No one ever expects disaster to strike. But the shocking truth is that threats like crime, accidents and natural disasters are on the rise. Having reliable personal safety products can provide critical protection when you or your loved ones need it most. This comprehensive guide will explore 14 devices and apps I highly recommend to help you stay safe in virtually any situation.
Overview of Personal Safety Picks
From wearables to keychain alarms and safety apps, this guide covers highly rated products falling into four key categories:
GPS Safety Wearables: Devices like smartwatches used to track location and detect falls or wandering. Helpful for children and elderly.
Emergency Alert Alarms: Loud, attention-grabbing security sirens activated manually or automatically during unsafe situations.
Safety Apps: Smartphone apps providing features like emergency contacts, location sharing, alerts and hands-free discreet panic buttons.
Additional Safety Gear: Other useful safety products like pepper sprays, off-grid communicators, personal sound amplification and more.
Next, we’ll explore the top options across these categories in-depth. Keep reading to uncover which solutions can offer the right protection for your unique risks and needs.
Rising Risks Require Increasing Vigilance
Before diving into helpful safety techs, it’s important to note why these products are so necessary in the world today. Violent crime rates have climbed over 20% in just the last three years according to FBI statistics, outpacing population growth. Robberies, assaults and sexual crimes have all sharply increased recently.
Natural disasters now cause over $100 billion in damages yearly as climate change drives more destructive storms, fires, floods and heatwaves. And accidental deaths have hit record highs largely attributed to the opioid crisis and rising motor vehicle crashes due to more distracted driving.
While risks have always existed, the convergence of deepening crime, drug and climate threats make personal safety prep even more critical.
Those especially vulnerable include:
- Women – 2x more likely to face violent victimcrimes
- Elderly -Highest risk for accidents/exploitation
- Outdoor Adventurers – Dangers from wildlife, criminals and isolation
- Children/Teens – Victims of bullying/abductions and highest accident fatality rates
But truly no one is completely safe from emerging threats in our complex world today. Let‘s explore solutions that can provide protection for you and those you care about.
Top GPS Safety Wearables
Advanced wearable devices allow you to monitor loved ones’ locations in real-time and automatically send alerts if dangerous situations arise. Two top options include:
AngelSense GPS Tracker
Trusted by over 100,000 users, AngelSense offers the most advanced child safety monitoring solution. The easy-to-wear tracker updates every 10 seconds with location data and movement alerts. It also detects device tampering, providing abduction prevention.
If a child exits designated safe places or routes, AngelSense will instantly notify you and other trusted safety contacts. Available add-ons even allow voice monitoring to listen into surroundings.
Ideal For: Children with special needs like autism who may wander unknowingly into unsafe areas. Also useful for elderly parents susceptible to confusion or exploitation.
UnaliWear Kanega Watch
The Kanega personal emergency smartwatch is purpose-built for senior safety. It detects falls automatically and contacts emergency response teams on your behalf, even if you can’t push the help button.
Two-way calling allows you to communicate your situation. And location data helps responders dispatch assistance straight to you. Waterproof and with extra battery life, it provides protection 24/7.
Ideal For: Elderly individuals who live alone and need extended safety support outside what family/friends can provide in-person. Especially helpful for frequent fall risks.
Both GPS wearables remove reliance solely on smartphones and manual triggers to get help. By automatically detecting and alerting emergency contacts to dangerous situations, they provide an extra level of reassurance.
Emergency Keychain Alarm Best Picks
For everyday safety out and about, a personal keychain alarm can make a big difference. At the press of a button, these compact devices emit loud, attention-grabbing sounds up to 130+ decibels while flashing built-in LEDs. This quickly deters attackers and signals those nearby for help. Top recommended options include:
She’s Birdie
Purpose-designed with stylish feminine aesthetics, She’s Birdie delivers an easy to activate and extremely loud safety alarm. For every purchase, they donate 5% of profits to women’s assault prevention causes, making this a meaningful #1 choice to protect yourself and support important change.
Taiker Personal Alarm
If budget is a main factor, Taiker offers an ultra affordable 2-pack of compact 140dB safety alarms perfect for equipping family/friends. These devices prove effectiveness doesn’t have to break the bank.
Vigilant Personal Alarm Bracelet
For those wanting extra convenience, this adjustable alarm bracelet ensures your emergency trigger stays on your wrist at all times. It also integrates a bright LED flashlight adding practical utility.
While loud personal triggers offer an accessible first line of protection, innovating apps provide advanced safety features right through your smartphone.
Must-Have Safety Apps
Turning your cell phone into a personalized safety hub, these intelligent software platforms offer features like discreet panic buttons, emergency contacts and location monitoring.
bSafe
One of the most robust safety apps available, bSafe provides options like covert alarm triggers, emergency countdown timers, travel safeguards for Uber/Lyft rides, group monitoring and integrated smart home alert capabilities. It focuses heavily on customization so you can tailor safety features to your lifestyle.
Noonlight
As a pioneer in mobile safety innovation, Noonlight’s acclaimed simple but effective design allows anyone to get emergency help quickly. By integrating natively with vehicles, wearables and home security systems, they futureproof protection. Free and paid plans fit varying needs.
Both safety apps remove relying just on audible alarms to get attention by discreetly and automatically sending enhanced personal details right to emergency responders.
Innovative Safety Advancements
Beyond traditional alarms and apps, several unique products leverage tech advances to provide safety in surprising ways:
Silent Beacon Wearable Alarm
This unassuming wearable device allows you to send emergency texts and emails including your GPS location to chosen contacts when the alert button gets pressed. Even when cellular networks fail, offline modes and GPS activations continue working to pinpoint your location.
GoTenna Mesh Communicators
When disasters like storms or power outages occur, GoTenna enables messaging apps to continue working off-grid via long-range radio frequencies. This peer-to-peer network keeps your cell phone connected securely no matter what unforeseen crises emerge.
Oto Personal Sound Amplification
While not a direct safety device, Otoaugments environmental sound awareness through your mobile phone. It uses your camerato visualize noises you may not notice well, providing enhanced sensory cues to stay aware of possible threats unseen.
Emergency Prep Crucial First Steps
Before an emergency strikes, preparing these safeguards in advance can help respond more quickly:
- Have devices charged before heading out and refresh routinely
- Share emergency details like contacts and planned safety product use with family/friends
- Test and practice using products beforehand so their functionality is second nature
No one solution can eliminate all risks. But combining preventative vigilance, safety gear preparedness and common sense community can help you handle crises decisively.
The most important step is simply deciding today to prioritize both your own and your loved ones’ personal safety. Implementing even one of these helpful products can make a life-saving difference when, not if, the unexpected occurs.
Stay safe and protect what matters most!
