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Personal alarms

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Electronic personal alarms are designed to protect you from a stranger or acquaintance that poses a threat. You use a personal alarm to set off a noise that will scare your assailant and alert passing witnesses and authorities of potential danger.

Before the invention of electronic personal alarms a victim only had their voice to create enough noise to call attention to the situation. Of course, you can still scream as a method of self defense, but some critics fear that doing this can simply engage your assailant's emotions rather than frighten him or her off. Also, without proper self defense training you may freeze up in the face of danger.

Personal alarms provide the same function that air horns once did, but they are much smaller and more sophisticated electronic devices. A personal alarm has a button that can be pressed to set off a siren. It has another device called a sprint that when pulled also sets off a siren. If you are running away from your assailant, you can throw the personal alarm in one direction as it is making noise and throw the sprint in another direction to create an even louder scene to confuse your assailant.

Personal alarms are no guarantee against danger. You must also use common sense. Your personal alarm can only protect you when it is at hand and ready to use if a dangerous situation arises. However, since you don't want to live your life in constant fear, follow basic safety principles so you won't always feel the need to have your finger on the button. Remember that your chances of being attacked by someone you know are greater than being attacked by a stranger, so choose your friends carefully. Always trust your instincts and feelings if you are out with a new acquaintance.

Personal alarms usually cost between $9 and $20 and can include extras such as a small flashlight in case you need extra light to search for key or unlock a door. The most inexpensive personal alarms function solely as an air horn, emitting a large noise up to 100 or more consecutive times. They generally have a set number of uses so they are disposable and must be replaced. The more expensive personal alarms will need to have their batteries replaced. Be sure to test the alarm every few months.

Personal alarms come in many shapes and sizes so they can be easily disguised. For example, a young woman can get a personal alarm in the shape of a lipstick container. If you are shopping for a young child or teenager, there are personal alarms in a range of styles and colors that may make them more appealing to carry.

Personal alarms are primarily intended for children, teenagers, young women, seniors, and other high-risk individuals. Alarms are widely available over the Internet so it will be easy to compare prices and features. When you are shopping be sure to compare the volume, which can range from 90 decibels to 130 decibels, as well as price. In addition, make sure the personal alarm will conveniently fit into your bag, purse or pocket.

Note that many personal alarms come with 30-day trial offers, so if do not feel that you will carry the alarm with you for whatever reason, make sure to exchange it for one you will always have on-hand for pe