Attach these personal alarms to your purse or backpack for easy-access in case of emergency
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It’s no secret the people feel more safe walking alone when they have a safety device with them. However, safety devices can vary in the level of skill it takes to operate them, and in the amount of danger they can pose in and of themselves if used improperly (like pepper spray). A personal alarm is always safe to use and simple enough for adults and children alike.
How Do Personal Emergency Alarms Work?
The best personal alarms look like keychains, but they are capable of producing a high-decibel emergency noise at the touch of a button. Usually reaching over 130 decibels, this noise is emitted to draw attention to yourself in an emergency. While yelling for help is always a good idea, a personal alarm reaches a volume – and a range – that you simply cannot on your own.
Personal alarms can be used by anyone. They are especially useful for women who find themselves fearing an attacker because the noise can disorient potential attackers while also causing them to fear that attention will be drawn to them. Parents may also encourage their children to carry personal alarms for the same reason.
However, personal alarms aren’t only for those types of threatening situations. They are also very useful for the elderly and those who struggle with health conditions. If you’ve fallen or suddenly think that you need medical attention, you can press your alarm and those around you will become aware of your distress.
When shopping for the best personal alarms, consider how easy the alarm is to use along with the extent of its safety functions. Some personal alarms offer more than just the alarm sound – they also emit disorienting lights.
No matter which personal alarm you select, remember that the best way it can protect you is by actually having it on your person at all times.
1. Original Defense Self Defense Siren
This personal alarm has everything you need to frighten a potential attacker: high-intensity LED lights, an extremely loud alarm that reaches up to 1000 feet away, 365-day battery life, and military-grade weatherproof durability.
Plus, it’s super easy to use. The top of the device has a circular loop. If you are in danger, pull the loop. This activates the emergency alarm. In order to silence the alarm when you’re no longer at risk, you’ll re-insert the pin from the loop back into the body of the device.
Buy Original Defense Self Defense Siren $19.99
2. Safe Sound Personal Alarm
These personal alarms are the best personal alarms for children. They look like discreet, kitten baubles that would not be out of place on a backpack or even a jacket zipper.
It’s an especially good personal alarm for kids because it won’t accidentally become activated by the normal jostling of children’s activities. To activate the alarm, your child will use the attached hand strap to pull out the pin that activates the ear-piercing alarm. To silence it, re-insert the pin. We also love this personal alarm because it has LED lights that can be activated independently from the alarm function – like a regular flashlight.
Buy Safe Sound Personal Alarm $17.99
3. KOSIN Safe Sound Personal Alarm
If you’re shopping for the whole family, look no further than this excellent value bundle pack. This bundle includes six personal alarms, each in a different color. They are compact and powerful – emitting 140 decibels of sound when activated. The alarm is activated by the push of a button, making it a perfect option for children or elderly relatives. The battery life lasts 365 days, which gives you peace of mind that your safety device will last.
Buy KOSIN Safe Sound Personal Alarm $17.99
4. Ookla Personal Alarms for Women
This self-defense personal alarm is designed specifically for warding off potential attackers. Not only does it have the standard 130-decibel siren sound that you can activate when danger nears, it also has an emergency light and an aluminum pen-shaped self-defense pick.
The pick measures 14 centimeters and can be used as a way to defend yourself if your attacker gets within your personal space.
FAQs
Fortunately, there still are still ways to better protect yourself without confronting an attacker directly. Do personal alarms work? The answer is that personal defense alarms can give you an extra layer of safety in warding off attackers and summoning help when you need it.
What should a personal safety alarm be used for? ›
The personal alarm can be carried in a purse, pocket, or attached to a belt. It can be used in an emergency situation to call for help, draw attention to an unsafe situation, or to scare off an attacker.
What is personal emergency alarm? ›
A personal alarm is a small device that helps you monitor and communicate with a person who may require attention in times of need. Also known as life alarms, when these small devices are triggered they send an emergency alert to pre-set mobile phone numbers or a 24-hour monitoring service.
Which is better Birdie or hootie? ›
The Hootie is the closest design you're going to get to the Birdie without getting the Birdie. It features a pin that pulls out of the top that activates a siren and a strobe. While it's comparably priced, the Hootie does not come with a carabiner.
What is the strongest alarm? ›
Sonic Bomb is the best alarm clock for heavy sleepers. Not only is it particularly loud–it also vibrates. Even the deepest of sleepers will have trouble sleeping through this alarm.
Will a personal alarm scare a bear away? ›
However, a noise deterrent like a personal siren can successfully move a bear off when combined with human dominance techniques. “We know that things like air horns, whistles, and even clapping our hands really loud can distract an animal enough to make it leave.
Does birdie actually work? ›
This item will definitely cause an alarm and alert. Loud siren and bright strobe light, once the plug is pulled off. Easy to pull the pin and sound of the Birdie is loud enough to signal for help. The flashing light is a nice bonus.
Do I need a personal alarm? ›
Using a personal alarm can provide several benefits, including: Deterrence: The loud noise produced by a personal alarm can help deter attackers and alert bystanders to your situation. Peace of mind: Having a personal alarm with you can give you a sense of security and peace of mind, especially when traveling alone.
Can personal alarms go on airplanes? ›
They're TSA-approved and can be brought into event spaces where other safety devices, such as pepper spray, are not allowed. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, you can call for help by activating your personal alarm to alert those around you.
Where do you put a personal alarm? ›
The key to where you keep your personal alarm is that it should be easy to get to. There's no point having it buried in your rucksack or floating around in the bottom of a full handbag. You might need to get to it quickly. So it needs to be close to hand.
Some organisations and charities provide free personal alarms to people who need them. However, these options are often limited and may only be available to specific groups, such as older people or people with disabilities.
How loud is a personal alarm? ›
In our research, we've found that most personal attack alarms are around 130 decibels. That's painfully loud for most people and just a little quieter than a jet engine.
Is it better to carry pepper spray or an alarm? ›
The personal alarm is a great option if you're out in a busy area where you're sure to run into other people. However, if you are going to be in an excluded area, whether that be the forest or your favorite trail during odd hours, we would recommend bringing the pepper gel in order to keep yourself safe.
Is Birdie better than pepper spray? ›
For well under $50, the She's Birdie Personal Safety Alarm is an excellent alternative to options like mace or pepper spray and will sound a piercing alarm with a simple touch.
What is better than ADT security? ›
Vivint: Professional alternative
Vivint offers far more equipment than ADT, including an extra panic button, a smart light, a smart thermostat, and a unique Car Guard. Vivint's cameras also have a unique "smart deter" feature that sends potential porch pirates running.
Is Birdie worth it? ›
She's Birdie's personal safety alarm offers extra assurance that in the off-chance you find yourself in a situation where you need assistance, you have the tools to do so. And with more than 5,200 five-star ratings, shoppers agree that this is one essential tool for keeping yourself safe.
