Self Defense Tips - Using Personal Alarms

Personal alarms emit a shriek of up to and over 120 decibels. That's loud enough to be uncomfortable for humans after only a few seconds. Studies have shown that most victims are usually too traumatized to yell when being attacked. A personal alarm becomes your voice. There is a popular misconception about personal alarms. Their purpose is not to bring help. They are not designed to warn passers-by that you are being attacked. The purpose of the personal alarm is to disorient the attacker and give the would-be victim a chance to get away.

Personal alarms have several advantages over canisters of spray and other self-defence mechanisms. Personal alarms require no licenses or registrations with the police, and there are virtually no restrictions on their use excepting noise bylaws. Most are small enough to fit into the palm of your hand and can be taken on airplanes. The latest technology boasts a key chain version that is only 1 inch by 2 inches. There's no training involved, so anyone at any age can use a personal alarm to full advantage. Another advantage to the personal alarm that it can't be used against you if an attacker takes it away.

The idea behind the personal alarm is not to bring help. They're designed to give you time to get away, so consider what features might help provide that chance of escape. The noise the alarm makes is important. A pulsing sound is common, resembling car alarms, and may not disorient the attacker much. Also, buying a tiny device means it will be harder to locate when you need it. Size matters. Small alarms tend to produce less noise, as well, and often aren't as shrill as larger models.

Battery operated alarms are the smallest and easiest to carry, able to clip onto a keychain. Even though many models pulse, the sound is usually very loud and distinct. There is another option: Gas alarms are much shriller and can be activated just by pushing the device against your thigh. There's no need to fumble for something to press. You can check the gas alarm by shaking the canister, too.