Safety Device User: In settings, under “Do not Disturb” and “Focus”, add the KATANA Safety app under “Apps” and the KATANA Safety Contact Card under “People.” We also suggest adding anyone in your safety circle as preferred contacts under “People.” 

  Finally, in settings find your KATANA Safety App and make sure that you “Allow Notifications” and under “Lock Screen Appearance” set show previews to “Always.” 

  KATANA Safety Circle Members: Please make sure that you advise anyone you add to your Safety Circle to add The KATANA Safety Contact Card to their “Do Not Disturb” and “Focus” people list. This will allow them to receive emergency alerts from you, even when in “Focus” or “Do Not Disturb.”

• Why do my “Location Services” need to be shared with KATANA Safety?

  Protecting your safety is our top priority at KATANA Safety. That’s why we ask that you set your location settings to “Always Allow” for our app.

  When you trigger an alert, our Response Center needs to pinpoint your location quickly and accurately. By allowing us to access your location at all times, we can ensure that emergency services are dispatched to your exact location as soon as possible when you trigger an alert. 

  You may receive a notification on your phone asking if you want to continue allowing KATANA Safety to access your location. We understand that privacy is important, which is why we only use your location information in the event of an alert.

  Please keep in mind that changing your location settings to anything other than “Always Allow” could delay emergency services from reaching you in a timely manner. To ensure your safety, we strongly recommend that you keep your location settings set to “Always Allow” for KATANA Safety.

  Thank you for entrusting us with your safety. We will always do our best to provide you with the highest level of protection and support.

• How do I cancel an alert?

  Our goal at KATANA Safety is to provide you with the tools you need to feel safe and secure in any situation. We understand that every situation is unique, which is why we offer three easy ways to cancel an alert. Whether you prefer to use the “I’m OK” button in the app, respond via text message, or speak to our Response Center operator, we’ve got you covered.

  1. In the App, press the “I’m OK” button and enter your pin: Once an alert is triggered, simply press the “I’m OK” button at the bottom of the home screen in the KATANA Safety app and enter your pin. This will cancel the alert and return your app to ready mode. If the alert was dispatched to your circle, they will receive a text notifying them that you’ve canceled the alert.
  2. Cancel via text message: When an alert is triggered, you’ll receive a text message from our Response Center notifying you that they are calling. If you are able to respond quickly, you can cancel the alert via text message before the Response Center calls.
  3. Verbally cancel the alert during the Response Center call: When an alert is triggered, you’ll receive a call from our Response Center. If you wish to cancel, simply notify the operator and verify your KATANA pin.

  We take your safety seriously, and we want you to feel confident that you can rely on us to be there for you when you need us. If you have any questions or concerns about how to cancel an alert or any other aspect of our service, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support you in any way we can

• Do members of my KATANA Circle of Safety need to download the KATANA Safety App?

  No, your Circle of Safety does not need to be an active subscriber, have the device, or have the app in order to be part of your Circle or to receive notifications. 

• I am trying to set up the KATANA Safety App and it’s asking me for a code. Where do I locate the code?

  If you’re trying to set up the KATANA Safety App and it’s asking you for a code, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. When setting up your KATANA Safety profile, simply enter your phone number as prompted. Once you’ve saved your profile information, you’ll receive a text message (SMS) from KATANA that includes the verification code you need to finalize your setup.

  Please note that if you change your phone number in the future, you’ll need to update your profile information and re-validate your phone number to continue using the app. This helps ensure that we can contact you in case of an emergency and that your information is always up to date.

  Make sure to check your text messages for the code and enter it into the app when prompted. This code is essential for verifying your contact information and ensuring that your KATANA Safety profile is set up correctly.

  If you’re having trouble locating the code or experiencing any issues during the setup process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team for assistance. We’re here to help you every step of the way and ensure that you can use KATANA Safety with confidence.

• Can my Circle of Safety speak to the KATANA Response Center?

  The KATANA Safety Response Center is designed to speak only with the account owner, who is the person who triggered the alert. This helps ensure that our team can efficiently respond to emergency situations and provide the necessary assistance to those who need it most.

  In the event that the operator is unable to reach the account owner or during an alert where emergency services are dispatched, your Circle of Safety will be notified that you triggered an alert that resulted in an emergency dispatch. This helps ensure that your Circle of Safety is aware of the emergency and can take any necessary actions to help.

• Will my Circle of Safety receive a notification every time I trigger an alert?

  If you’re wondering whether your Circle of Safety will receive a notification every time you trigger an alert, the short answer is no. Here’s what you can expect:

  First, you’ll receive a call from a KATANA Safety Response Center Operator, who will try to reach you to determine your situation and offer assistance. If you’re able to speak with the operator and are not in an emergency situation, they will help you cancel the alert and no further action will be taken.

  However, if the operator is unable to reach you after two call attempts, they will assume that you’re in an emergency and will dispatch emergency services to your location. At the same time, we will also notify your Circle of Safety via text message (SMS) informing them of the alert type that you have triggered and a link to the map of your location. This helps ensure that your Circle of Safety is aware that emergency services have been dispatched your way and can take any necessary actions to help.

  If the operator is able to reach you and you’re in an emergency situation, we will dispatch emergency services, and we will notify your Circle of Safety via text message.

• How many people can I have in my KATANA Circle of Safety?

  You can invite a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 7 Circle of Safety members. 

• Is the KATANA Safety Response Center ever closed?

  No, they are available 24/7/365.

• I didn’t purchase KATANA Safety but am a Circle Member. Can I opt out of text messages from KATANA Safety?

  Never opt out of text messages from KATANA Safety. This is primarily how you will receive alert notifications for the person whose Circle of Safety you are a member of. 

• What do KATANA Safety alerts look like for my Circle of Safety?

  1. Alerts will come to you via text message.
  2. Clicking on the “Tap to load preview” link will reveal a map of the KATANA Safety user’s location.
  3. Show your availability to assist by choosing: “I can help” or “I cannot help.”
  4. You can see who else has been notified and whether or not they can help.
  5. Your phone will ring and prompt you to stay on the phone to be joined in a conference call with other Circle members so that together, you can coordinate the next steps.

• How do I reset my password for the KATANA Safety App?

  If you need to reset your password for the KATANA Safety App, follow these simple steps:

  First, log out of your account to access the login screen. Then, select “I’m already a user” and enter the email address associated with your KATANA Safety account. After that, click on the “Forgot Password” option and you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to reset your password.

  If you don’t see the password reset email in your inbox within a few minutes, be sure to check your spam folder. Once you locate the email, follow the instructions to reset your password and log back into your account.