If you read reviews of personal attack alarms, you will find that some people say that the alarms are not loud enough. The truth is that many people misunderstand what a personal alarm is designed to do. The primary purpose of these devices is not to attract attention, but to make the attacker stop what they are doing and run away.
How Loud Are Personal Alarms?
Most personal alarms are in the region of 110dB to 140dB. To put that in perspective, a power saw is 110dB at three feet away, and a jet engine is 140dB at 100 feet away. However, sound doesn’t travel too well through solid objects. That’s why shutting your windows will partially block at the sound of traffic in the street below. This simple fact applies to alarms as well. If you set one off, it won’t seem very loud if you are in the next room. But, if you were to hold one up to your ear, you could damage your hearing.
How Do Personal Alarms Work Then?
Thieves, muggers and other types of criminals don’t want to get caught. They want to commit their crime and get away with it. If someone triggers a loud alarm when they are attacked, the perpetrator will be surprised, confused, and is likely to become concerned that they will be caught in the act. The loud siren of an alarm may attract attention. Unfortunately, though, bystanders may not always react to it. This is simply because we have all become somewhat accustomed to hearing sirens. A criminal, though, won’t want to risk getting caught. So, the sound will be enough to scare them away.
What About Other Self-Defense Products?
There are other non-lethal self-defense products that you can use. One of the most popular of these is the pepper spray. The potential problem with pepper sprays is that you can’t take them everywhere with you. They are prohibited on commercial airlines, and you are not allowed to carry a pepper spray in some public areas and buildings. If you are going on an overseas vacation, you also need to be aware that is illegal to carry pepper sprays in some countries.
In What Circumstances Will a Personal Alarm Not Work?
Personal alarms are effective in any situations where the attacker thinks that the noise may attract attention. For that reason, using one on a hiking trip into a remote region probably wouldn’t have the desired effect. Their effectiveness can also be limited by background noise. If you were at a rock concert, for example, an alarm siren probably wouldn’t be heard. In most situations, though, the fear that the alarm might bring help will be enough to deter an attacker.
What Type of Personal Alarm Is the Most Effective
You can find personal alarms on sale in stores and online. They do vary quite a lot in quality though. Some of the very cheap models may have batteries that you can’t replace, and the batteries may not last very long. It’s best to avoid the very cheap devices and go for a well-known brand, like Vigilant or Sabre. Even the best personal makes, though, will only set you back about $20.
