Alert Carolina announced Wednesday that the University of North Carolina is providing students with a new phone app that acts as a personal safety device.

According to a news release, the Rave Guardian Campus Safety App creates an online safety network that allows students to check in with family, friends, Department of Public Safety officers and other trusted resources for providing assistance on campus and around town.

The app includes a timer that alerts public safety and designated friends or family members if the timer isn’t turned off when the user arrives at an unfamiliar place.

Rave Guardian users may also contact UNC Public Safety directly if help is needed; and send text messages, including photos, to report any suspicious activity.

A personal Smart 911 safety profile on the app may include crucial medical and residential information that can be displayed to UNC Public Safety officers as well as 911 centers nationwide when a student is in need of assistance.

The app can be downloaded on both Apple and Android devices, and is provided free of charge.

You can find links to download the app here.