Smart speakers like Amazon Alexa and Google Nest Hub offer features that can enhance safety and independence for vulnerable individuals and provide peace of mind for their caretakers. But can you actually call 911 from Alexa? The answer is: it’s complicated. Let’s explore how these devices can be used for emergency situations and other safety features they offer.
An Alexa on a nightstand.
Alexa and Emergency Assistance
While Alexa can’t directly dial 911, it offers a valuable alternative: Alexa Emergency Assist. This subscription service (currently $5.99/month for Prime members) connects you to an Urgent Response agent who can dispatch emergency services (police, fire, or ambulance) to your location.
How Alexa Emergency Assist Works:
- Voice Activation: Say “Alexa, call for help.”
- Agent Connection: Alexa connects you to a trained Urgent Response agent.
- Information Relay: The agent can provide first responders with crucial information, such as your address, gate codes, medical conditions, and presence of pets, which you pre-configure in the Alexa app. They can even identify the specific room the call originated from.
Product image of Alexa Emergency Assist
Other Alexa Safety Features
Beyond emergency assistance, Alexa offers other helpful safety features:
Drop-In Feature:
This free feature allows you to use your Alexa devices as a two-way intercom system. “Alexa, drop in everywhere” connects all speakers in your house, or you can drop in on specific rooms if you’ve assigned names and locations in the app (e.g., “Alexa, drop in on Mom’s room”). This allows for quick check-ins and calls for help without requiring the other person to answer.
Product image of Amazon’s Echo Pop
Announcements:
Broadcast a message to all Alexa devices in your home with commands like “Alexa, announce ‘Dinner is ready!'”
Calls and Messages:
While not for 911, Alexa can call contacts, dial numbers digit by digit, or even make group calls to pre-defined groups in your contact list.
Google Nest and Emergency Calling
Google Nest’s approach to emergency calling differs from Alexa’s. A Nest Aware subscription enables 911 calling, but only through the Google Home app on your phone. Saying “Hey Google, call 911” won’t work directly from the speaker.
A person holding a smart phone on a yellow and white background.
Other Google Nest Safety Features:
Sound Detection: Nest Hub and cameras can detect smoke/CO alarms and breaking glass, sending you an app notification with a one-tap 911 call button.
Broadcast: Similar to Alexa’s Announcements, broadcast messages to all connected Google devices or to specific rooms.
Calls and Messages: Make audio and video calls to contacts in your Google account, but not directly to 911.
Product image of Google’s Nest Hub
Which Smart Assistant is Best for Safety?
For voice-activated emergency assistance, Alexa with Emergency Assist is the clear winner. However, both Alexa and Google Nest offer valuable safety features and integrate with other smart home devices like security systems and smart locks to provide a comprehensive safety net. Choose the system that best suits your specific needs and preferences.
