Stay safe with a panic or personal alarm

Panic Alarms or Personal Alarms

Many people in the UK fear becoming the target of mugging, assault or abuse when they are out at night in particular, and the fear can rise as the person gets older.

Almost a third of all over 50’s have such a fear that they do not go out at night and this figure rises to almost 50% in the over 70’s age bracket. Many people are now carrying ‘panic’ or personal safety alarms when they are out, they can be useful during the day or night and can give that little extra peace of mind if you are nervous about being out at any time of day. Some people may feel unsafe at home so there are different kinds of alarms that can be of use to them.

What is a panic alarm?

A panic alarm is an electronic device that can be portable or fixed in the home. They can be triggered by the press of a button, when someone fears for their safety, in various situations. Depending on the type of alarm, a loud siren or tone will be emitted or a signal will be sent remotely to a monitoring or central control centre.

Who are they suitable for?

Panic alarms are suitable for many people, especially those who fear being attacked and want something to use in self-defence. For example, people who have to work on their own, travel on public transport, have to walk in the dark to get home or have to take money to the bank regularly may like to consider carrying a personal panic alarm.

For people who fear for their safety in the home, there are different types of alarm that would be more suitable.

Types of panic alarm and uses

There are various designs of affordable, portable panic alarms available. They can be battery operated or work by using an ‘aerosol’ or gas canister. Electronic alarms have the benefit of being small and easy to carry about and some can be clipped to a belt or door handle. There are even wrist watch ‘style’ personal attack alarms available that can be worn discreetly.

Gas alarms have similar benefits and are a good option if you don’t want to have to remember to change batteries. Before you choose, make sure you are happy with how it operates, e.g. is it a push button, do you need to pull a pin out, can you throw it down to set it off etc. Make sure that it is really loud – the idea is to deter an attacker and give you time to escape because you can’t rely on people helping you or calling the police, especially in isolated areas.

For people who have concerns for their safety at home, a panic alarm can be physically installed in the property. Some can be operated by a panic code or button on a control pad; others can be set by remote control.

Some just set an alarm off that alerts neighbours or passers by, but the most effective ones are linked to a control centre that monitors the alarm. Operators can rapidly assess the situation and send appropriate help out. You would have to pay to have this type of system installed as well as a monthly service fee.