!44: Personal Safety Alarms - Portable Types and Their Main Uses

!±8± Personal Safety Alarms - Portable Types and Their Main Uses

Thanks to modern electronics and science, many kinds of battery-operated personal alarms are available today for just about anyone. These alarms are particularly useful for seniors, children, teenagers, women, night-shift workers, tired drivers, delivery people, joggers, walkers, people living alone, and the handicapped. This article points out the working mechanisms of several types.

Security-minded people who want to eliminate their random physical vulnerabilities are well-suited for personal alarms. From the elderly to little kids, or from individuals in public places to those walking in the countryside, these alarms serve helpful security purposes. Even the police officers have alarms that will send signals to their dispatchers if they should stumble and fall down, or end up on the ground for other reasons. Additionally, travelers or vacationers might want to carry the barking-dog warning alarms for their motel rooms, cabins, or tents. Several alarm types are listed below.

Medical alarm (wired or wireless signal).

These emergency alarms are for the aging but active seniors with health problems. The alarm itself generally is worn on the senior's wrist, or it is hung conveniently on a nearby wall. By pushing its button, a wireless signal is sent to a main desk or nearby wall module, where a clerk or nurse will reply via an intercom or telephone system. Someone is then sent to the room where the signal came from. This alarm works similarly to the wired ones in hospital rooms. Unless connected through a telephone system, its distance range is relatively short.

Transmitter-receiver (automatic signal for wandering small kids).

This small alarm comprises a separate transmitter and receiver used by parents and kids in public places, like, in department stores or shopping malls. The child wears the transmitter. The parent wears the receiver. If a child wanders beyond a preset distance of 10-to-30-feet from the parent, a signal is sent to the receiver, which, in turn, makes a warning noise. The parent then finds the child, and gives him or her a second more personal warning to stay close to the parent.

Loud noise maker (screech, whistle, siren).

These alarms vary in size, but generally are fairly small. But, they all make loud 90-130-decibel sounds to startle or scare off an attacker, or to attract attention and help. Some are push-button operated, but will turn-off when the button is no longer pressed. Thus, several of these alarms will have a second button or removable pin, which allows them to continue making sound if dropped or knocked out of the holder's hands. This kind of alarm as with other types below can be carried in a pocket or purse, or be worn on a key-chain. Children can wear them around their necks.

Strobe light (bright flashes).

These small to medium sized alarms give off a bright flashing light that can be seen from relative long distances. These devices are also switch, push-button, or pull-pin operated. They are particularly useful at night, or in locations where it is difficult to locate an echoing sound signal. Larger models can be worn on a belt while jogging or walking, or they can be used as a roadside warning for stopped cars. These larger strobe lights can be seen from two or more miles out.

Combination (noise, light, and more).

These alarms are combinations of the above two, and is some instances, will also have a flashlight built into them. They might further be combined with gaseous defense products, like mace or pepper spray. These combination-types can be popular among consumers because they give more than one warning variable, and often will have a repelling or defense mechanism built into them as well.

Miscellaneous (situational).

Barking dog. This medium-sized alarm with a quality speaker is handy for warding off strangers, sales people, canvassers, loiterers, or wild animals from homes or outdoor sleeping areas. It works great both for families or people living alone. Over the ear. This no-nap one is for vehicle drivers who might get drowsy, e.g., truck drivers or equipment operators. When their heads begins to nod, it gives buzzes or similar signals to awaken them immediately. Door or doorknob. This one guards the entrances, patio doors, or accessible windows to hotel or motel rooms. It works well for travelers.
Air horns (non-electronic)

These small air-pressure-packed canister alarms are for warding off dogs or anything else that will not like loud noise. Manually actuated, these horns are very loud and can damage human eardrums. Walkers, joggers, and bicyclists might carry these.

In summary, two important issues for choosing a personal alarm are 1) its ease of use and 2) its potential effectiveness. A good alarm is one that can be actuated instantly, and will more-than-likely work successfully in most individual situations.