Panic alarms can be a valuable addition to any home security system, helping you to get assistance when threatened or endangered. This blog will explain what panic alarms are, how and where they can be used, and whether you should get one for your home.

What is a Panic Alarm?

A regular panic alarm isn’t necessarily the big red button labelled ‘PANIC’ you see in the movies; the ones that trigger an array of elaborate security measures when pressed. Panic alarms are designed to be more discrete, hidden from intruders so help can be attained without them knowing.

Most panic alarms systems use a button as a trigger, notifying appropriate services upon activation. When you or someone on your property feels threatened or is in a dangerous situation, press the panic button to alert services for help. A panic button may have a silent or audible alarm depending on preference, however most alert some sort of service to the situation.

Depending on your alarm abilities and provider, a panic alarm may alert monitoring services to an issue, which may then contact emergency services on your behalf. Monitoring services may try to contact you after an alarm activation to check it was not an accidental trigger, or they may look on connected cameras part of your internal security system to assess the situation.

Panic alarms aren’t always activated by a button and can instead be triggered by entering a duress code on a keypad, potentially leading an intruder to believe you are calling off any security services. There are various types of panic alarm activation methods to choose from with certain adjustments to suit all applications.

Audible vs Silent Panic Alarm

Whether your panic alarm is audible or not is often up to you. An audible alarm, much like a standard intruder alarm, will create a loud sound and alert all those in the vicinity to an intrusion when activated. This can be beneficial in scaring away an intruder and attracting attention of neighbours for help.

Silent alarms keep the intruder oblivious to any assistance coming, which may keep you and your loved ones safer. Monitoring services are useful for both types, however they are especially crucial for silent alarms. If, when the alarm is activated, the emergency services are dispatched, there is the risk of wasting police time, for example due to an accidental activation. Having a monitoring service as a middleman helps to ensure security or emergency services are only deployed in real emergencies.

Wired vs Wireless Panic Alarms

There are a variety of panic alarms to choose from, including wired and wireless options. Wireless panic buttons are best suited to personal use for people who may be mobile around the property and could need assistance anywhere. In the event of power outage, wireless panic systems can still be used as they rely on long-lasting batteries for power.

However, wired panic alarms may be deemed more reliable as they don’t rely on wireless signal. Both alternatives are effective and provide successful security solutions; consider consulting security providers to find a solution that best fits you and your property.

Where are Panic Alarms Used?

Panic alarm systems are used across a variety of sectors including domestic, commercial and industrial.

For long workers, panic alarms can act as reassurance and give workers reassurance that help is just a button-press away. Whether a member of staff is threatened by another person or falls and is unable to get help, a panic button and associated response methods can provide much needed assistance. Similarly, customer facing roles such as cashiers working late hours or receptionists may have access to a panic button to alert security services if they feel threatened or endangered.

Panic alarm systems are utilised in care homes or for elderly people who live alone. Panic alarms used in this sense are more likely to take the form of a wearable button that alerts family members or neighbours and not the emergency services. Therefore, if the user presses the button as they need assistance, either for security or health reasons, someone can come and help.

Domestic panic alarms, as discussed in this blog, are predominantly for security. Homeowners may install a panic button on bedside tables or perhaps in rooms with valuables for easy access in times of trouble. A popular place for panic buttons is near the front door, that way, if an intruder first rings the doorbell to gain access to the property, the homeowner can alert security services straight away.

Benefits of Panic Alarm Systems

A panic alarm, unlike most other home security system components, isn’t for protecting or monitoring your house when you aren’t there, it’s for protecting you and your loved ones when you are.  Here are some of the top benefits of a panic alarm system:

• Peace of Mind Having a hassle-free way of getting assistance quickly in an emergency can be crucial to everyone’s safety.
• Speed Simply pressing a button to alert to a situation is a fast and effective way of getting help without the need of additional technology, people or steps in the process.
• Reliable Monitoring services ensure that every alert is actioned, so whether an accidental press is assessed then disregarded or an alert followed by the arrival of the emergency services, you know you are being looked after.
• Secret If your alarm is silent, you can signal for help without alerting the intruder and potentially escalating a situation.
• Holistic A panic alarm can be linked to other aspects of home security systems to ensure a holistic security solution providing the best cover for your property.

Should You Get a Panic Alarm System for Your Home?

A panic alarm can be a great addition to any home security system, providing peace of mind for those at home that they are covered in an emergency. The more components your security system has, the safer you will feel, knowing your property is prepared for intrusion or trouble when you are both home and away.

Consider linking a panic alarm to other security measures around your property, for example activating cameras when the alarm is triggered to give monitoring services a chance to assess the situation. Be sure to understand the various monitoring services on offer and panic alarm options to find one you feel comfortable and secure with.

Home Security Solutions with Sovereign Fire and Security

If you want to protect your loved ones with a panic alarm, or simply want to find out more about the various home security solutions, contact security experts Sovereign Fire and Security. With exclusive monitoring and maintenance services, Sovereign can provide bespoke security solutions with you in mind. We will consult you on every step of the way, from advice and planning, to installation and servicing.

Get in touch today and create your perfect home security system.