In this day and age, you’ll never know when you’ll need a panic alarm.  Not only are panic alarms a necessity for people who have physical limitations, they are also important self-defense and medical emergency tools for those who might require immediate assistance.

What is a panic alarm?
Panic alarms are portable electronic devices that are used to trigger an alert – either in the form of an audible alarm or as a remote alert to a monitoring station.  As their name suggests, they are used in case panic situations emerge that may threaten or endanger an individual, his home or other properties.

Types of panic alarms

Handheld types
These panic alarms are directly controlled by the user.  In many handheld models, a trigger device such as an alarm button, switch or pin built into the panic alarm unit is pushed or pulled off.  This causes the panic alarm to produce a loud alert, such as a siren or a bell.

This type of panic alarm is handy enough to be carried in a purse or used as a key chain.  They are quite useful for individuals who wish to use panic alarms as self-defense tools to prevent an attack (such as during an attempted robbery, hold-up or sexual assault) and/or to call for help.

Once triggered, this type of panic alarm will require a reset.

Receiver-Transmitter types
This type of panic alarm is an excellent choice for home use by the elderly, the sick or very young children left alone in the house.  The transmitter device is either handheld or portable (such as those worn around the neck or wrist) or fixed (such as those installed on the wall).

The transmitter device can be triggered two ways – manually or automatically through a pre-set electronic signal.  In the case of a manual panic alarm, a receiver unit detects the signal and sends out an audible alarm. This alarm is usually loud enough to be audible to people within the same house or to the neighbor next door.  An automatic signal, on the other hand, is triggered by a sensor on the transmitter.

Monitored alarms
Monitored panic alarms usually require the assistance of a third party to work.  They are usually the alarm of choice for people who require emergency medical services.  The panic button or transmitter is usually worn.  When triggered, it will send a signal wirelessly to a receiver console.  The console will then automatically call a pre-set number of a monitoring center to alert them.

From hereon, there are different scenarios that could occur, depending on the service subscribed to.  The monitoring center could:

- dial the nearest 911 center to alert them of the user’s needs and current condition
- alert an emergency medical team who can assist the user
- call an emergency number specified by the user, such as a family member, friend or medical facility

Services and features can differ, offering users enough choices to customize the options according to their needs.

dual purpose personal alarm image

Regardless of who you are, what you do and where you live, there is always a risk of running into an emergency or a dangerous situation. The worst thing that could happen should such a thing occur is when you find yourself completely unprepared to handle the situation or worse, protect yourself and call for help.  Potential emergencies such as these have prompted people to use personal panic alarms.  But what exactly are personal panic alarms and what are their benefits?

The personal panic alarm
The personal panic alarm is an electronic device that consists of a switch and a small speaker that will sound an alarm when turned on.  There are several brands of panic alarms and while they may differ in features, they all have one purpose – to sound out a loud alarm when activated.  This is to draw attention to the user, call for help in case no phone is available or if the user is incapacitated and to scare away an intruder or an attacker.

Benefits of the personal panic alarm
There are several options to choose from when purchasing a personal panic alarm.  Some are designed to be used in the home, where the elderly or physically incapacitated can make use of them, while others are handy and can be carried around.

The handy personal panic alarm is a small handheld device which comes with a switch button or pin.  In case of an emergency, the user simply has to press on the button or pull the pin to activate the alarm. How loud the alarm is will depend on its size and type.

The handy personal panic alarm is often sold by personal security retail stores online and offline.  They are battery operated and can be used readily after purchase. They are stand-alone products, in that there is no need for a third party service to activate the alarm.

There are also alarms that work as transmitters.  Another device, called the receiver, is placed within recommended range in the room, home or building.  This type of personal alarm can either be carried around or attached to the body or it can be placed in a fixed position in a designated area.

Fixed personal panic alarms usually come with a push button or a pull cord.  Portable alarms, on the other hand, sometimes come with a sensor to detect motion or pulse.  Others may even have a sensor to detect falls.  Should an accident happen, the personal alarm transmits a signal to the receiver, which then sounds out an alarm.

Personal panic alarms of these types are very useful for people who live by themselves or those who are frequently left alone in the house.  They are also beneficial for seniors and the elderly or those who have problems with mobility.  An alarm can call the attention of a neighbor or passerby or it can be used to dial a pre-set emergency number.

personal alarm with flashing light image

As people age, their needs change along with their physical capabilities.  More seniors, for example, will require monitoring than they would when they were in their 20s, 30s, 40s or 50s, even if they are in relatively good health.  If you or a member of your family is a senior, there are gadgets you can use that will help keep them safe and secure.  With an elderly personal alarm, help will be a simple automatic call away.

Elderly personal alarms: how they work
Elderly personal alarms are battery-powered alarms that may either be worn or installed in the home.  In case of an emergency, you simply push a button on the device.  This will either sound off an alert so someone nearby can come and help you or it will send out an alert to a remote location, such as a monitoring center.  The monitoring center can call an emergency number on your behalf or alert someone regarding your condition.

What you can expect
Elderly personal alarm systems are monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by a trained staff.  This will ensure that you get help whenever you need it, day or night.  Many services have national coverage, which means you can use the device wherever you are at the moment.

An important thing to remember: always make sure that your personal alarm is loaded with fresh batteries.  This will ensure that you get the help you need when you need it.  Consider professional maintenance as well so any defects or malfunctions are corrected immediately.

What to look for
Consider your needs above all when buying an elderly personal alarm.  Today, you have an excellent array of choices in terms of options on top of the basic features you’ll get upon purchase. Other than a medical alert, the system might also include physical signs monitoring or ambient room temperature monitoring, a very useful feature for bedridden individuals.  Purchase the services that are most important for you and don’t spend money on services you won’t need.

There are also elderly personal alarms that double as security systems.  Some features, for example, offer to monitor intruder alerts, something that can help secure your premises.  There are also others that automatically contact the police in case you find yourself in an emergency or duress situation.

When deciding on an elderly personal alarm, always look for a reliable product and service to back it up.  Remember that it could be your life and health on the line.  A low quality product and an unreliable service could endanger you or your loved one.  Have a representative demonstrate how the service works and check the time it would take for the monitoring center to act after you initially press the emergency button.  Look for an uncomplicated procedure.  The easier it is to use the alarm, the less time you waste.  Check the warranty period as well.

door knob alarm image