6 Personal Safety Devices and Apps for Adults in Emergency

Table of contents:

• What is a Personal Alarm Device/App?
• 6 Personal Safety Devices and Apps for Adults
• AllsWell App as a Personal Alert Safety System

When it comes to safety, you may not have a second try. An unexpected attack, burglary, or theft requires immediate actions. You need reliable personal protection devices or apps to fight off or dial 911 with a click. It saves lives in critical situations.

Therefore, the choice of safety and security devices is a responsible step. You need to pick the right type of personal safety devices, consider functionality, ease of use, and other factors. There are dozens of options, from a stun gun to a panic button mobile app.

This article covers the most commonly used personal safety devices. Learn why you should use them and when you might need to ask for help.

What is a Personal Alarm Device/App?

A personal alarm is a small device that enables users to ask for help through a direct signal (e.g., loud noise) or real-time alerts.

Using a device with a direct signal, the person needs to click a button for activation. The idea is that loud noise can scare the offender and attract the attention of passers-by or policy. Safe personal alarm devices with emergency alerts allow users to notify emergency contacts or services via alerts. When the holder clicks the panic button or remains inactive for too long, the selected people receive the alert.

Apart from personal security devices, many vendors offer the best personal safety alarm apps. After downloading an app to your phone, you get a bunch of safety features, including the panic button, inactivity monitoring, real-time communications, etc. Applications are more cost-effective and convenient than personal safety devices.

Why Personal Protection Devices and Apps For Adults

We are used to thinking that safety devices are designed for seniors or children commuting to school on their own. In reality, anyone can benefit from them.

Especially adults who nowadays, live and travel solo more and more often. Many bad things can happen, and they will have to seek help. In the US, every 36.9 seconds one person is assaulted. Every 4.8 seconds someone becomes a theft victim. Every 18 seconds one home is burglarized.

Personal security devices provide a quick way to alert emergency contacts in such situations. It increases your chances to get help within the shortest time. A loud sound, an alert sent to several people, a call to 911 can save you.

6 Personal Safety Devices and Apps for Adults

Before choosing a safe personal alarm device or app, mind the most common risks. If you live in a crime-ridden neighborhood, prefer safety devices that allow dialing emergency services. If you have health issues, inactivity monitoring may be the most critical feature, and so on.

Below, we list the most popular personal safety devices and apps to guide you.

#1. Pepper Spray

Let's start with the classic of safety and security devices. Manufacturers offer multiple pepper spray designs with different safety mechanisms like flip-top and side-slide. Even though many US citizens have such devices, they admit to rarely using them. People usually buy pepper sprays and leave them somewhere in their bags. Hence, when an emergency hits, victims cannot find defense spray.

Besides, it’s not so easy to use pepper spray. You must direct it at the offender and keep the distance. Irresponsible use of paper spray may incur civil or criminal liability, for example, when you hit an innocent victim. Hence, there are many limits to be aware of when you buy pepper spray.

#2. Safe Personal Alarm Keychain 

A keychain personal protection alarm is safer and more convenient to use than pepper sprays. You only need to click the panic button to activate them. Personal panic alarms are designed to generate a high-decibel noise that warns passers-by that someone needs help. It can register up to 130 dB, which is very loud given that a train whistle is about 90 dB. Apart from attracting people around you, the personal alarm keychain can cause momentary confusion or panic of an attacker. They will either run away or at least get distracted. It gives enough opportunity to fight back, escape, or alert someone. This functionality and low price make personal alarm keychains a popular safe personal alarm device. 

#3. Tactical Pen

This self-defense device looks like a writing instrument but has practical combat-oriented features. The victim can use its extra-sharp ballpoint to stab an attacker. A blunt end allows breaking glass or other barriers. Some tactical pens also come with lasers, lights, a handcuff key, and other extra features. The main problem with tactical pens is that you need specific skills to use them right. It’s not as easy as clicking the panic button in a mobile app.

#4. Advanced Panic Button Safety Devices

Advanced devices are multifunctional. It means that in addition to the standard panic button, they also have GPS tracking and allow dialing 911. Users can report their location to get help as soon as possible. Advanced panic button safety devices are more expensive than personal alarm keychains or mobile apps. They cost up to $100 on average.

#5. Inactivity Monitoring Devices and Apps

Inactivity monitoring is a valuable feature for adults with chronic health issues. It can also benefit people living or traveling alone since they are also in a risk group. Devices and applications with inactivity monitoring prompt the user to do a specific action (e.g., interact with a smartphone) once during the set period. It may be 5 hours or several days. If the person remains inactive for too long, it’s a sign that something may be wrong. Then, the device or app will send the corresponding alert message to emergency contacts. Even though such notifications don’t ensure immediate help, they are effective when someone faints or falls, and cannot click the panic button.

#6. Emergency Alert Apps

Emergency alert apps are a substitute for panic button personal protection devices. Download an iOS or Android application to your phone to power it with a panic button. The functionality of personal alarm apps is versatile. They support GPS tracking and real-time alerts through SMS, email, or push notifications. You can choose whom to alert and what message to send.

Such applications are suitable both for personal security and health monitoring. Moreover, they are more affordable than personal security devices and handier. You don’t need to carry a separate device. Your smartphone is enough.

AllsWell App as a Personal Alert Safety System

AllsWell Alert is a personal safety & emergency alert app for people living, commuting, or traveling alone. It combines the panic button functionality with inactivity monitoring, enabling the app to send your emergency contact an alert with your location even when you cannot press a button.

AllsWell Alert combines all the features available in the best personal safety alarm devices for $9.99/month only. You can also enjoy a 30-day trial to test how it works.