Where to get a panic alarm?

melancholly

After a horrible incident last week (sorry, don't want to give details - every time i re-tell it i get upset!), i've realised that i can't go everywhere with someone with me indefinitely, and so having a panic alarm would make me feel safer.

I'm not really sure where to get one! And if I get one from a random website, how do I know it's any good??! And i don't even know what to look for really.... something that will be very loud i guess.

Any advice or recommendations welcome - i haven't looked much further than argos right now, so i'd appreciate all comments! thank you!

[Deleted User]

I bought my OH one from Tesco, it was very cheap and excruciatingly loud. The only 'added extra' you could look for would be an LED torch/alarm combo

I think it was a yale one

melancholly

so how do you know that the batteries still work? do you have to periodicaly try it?! can't see the alarm on the tesco direct websire but i'll have a look in one of the tesco extra stores later today.

thank you!

paddy's_mum

Why not speak to the Crime Prevention Officer of your local Police. No doubt they are familiar with everything that is available to the public and should be up on the laws about such things, as an added extra. As an mse bonus, their advice is free, for the cost of a phone call.

Sorry you've had such an upset - sometimes, ain't life a beach?!

leanneq

I would contact your local police station. They might give you one for free if the incident relates to a crime???

[Deleted User]

Well.. she refused to use it and has kept it in a draw. Considering the alarm draws no power when its inactive, i would never bother checking the battery.

btw, it was only a few pounds and it's not on their site. i'm going to tesco later so i'll walk past the right aisle and have a look

ailuro2

Please consider going to self defence classes in your area- that way you will feel able to do something next time you feel threatened by anyone.

Things like carrying your keys sticking out between your fingers (to swipe across an attackers eyes) and walking with an air of knowing what is going on around you will help prevent more things happening than having a panic alarm in your pocket.I feel that when a panic alram goes off, the mugger/whoever might run off, but they know aswell as we do that many of the general public will sit watching TV and assume it's a neighbours car alarm going off, so while you should still have one if you think it will help, it should not be the only tool at your disposal.

ps I recently started a martial art that makes good use of pressure points, which means you can seriously hurt someone twice your size with just one hand or foot free.

I hope you find help soon, and someone to talk through whatever happened- it is painful but talking will help to put it into context and find a way to reduce your fear. don't let it beat you!

anguk

I bought one from Boots a few years back for my daughter when she started to go to and from school by herself, I think it was in a Christmas gift pack. I've had a look on the Boots website and they don't have one the same but they do have this one:
http://www.boots.com/shop/product_details.jsp?productid=1085212&classificationid=1049981

If you do a search on Amazon for panic alarms they have quite a few.

vyvyan_2

Try here:

http://www.trulysafe.co.uk/

pinkshoes

Our local police station sell them for £1.99! Just give your local police a ring and they'll point you in the right direction.

For the shop bought ones, check they're over 120dB loud!

wolfehouse

i saw them in the pound shop the other day.

as an aside i accidently pulled the pin on mine when i was fumbling in my purse for my mobile and i couldn't turn it off. i ended up sitting on it in the car all the way back to work where we smashed it with a hammer to take out the battery. not a single passerby commented.

i second the idea of self-defence courses. its not that you would learn to do martial arts, more that you would be more aware of what's around you and what your options might be (for escape for instance)