Before You Get A Personal Alarm

We look at a few different things you may want to consider before ordering a personal alarm. We cover:

1. Choosing the best personal alarm for you
2. Preparing your home
3. Selecting named emergency contacts
4. Key safes
5. Speaking to your family and friends about the options

Choosing a personal alarm

There are many different types of alarms available. You can choose one that that contacts your family or goes to a 24/7 monitoring team or an alarm that only works at home or one that works anywhere.

You can work out what’s best for you using this flow chart:

For more information, we have written a guide to choosing the best personal alarm.

If you’re not sure, our team would be happy to give you some advice based on your needs. You can reach us on 020 3868 5575.

Preparing your home

The main difference are in fixed and go-anywhere alarms.

Fixed alarms

These alarms have a base station that use your landline. You will need to ensure your landline is active and you have space to plug it in. If you have a security alarm connected to the landline too, you will need to ensure the fixed alarm can override this. If you’re not sure, most fixed alarm providers offer to do the installation for you for a fee.

Go-anywhere alarms

They don't use landlines so there is no preparation involved. With our alarm (Personal Alarm Watch) it even comes fully charged up, ready to use. This means you just switch it on, wear it and you are good to go.

Selecting Named Emergency Contacts

Emergency contacts are people that a 24/7 monitoring team can contact to come and help you. If the emergency services have been contacted, your named contacts would be able to come to you to help before they reach. If they have a key, they can even let the emergency service in.

We always recommend identifying friends, family or neighbours that are nearby and have a key for your emergency contact. We have found that two or three are best.

After you have identified the right emergency contacts, you will need to get permission from them. We record they name, address, contact number and whether they have a key. If your contact doesn't have a key, you may want to consider cutting them a spare or installing a key safe.

Key Safes

If you do not have any suitable emergency contacts, we would advise getting a key safe. They are lock boxes that securely store a key. They are accessed using a code. For more information, we have a guide on deciding whether you need one.

Talking to your family about the options

It helps to discuss different options with your family or your friends to work out what is best for you. You may even want them as contacts for the monitoring team to reach in emergencies so it is useful to make sure they are happy with your choice.

After you have chosen one, let them know what you have selected so they know what to expect if they are contacted.

At Personal Alarm Watch, we automatically get in touch with your emergency contacts and give them some background and a guide.

If you need more advice then our team is very happy to help. Do give us a call on 020 3868 5575 with any questions.

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