With the proliferation of low cost, high quality stun guns and hot, hot, hot, pepper sprays, many people think that these are the only two options for non lethal self defense products.
Not so.
There is a third type of self protection device that is often overlooked, but can still be very effective: the personal alarm.
There are several states that restrict the use of pepper sprays.
There are others where stun guns are illegal to carry.
No state has any laws regarding the use of a personal alarm, making it a perfect device to carry, especially if you do any traveling and must cross state lines.
In addition to states, there are certain locations where you cannot carry these other types of devices.
Buildings such as courthouses or public schools and especially airports have restrictive prohibitions.
Perhaps you are not comfortable with the use of a something that can actually disable someone.
With those, there is always the possibility that it can be used against you.
While personal alarms cannot disable anyone, they can startle an attacker long enough for you to get away to safety and attract the attention of others - something no attacker wants.
Personal alarms are an excellent alternative for elderly or handicapped people who may not be able to manipulate some other type of device properly.
There are personal alarms that can be activated by merely pulling a pin.
They are also a good choice for young children who may walk to and from the school bus stop on their own.
They cannot carry pepper spray or stun guns, but a personal alarm can easily be attached to their backpack, making it quickly accessible to a child who may find themselves faced with an attacker.
Some personal alarms have a dual function that allows them to be attached to a door or window.
They will emit a loud screech which can scare away a would be intruder.
This is especially useful if you have to stay at a hotel.
It is not uncommon for a front desk person to duplicate a reservation and give someone access to the room you are already in.
In most cases, it is just as startling to the second guest to find someone is already in the room.
But I would rather they figure out there is a problem by having an alarm sound than by finding me already asleep in bed! Personal alarms are even good for college students living in dorms.
You can protect the contents of your drawers and cabinets from sticky fingers by keeping an alarm in them.
Many models also have a flashlight mode, making them doubly useful.
Personal alarms are inexpensive and handy to have around, whatever your lifestyle.