Personal security alarms are small electronic tools used to summon help in an emergency or scare off potential attackers. This is similar to a security alarm that may be located on the wall of a home or business, except that it is not permanently attached to the wall, but may be carried with you at all times. They easily fit in your hand to signal "danger" by discharging a high-intensity ear piercing blast that can be heard up to one quarter of a mile away. Personal alarms are often used as a safety alarm, panic alarm or medical alarm. They make good sense for both children and adults.

The most common use for a personal alarm is as a crime deterrent. In times of danger, you can use it as your first line of defense against attackers. By simply triggering the alarm by either pulling the attached pin or by pushing a button you can chase a would be assailant away. Personal alarms take advantage of the fact that criminals don't want to be identified; if a loud alarm draws bystanders to you, a criminal will try to run away to maintain their anonymity.

Individual safety alarms come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, including key chains, as well as those integrated onto flashlights or self defense products and still others can be used as security alarms on the windows and doors inside your home. A good alarm will include:

*The noise expelled from a panic alarm needs to be as blaring and as disturbing as possible. 95 to 130 decibels is what you want.

*An individual alarm should be easy to carry so you can promptly get at it when needed.

*An emergency alarm needs to be easy to use so there is no bungling with the mechanism to operate it in an emergency situation.

Personal alarms are very affordable only costing a few dollars, and they can potentially save your life or that of a loved one. Carry a personal defense alarm with you wherever you go especially if you live in a large city, and/or walk alone at night in sparsely populated areas. Keeping it with you makes it possible to draw attention to yourself when in a threatening situation.

Another type of personal alarm worth mentioning is the one that works as a canine or wildlife repeller. Some personal attack alarms, such as ones made with ultrasonic sound, can be used as a repellent against threatening dogs and other wild animals. If there is a problem dog in the neighborhood bothering you simply pull out your dog alarm and sound off the siren. The high pitched shrill will send the hound away.