The Swann Active Response (2nd gen) Personal Safety Alarm: Because Screaming Isn’t Always Enough
There comes a time in every person’s life when they realise that simply yelling, “Oi! Back off!” isn’t quite the iron-clad security plan they once thought it was. Enter the Swann Active Response Personal Safety Alarm – a pocket-sized device promising to unleash a sound so piercing, even your most aloof neighbour will momentarily consider looking up from their phone.
But does it actually work? Will it send would-be wrongdoers scurrying, or will it just startle a passing pigeon? I’ve strapped one to my keys and headed out bush in the name of research. Let’s see if this little device is a lifesaver or just a very loud waste of time.
Grab it, hook it on and go! With a discreet and lightweight aluminium design (measuring 60mm tall x 15mm in diameter), the alarm is compact – about the size of a lipstick case. It easily attaches to a keyring, fits in a pocket, or tucks away in a bag, making it convenient for daily use. A word of advice though – wherever you decide to place it, make sure you consistently keep it in the same place (e.g hooked on your keys, or in the same part of your bag), that way in the unfortunate event you actually need to use the Personal Alarm you’ll know exactly where it is and can deploy the alarm efficiently.
How does it work? Activating the Swann Active Response (2nd Gen) Personal Alarm is delightfully simple – no need for frantic button-mashing or yelling, “HELP!” into the void. In a pinch, you can either pull the alarm cord and set of 120 decibels of attention grabbing noise (the drama teacher in me is miming like I’m dramatically starting a lawnmower!). Instantly, a deafening siren bursts into action, alerting everyone within earshot (and possibly some cows in the field and people in the next country town). To turn it off, just reinsert the pin or press the button again – though you may need to apologise to any innocent bystanders still clutching their ears.
To press the panic button, which sends an emergency text & keeps the siren silent, unlock the button by rotating the ring then pull on the tab that lifts the help button. An emergency text will be sent immediately. This is a great feature if you feel you are having a health episode that requires assistance, or you’ve had an accident and need help. It’s very clearly not just for when you are in a physically unsafe situation.
Lockable to avoid false alarms: There is a twist-lock mechanism on the top of the device that prevents accidental activation, ensuring the alarm only sounds when needed. This sound design reduces the risk of alarming mishaps, making it a siren choice for everyday use. #seewhatididthere? If you do accidentally active an alarm, you can use your app to inform your contacts that you don’t need assistance.
Rapid reach, rapid response: One of the standout features of this alarm is the Free SMS to Emergency Contact. The Active Response (2nd gen) Personal Alarm’s ability to send a free SMS alert to an emergency contact when activated is peace of mind for the user and gives you time and headspace to deal with the situation you find yourself in. The alert includes your GPS location, providing vital information to ensure rapid assistance. This feature is particularly useful for those who frequently travel alone, go walking at night or need an added layer of security when finishing work and heading to your car. You are going to need to keep Bluetooth on and the swann security app running in the background. Location reporting and emergency texts require active data coverage.
Make a noise = Get noticed: The alarm is equipped with a loud 120-decibel siren that activates when the ring is pulled. This creates an immediate deterrent effect, drawing attention to the situation or serving as a diversion. Simultaneously, an SMS notification is sent, ensuring help is on the way.
Pairs with the Swann Security App: Seamless connectivity through Bluetooth and the Swann Security app allows users to manage settings effortlessly. This enhances the device’s usability, offering an integrated security solution. You can very easily update your details or the details of the emergency contact through the app. The app will tell you when the battery needs replacing and will emit at 20 sec length beep to let you know when the device is out of range of your phone, but will easily reconnect when the device is back within range. There is an excellent YouTube video to help you with the set up and use of your device which can be found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQPFom9VuBs
Travel Compatible: According to swann a major advantage is its travel-friendly design, allowing users to carry it through security screenings at airports and on planes without issues. This certainly ensures peace of mind wherever you go. Though to be honest, given the security at airports I doubt you’ll need the device in that setting, so pop it in your carry on and relax!
To steal from A Chorus Line … functionality 10, style 3: Available in two colours—aqua or black—the Swann Active Response (2nd gen) Personal Alarm remains practical and does the job efficiently. It includes a keyring accessory and lanyard, allowing easy carrying and accessibility. I’ve got the aqua version on my keyring, but I am seriously considering getting the black on to leave within easy access in my car at all times. I don’t want to be digging through my handbag losing precious time, when I could just grab the device in my car’s centre console and use it immediately.
As far as aesthetics go, this device has a long way to go. Its very ordinary to look at, so the only place I’ll pop it is on my keyring or in the centre console of my car. I definitely wouldn’t wear it around my neck – its shaped and looks like a battery – a real style killer.
Long Battery Life: The device runs on a CR2 battery (a cylindrical battery with a voltage of 3 volts), with an estimated lifespan of 12 months, ensuring reliable performance without frequent replacements.
Final Verdict
A perfect device for personal safety – whether you’re dodging villains or just navigating a sketchy car park at night! The Swann Active Response (2nd gen) Personal Alarm is like having a tiny, bodyguard in your pocket – minus the sunglasses and intimidating glare. With a free SMS emergency alert, a siren loud enough to wake the neighbourhood and a travel-friendly design, it’s the ultimate sidekick for personal safety. Plus, with a battery that just won’t quit and handy app integration, it’s basically the James Bond of personal alarms – minus the martinis. And in the words of the great man himself … “Always have an escape plan.” James Bond, Casino Royale (2006)
With thanks to Swann, you can get your hands on the Awann Active Response (2nd gen) Personal Safety Alarm here.
