Personal alarms are small defensive tools that make good sense for both children and adults. These alarms come in many shapes, including keychains, as well as those integrated onto flashlights or other self defense products. They are useful for scaring away attackers, bringing attention to your situation, and buying you time so that you can use other self defense methods.

Personal alarms have a small switch that, when flipped, emits a loud noise. 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. It has been shown that such alarms deter attacks even if no one is nearby, because the attacker is worried about being caught mid-attack. Many personal alarms have a strap that can be pulled away if an attacker grabs the alarm away from you. Once the pin is pulled, the alarm will go off continuously until the pin is replaced. These alarms are very loud, and will confuse your attacker besides making them want to leave the location of the noise.

These alarms are often the best self defense weapon for children, especially younger ones. You may not want them carrying around even non-lethal weapons like a pepper spray, a stun gun, or another weapon, but all they have to do with a personal alarm is press the button. This is an excellent way to keep your children safe without worrying about them hurting themselves with their own self defense weapon. In these cases, a personal safety device can be a great way to help your kids protect themselves whether they are at home, out shopping, or anywhere else.

Personal alarms are also a great choice for many adults, either in addition to or as a replacement for other methods of deterring attackers. They are so easy to use that there is no worry of panicking during an attack. You will be able to react much quicker with a personal alarm than with an unfamiliar self defense device. A loud alarm can give you the time you need to grab your pepper spray or stun gun, and also makes a sensible choice if you do not want to carry such a weapon with you. Many are multi-purpose devices combining an alarm with a flashlight, stun gun, or other device, which comes in handy in the case of an attack.

Many personal alarms come with door or window attachments. As long as the door or window remains closed, the circuit is complete and the alarm will not sound. As soon as it is opened, the alarm will go off, stopping a home invasion or other burglary. Personal alarms are relatively inexpensive, so they can be placed around the home. They can also be kept in desk drawers and other locations within offices or other businesses. Any criminal trying to attack you or the building you are in will be deterred by the loud noise, even if no one is around, because it draws attention to what they are trying to do.