Emergencies can be of various kinds medical emergency, compromise of security, accidents, etc. Thompson Rivers University defines personal safety as the freedom from physical harm and threat of physical harm, and freedom from hostility, aggression, harassment, and devaluation by members of the community. While this is the closest to what one might get in terms of a proper definition, personal safety or security is not restricted to the aforementioned things. It includes several dispositions, like having complete peace of mind, feeling confident and independent at all times whether you are isolated or in a public space. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Are you worried about leaving your parents or grandparents at home?
- Are you skeptical about your child travelling alone to school or tuitions?
- Are you constantly thinking about the safety and security of your female family members while they are out alone, especially after sunset?
- Are you concerned about the inability of a bed-ridden patient to call for immediate help?
If the answers to anyone (or all) of these questions is a yes, you need to do something about it rather than just worrying. There are several items, devices and products out there that can be of great use when it comes to protecting yourself from any kind of danger. From pepper sprays and Swiss army knives to batteries and home security systems when it comes to personal security and the safety of your loved ones, you dont want to take any chances whatsoever. This guide is meant for all age groups, but more specifically for the elderly, women, night shift workers and those who live alone (and even children who travel by themselves), to ensure that they can feel safe.
Typical security threats that one might come across in India
Lets take a quick look at some of the most common safety issues that we see in the news or around us in these modern times.
- Petty crimes - We all know that India is infamous for petty crimes such as pickpocketing, chain snatching and scams. These can occur anywhere and at any time of the day, especially when you are out in the public realm.
- Assault - Theft and assault are again very common across most towns and cities. No matter what the motive, physical assaults can be dangerous and mentally disturbing.
- Break-ins - Burglary is rampant in tier one and two cities, especially since a lot of Indian households tend to have cash, jewellery and expensive electronic appliances that are of great value in the market.
- Eve teasing and rape - Ill-reputed for the rate at which rapes happen around the country, we as a society have gone from bad to worse in the last few decades. Eve teasing is also a common occurrence and the viral #metoo social media phenomenon proved it yet again.
- Child abuse - As disturbing as it sounds, child abuse is for real. There have been innumerable cases in the news of late and so many more that dont even get reported because of fear.
With the crime rates going up with every passing day, it becomes important that you are equipped to protect yourself from any potential threats or at least prepared to call for help, should the need arise.
Handy personal security products and devices
Here is a curated list of some great products, including locks and alarm systems for a safe home, that can help keep danger at bay and help you in case of emergencies:
As the name suggests, this is a battery-powered keychain that doubles up as an effective personal security alarm that can be used as a means of calling for help. Designed for convenient use at any age, the device is your ideal companion when you are out or at home alone, especially late in the night. It has a built-in alarm that you can trigger in case you feel unsafe at any given point of time, whether you are travelling or in a private or public space. The alarm is basically a loud 120 dB siren that is triggered when you pull its pin out of the main unit. The unit comes in a stylish black colour with four LR41 alkaline batteries. Key features:
- A 120-decibel piercing siren that can ring for over 1.5 hours
- Combination siren (two different frequencies put together to maximize the effect)
- Compact and easy to carry and use as a keychain you can even attach it to your bag zipper
- Extremely lightweight (0.8 ounces)
2. Personal Alarm with Torch - Juvo
Juvos convenient personal alarm device comes equipped with a powerful torch so you can use it no matter what time of the day or night it is. Simply pulling the cord can enable you to trigger an extremely loud alarm in case you need to call for help. Its 120 dB siren can go on for up to 1.5 hours once the cord is pulled, helping you alert people in your surrounding area that you need assistance. Weighing just 27.2 grams, this black-coloured personal security alarm is easy to use and great in terms of looks and design. It can be used as a keychain or kept in your pocket or bag (so that you carry it with you wherever you go). Key features:
- Built-in mini torch
- Built-in white LED light to help you see in the dark
- Easy to operate (just pull the pin out of the main keychain unit)
- Extremely loud 120-decibel siren
- Three LR44 alkaline batteries included with the unit
Elders and patients with serious medical conditions have a new companion the wall-mounted Panic Alarm by Juvo. In case of an emergency, the user can pull out a 3-foot-long ripcord to activate the devices loud siren and flashing red LED light. The LED light blinks every 30 seconds, making it the perfect way to call for help instantly. Easy to install and even easier to operate, this is an ideal personal security alarm for senior citizens, people with mobility issues, etc. The next time there is an emergency of any kind, there will be no reason to panic since you know that you can call for assistance by notifying the people around you through this simple-yet-effective device. Key features:
- A shrill 120-decibel siren that can be triggered by pulling out the drawcord
- Bright red panic lights that flash every 30 seconds
- On/Off switch
- Battery strength testing button
4. Smart Fingerprint Lock - Grob
This biometric lock helps you secure your luggage and valuables safely without the hassle of carrying keys with you everywhere you go. It comes with automatic recognition technology and can store upto 10 fingerprints. The body of this biometric lock is made of ABS seamless case and has tough steel wire to lock valuable things.
- Offers convenience and safety
- Convenient to use while travelling
- In built lithium battery
- Biometric lock with fingerprint sensor
5. Door Alarm with Chime Juvo
Are you worried about the safety of your house or your loved ones while you are away for work? Install Juvos two-in-one safety alarm that helps alert the people in the surrounding about any attempted break-ins. This door and window safety alarm automatically trigger a 105 dB siren, scaring intruders away when they try to break in. Whats more, it can be used as a chime to announce guests or visitors during the day if you like. There is no need to call an electrician or deal with a mess of cables since the device runs on four LR44 batteries that are included with the main unit. You can set it up yourself using the double-sided tape included in the package. Available in white colour, you can toggle between the Alarm, Chime and Off modes easily with a built-in switch. Key features:
- Loud 105-decibel alarm
- Toggle switch to choose different modes
- The siren is triggered when the said door or window is opened and gets switched off when it is closed
6. Fingerprint Padlock Plus - Robobull
This Fingerprint Padlock Plus offers high level safety and comes with an advanced recognition technology. It supports up to 10 fingerprints and it is very convenient to use as well. The Padlock has a built-in chip and does not require a key to identify fingerprints.
- full charge offers 3000 times lock/unlock actions without any hassle
- Seamless IP65 waterproof and dustproof grade
- Compact and portable design
- Fingerprints are directly managed within the smart lock system
Quit worrying about the safety of the elders, children and women in your family choose from the aforementioned personal security products to empower them with a sense of confidence, independence and safety.
