There are many different types of personal alarms on the market right now that choosing the right one for you can be a difficult decision. Here are a few tips on how to make the right choice.
How would a personal alarm help me?
If you are out and about on your own and are suddenly attacked, a personal safety alarm will shock and disorientate your attacker giving you the opportunity to get away. What it will not necessarily do is attract help. Most personal alarms can only be heard within a distance of 70m and even if someone is in earshot they might not necessarily realise you are in trouble. Personal alarms often sound like a car alarm and we all know how often they are usually ignored.
What features should I look for in a personal alarm?
You should first look for personal alarms that emit a continuous sound over 130 decibels. If it is going to stun your attacker enough to loosen their grip on you, the sound needs to be as loud and ear-piercing as possible and it also needs to sound different to a car alarm.
You should also look for an alarm that is easy to carry but if it is too small it may not be as loud as you need it to be or may get lost in the bottom of your bag. Ones that come as a wristband or on a neck strap are a great choice.
You also need to think about how easy it is to operate in an emergency. On some personal alarms you need to push a button, on others you need to pull out a pin. It can't be too fiddly and you shouldn't need too hands. An ideal alarm is one that can be operated by simply pushing it against something else without even using your hands.
Avoid having to use your personal safety alarm
Remember that you shouldn't rely on your personal alarm only to keep you safe. You should always be aware of your surroundings when out alone, especially at night and stick to well-lit routes that you know well. It is not advisable to listen to music with headphones as it can distract you and stop you noticing what is going on around you. You should also let friends or family know where you are going and what time you will be home, so they know when to expect you and worry if you don't arrive.
In the event that you are attacked, you should scream too, to attract the attention of passers by. If you are able to shout something specific such as 'call the police!' you are more likely to get help as it makes it clearer that you are in real danger. Then, run to the nearest crowded area, shop or cafe to get away from your attacker.
For a range of personal safety alarms for adults and children please visit D2D.
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