| What is a personal alarm? | | | | pepper spray, or stun gun as their second. The |
| A personal alarm is a self defense device, that when | | | | combination of both really strengthens your self |
| activated, emits a extremely loud, high pitched, ear | | | | defense plan. |
| piercing alert. | | | | What other uses do personal alarms have? |
| Are all personal alarms the same? | | | | Personal Alarms are perfect devices for seniors and |
| No, most alarms are electronic and operate on | | | | the disabled. Attaching one to a wheelchair for |
| batteries. Many have flashlights or strobe lights and | | | | instance could only increase their odds of being heard |
| some double as a travel alarm protecting doors of | | | | in an emergency. Individuals who are uncomfortable |
| hotel rooms and motor homes. They are activated | | | | using a defense spray or stun gun will also find value |
| by pushing a button or removing a pin from the | | | | in personal alarms. During an catastrophic event such |
| device and will continue to operate until the pin is | | | | as an earthquake ; hurricane ; or avalanche, a |
| re-inserted. The other type are small canisters, | | | | personal alarm may prove invaluable. As mentioned |
| pressurized with an inert gas. When the button is | | | | above, they may also double as a travel alarm, used |
| depressed, gas escapes through the nozzle which | | | | on doors. College students also, will find value in |
| causes a shrieking blast. This type will only continue | | | | personal alarms by protecting their dorms while they |
| to operate as long as the button is being depressed | | | | sleep ; and protecting themselves at other times. |
| and there is pressurized gas remaining in the canister. | | | | How loud are personal alarms? |
| How can a personal alarm help me? | | | | Most personal alarms operate at an impressive 120 to |
| The theory is that an attacker is looking for an ' | | | | 135 decibels. The list below can give you an idea how |
| easy mark ' that will be submissive to their advances. | | | | loud that is :weakest sound heard 0 dBnormal |
| If confronted with this sonic blast, they will become | | | | conversation at 3-5 ft 60-70 dBcity traffic inside car |
| startled and disoriented. They will also become | | | | 85 dBtrain whistle at 500 ft. 90 dBsubway train at |
| concerned about the attention they will soon be | | | | 200 ft. 95 dBregular sustained exposure may cause |
| receiving and break off the attack. | | | | permanent damage 90-95 dBpower mower 107 |
| How effective are personal alarms? | | | | dBpower saw 110 dB |
| For the most part, personal alarms are very | | | | Pain begins 125 dBair powered riveter at 4 ft. 125 |
| effective, but they are not without disadvantages. | | | | dBjet engine at 100 ft. 140 dBloudest sound that can |
| They are a passive device in that they don't actually | | | | happen 194 dB |
| disable the assailant. Also, the attacker may go after | | | | Are personal alarms heavy and bulky? |
| the alarm, in an attempt silence it and possibly injure | | | | No, on the contrary, in recent years, as technology |
| the victim. If obtained, the device could also be | | | | has improved, the weight and size of these units |
| disabled. Remember, for the alarm to work, it must | | | | have decreased, while observing an increase in |
| have fresh batteries and be close at hand! | | | | performance while maintaining a respectable price. |
| With these disadvantages, are personal alarms | | | | Many alarms are small enough to be used as key |
| worthwhile ? | | | | chains. Some use a wrist strap connected to the |
| Without a doubt. If you use it and the attacker | | | | activation pin. Others have a clip for your belt and |
| retreats, then the alarm has done it's job. Many | | | | some are even shaped like a pen and clip to your |
| people opt for passive personal alarms as their first | | | | shirt pocket. |
| line of defense, while maintaining a more controlling | | | | |