Geeky Traveller » Safety http://www.geekytraveller.com Gadgets, tools, and tips for geeks who love to travel, and travelers who are geeks. Sun, 30 Nov 2008 20:34:36 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 Ila Dusk Personal Alarm does the screaming for you http://www.geekytraveller.com/2008/10/ila-dusk-personal-alarm-does-the-screaming-for-you/ http://www.geekytraveller.com/2008/10/ila-dusk-personal-alarm-does-the-screaming-for-you/#comments Thu, 23 Oct 2008 01:13:15 +0000 http://www.geekytraveller.com/ila-dusk-personal-alarm-does-the-screaming-for-you/ Post from: Geeky Traveller

]]> Traveling is fun and a great way to gain experience and understanding of other cultures and countries. However, traveling alone can be a little risky, depending on your destination. The Ila Personal Alarm is a device that will let out a sound much like a woman screaming to help you out if you get into trouble. Shaped much like a cell phone, it has a pin that you pull out the same way you would with a grenade (not that I have any experience with grenades!). When you do and then press the button, the screaming starts. The idea is that, at 130 decibels, it will either bring about help or at least scare off the would-be attacker.

What’s interesting to me – and more than a little sad – is that a woman from Guardian.co.uk tested it out on the streets. Check out the video! Not only did no one try to help her or see what was wrong, people generally ignored it the way we all do when someone’s car alarm goes off. A few people looked around to see where the noise might be coming from, but no one ran over. That says a lot about society these days.

Still, a screaming device that loud might just discourage a mugger (or worse) and make them run off in search of someone a little quieter to bother. Not available yet, the Ila will be available at Marks & Spencer for £19.50.

What’s your favorite safety device when you travel solo?

Source: Chip Chick // Photo: flickr

Post from: Geeky Traveller

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