Guide to Buying Personal Response Alarms

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Last Updated on 8 January 2024

Let’s face it, the world can feel like a scary place sometimes. It can be difficult knowing that you won’t always be around to protect your children or loved ones. Personal safety and well-being is always a legitimate concern — not only for parents and children, but for everyone. 

That’s why personal response alarms are growing so popular. Not only do they provide an extra layer of security, but some much-needed peace of mind. Whether you’re a teenage girl walking home alone from a friend’s, an elderly man living alone, a child playing at the park or a woman lost in a strange part of town, help is available with a single press of a button.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of personal response alarm systems, explaining exactly how they work and why they’re so important to have. We’ve also included a checklist to help you select the best personal response alarm for your needs.

Why Invest in a Personal Response Alarm?

Nothing is more important than personal safety and well-being — for both you and your loved ones. Personal response alarms promote safety by connecting you to emergency help at the push of a button. But how does this differ from a home security alarm, or even dialing 911?

Unlike most home alarms, police response is the top priority — making sure the best help can arrive as quickly as possible. Personal response alarms are there to provide immediate action, contrasting with home alarm systems, which take you through the process of detection, evaluation and then response.

If you find yourself in an emergency situation, there is no quicker ‘next step’ than your personal response alarm. 

So, why not just call the police when you’re in an emergency? Depending on the type of emergency it is, you may not have the freedom or ability to take out your phone, dial 911 and speak with a dispatcher. While it’s not fun to plan for frightening circumstances such as abductions or debilitating accidents, it’s best to be prepared in case the unthinkable happens.

How This Technology Works

Personal response alarms are designed to be portable and discrete. Many of them are made to be worn — either around the wrist or on a pendant around the neck. Swann’s ActiveResponse Personal Safety Alarm can be attached to a pendant or clipped onto purses, backpacks or other accessories. 

When the device’s emergency button is pressed, the user is connected to an operator who then contacts the appropriate emergency services. This creates a remarkably easy, reliable way to get help.
The ActiveResponse system takes your call for help to the next level, with the ability to send your exact GPS location to your emergency contact(s) via SMS alerts. This product also contains a 110 decibel siren that can be activated to scare unwanted activity or alert passersby that you need help.

What to Look For When Shopping

Before buying a personal alert system, you’ll want to carefully consider some important features. Make sure your device is made by a reliable brand, with a good design and build quality. That way, you can rest easy knowing your safety device will work for you when you need it most. 

Just as important: helpful monitoring professionals, there to promptly answer your call when you press the emergency button. You’ll also benefit from a long battery life, allowing your response alarm to keep working for long periods between battery changes.

GPS information is always useful, especially in situations where you need somebody to find your location. Alarms and sirens can also add another layer of protection to your device, helping to draw attention to yourself in unfavorable situations.

For a full list of considerations for personal response alarms, check out this list we’ve put together:

Checklist for Choosing the Best Personal Response Alarm

  • Reliable design and build quality
  • Quick responses from monitoring personnel
  • Sufficient battery life and low battery alerts
  • GPS location information/alerts
  • Alarms or sirens
  • Clear understanding of monthly or yearly fees

Take Action Today!

Investing in a high-quality personal response alarm can bring you invaluable peace of mind, as well as tangible safety benefits for you and your loved ones. Make sure your device has everything you need for the ultimate personal protection, helping to keep you and your family safe for years to come.
Ready to start protecting yourself and your loved ones? Check out Swann’s ActiveResponse Personal Safety Alarm today.