Be alert not 'alarmed'.
- Sarah Brendlor
- Jul 16, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 27
Whenever I run 'in office' sessions, I'll usually leave a worksheet or a giveaway of some sort.
At one recent event, the host had already sourced an item. A personal alarm.
I don't promote personal alarms, but I would never deter anyone from having one.
If you get given an alarm or indeed any legal self-defence object, thank the person for their good intentions.
Carrying a personal alarm can potentially deter a threat and the alarm could draw attention to a person in need. Alarms don't necessarily require training, though I have been asked how best to use them tactically.
The ethos behind them is to empower and I would never be against anything that empowers. But do I recommend them? I don't, but I am not anti-personal alarms.
Are there any pros for a personal alarm?
Yes, a predator may not want to draw attention to their actions, so a loud alarm could scare them off. A blast in their ears will certainly unbalance them and give you important seconds to escape.
WhilstWhenever I run 'in office' sessions, I'll leave a worksheet or a giveaway of some sort.
At one recent event, the host had already sourced an item. A personal alarm.
I don't usually promote personal alarms, but I would never deter anyone from having one.
If you get given an alarm (or indeed any legal self-defence object), thank the person for their good intentions.
The ethos behind them is to empower and I would never be against anything that empowers.
But do I 'recommend' them? I don't, but to repeat, I am not against them.
Carrying a personal alarm doesn't take up too much space in your bag, can potentially deter a threat and the alarm could draw attention to a person in need. Alarms don't necessarily require training, though I have been asked how best to use them tactically.
Are there any pros for a personal alarm? OF COURSE!
Again, it doesn't take up space, and can act as a reminder to be alert.
A potential predator may not want to draw attention to their actions, so a loud alarm could scare them off.
A blast in their ears will certainly unbalance them and give you important seconds to escape.
Whilst they do have benefits:
1. They will not always be to hand and when you're adrenalised, rummaging around in a pocket or bag is the last thing you may be able to do.
2. If you use them to attract attention, there may not be anyone around to hear them.
3. It may not necessarily scare off an assailant.
So then what?
Do have the alarm, but understand how the alarm will work as part of the bigger self-protection picture. Learn some preventive, defensive and good combative skills, this means you can rely on your abilities and be able to save yourself.
That's empowerment.
What about keys?
If you are near home keep your hands on your keys, I’m NOT suggesting you use them as a weapon, you’ll just get through the front door quicker.
Footnote on weapons of self-defence.
From time to time I get sent links to devices that come under self-defence weapons and needless to say it is a no from me. Tasers, knuckle dusters, fancy spikey key rings, pepper sprays. If you are U.K.-based these are all illegal to carry
Are there any options?
I get asked what the options are and this is something that comes up regularly in my workshops and classes.
Are there options, what is legal? Can we use common objects to defend ourselves? Be it our bags, rucksacks, water bottles or umbrellas, learning some self-defence skills will not only encompass using our environment, whether inside or outside but what is around us.