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Personal Alarm Information

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Personal alarms emit loud, siren-like sound when activated. They are small and can easily be held in the hand or clipped onto a purse or belt. Some have built-in flashing lights to attract further attention, and can be used as flashlights for nighttime safety. Some models are also equipped with straps or switches that allow you to attach them to doors or windows. They are typically activated by either pushing a button or pulling a cord out of the unit.

Personal alarms are great protection devices. They shock the assailant and give you time to get away. They cannot be used against you, and they are sending a clear message to your attacker that you are prepared. Attackers expect a passive victim; The shock effect can discourage a potential assailant and end any confrontation before it begins.

Personal alarms can be the solution for people who face risks, such as people who are often alone, who walk in the dark, or live in areas with high crime rate. It is important to know that personal alarms are designed for causing shock and not for summoning help. Although the noise could attract help, you should not count on that help.

Alarms are rated in decibels. The decibel scale is a logarithmic scale based on multiples of 10. 0 Db is near total silence. 10 db is 10 times louder that 0 dB. 20 dB is 10 x 10 times louder than 0 dB. Most alarms are in the 95-130 dB range. The sound in the 110 to 130 decibel range is about the maximum noise human ear can take without being damaged. Any exposure to 140 dB causes immediate damage.

When buying an alarm, choose one that is loud enough to shock and robust enough to keep working if dropped on the ground. Make sure that you can easily operate the activating switch with one hand. Test the alarm regularly, and always carry it with you. Activate it if you encounter trouble. For more protection power, carry some other self defense device like pepper spray, along with your personal alarm.

Decibel Comparison Chart

Threshold of Hearing	0dB
Whisper	20dB
Normal conversation (3-5')	60-70dB
Telephone dial tone	80dB
City Traffic (inside car)	85dB
Train whistle at 500', Truck Traffic	90dB
Subway train at 200'	95dB
Level at which sustained exposure may result in hearing loss	90 - 95dB
Power mower at 3'	107dB
Snowmobile, Motorcycle	100dB
Power saw at 3'	110dB
Sandblasting, Loud Rock Concert	115dB
Threshold of Pain	125dB
Pneumatic riveter at 4'	125dB
Even short term exposure can cause permanent damage - Loudest recommended exposure WITH hearing protection	140dB
Jet engine at 100', Gun Blast	140dB
Instant Perforation of Eardrum	160dB

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