Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, July 19, 1994 TAG: 9407190033
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: David Butler
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: Personal safety is a growing concern for many people. Although many cities are experiencing reductions in murders and rapes, less serious violent crimes are on the rise. More and more, carjackers and muggers are targeting victims in malls and suburban shopping centers.
Crime prevention experts agree that a loud alarm is a highly effective deterrent to a would-be attacker. Hand-held alarms have several advantages over Mace, pepper spray and stun-guns. First, since it's nonviolent, the alarm can't be turned against you in a struggle. Furthermore, it requires little skill to use. Finally, it attracts attention, exactly what the attacker doesn't want.
When selecting a personal alarm, make sure the design you choose can be activated with one hand. The most common style has a wrist cord connected to a pull-pin. The alarm unit can be clipped to your belt loop or purse strap. To trigger the alarm, simply pull the pin. At least two companies make alarms that can be activated by squeezing them.
All other things being equal (they never are), you should choose the alarm with the loudest siren. 120 dB (decibels) is typical, although several manufacturers claim their alarms produce an ear-piercing 130 dB. Note that decibel ratings can only be compared when measurements were taken from the same distance - typically one meter. Each 10-dB increase represents a doubling of the sound level.
Instead of an electronic siren, one recently introduced alarm uses digital technology to scream ``Help me, someone! Help me!'' You can even select the voice's gender and language (English or Spanish). Although somewhat bulkier than conventional units, it features both a pull-pin and a panic button for easy activation.
Raise your hand if your child has ever wandered off while playing outdoors or disappeared in a crowded mall. One type of alert comes with a remote control, making it ideal for tracking a young child. If the child wanders away, simply activate the unit from the remote control. The child can also activate the alarm by pulling the pin. It has a 200 foot range and a less-obtrusive 105-dB sounder.
Another option for parents is an FM monitoring system. Your child wears a small transmitter and you carry a receiver. If the transmitter moves outside the selected range (between 20 and 100 feet) or if the child pushes the panic button, the receiver's built-in beeper will sound. You'll also be alerted immediately if your child falls into a body of water.
If you do a lot of traveling, you can choose from a variety of special-purpose alerts - from portable motion detectors (ideal for vacation cottages) to door knob alarms (triggered by vibration). One model can even be set to bark like a dog. What'll they think of next!
To receive a list of manufacturers of personal alert and child tracking devices, please send $1.50 and a self-addressed envelope to David Butler F-411, Department TWN, 14713 Pleasant Hill Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28278-7927. The list includes toll-free phone numbers and a description of each company's products. You'll also receive information on an electronic dog deterrent - an ideal companion for joggers.
Q: I'm very interested in the new satellite system with the miniature dish. How will it differ from cable TV?
A: In addition to standard cable fare, Direct Broadcast Satellite will take advantage of its 150-channel capacity to carry a broad selection of niche programs. Both the video and audio will be digitized, providing CD-quality audio and images that rival Super-VHS. Unlike cable, DBS will operate as a national broadcast system. This means you'll still need an antenna to watch local and network programs.
by CNB