My favorite personal safety alarm is as loud as a jackhammer, and it just got an upgrade

Christina Darby/ZDNET

A safety alarm may not be on everyone's radar, but as a 20-something woman who's traveled alone in and out of the busiest metropolitan areas in the nation, it's a must -- and it's for anyone of any age. 

I carried the She's Birdie personal alarm throughout college, and have continued to do so since. While I hope to never have to use it, every dollar I spent on it is worth it for the peace of mind it brings me. When the top pin of the Birdie is pulled out, a 130db siren sounds and a strobe light flashes for up to 40 minutes. To put that in perspective, a 130db sound is equivalent to a jackhammer and nearly equal to the sound of a jet engine in the distance, according to the Hearing Health Foundation. 

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Birdie just upgraded its original alarm, adding new features like a flashlight, an on/off switch, and the ability to recharge via USB-C. The version I use runs on a CR2032 battery, which is equally functional. I've only had to replace the battery a handful of times in the 6-plus years I've owned mine. 

Either model you choose, old or new, is a wise investment. While an alarm may not protect me from danger, I like knowing that at any moment I have the option to draw attention to myself and hopefully thwart any nefarious activity.

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I carry this on my keychain and hold it while walking anywhere. It's a great investment for college students, parents with small children, older adults, and more, but for $30, I recommend everyone scoop one up. 

The original She's Birdie alarm on my keyring. 

Kayla Solino/ZDNET

I don't recommend this product out of fear or to scare anyone, but I'd rather have a Birdie alarm and not need it than have nothing at all. 

Why I recommend this product

Of course, you can carry many other gadgets for personal safety. I recommend the She's Birdie alarm for its semi-discreet design, loud siren, strobe lights, and upgraded features like reachability. It also comes in several bright colors and includes a keyring so it can be easily carried around. 

It's an affordable, practical way to ensure anyone has an easy-to-use gadget to potentially fend off danger -- or to draw attention to themselves in an emergency. I've been using my Birdie alarm for over half a decade, and it's made me feel safer when I'm out walking alone. It also makes a great gift for anyone you care about. 

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