United States · Fall alarm

Fall detection in the United States

A fall alarm can raise an alert automatically when it detects a fall, without waiting for a button press. This national guide explains who the category suits, what to compare, and which SureSafe products are relevant. Fall alarms add automatic fall detection to a personal alarm. If the device detects a fall and you do not cancel the alert, it can call for help even when you are unable to press the SOS button.

Compare personal alarmsSee comparisons

For urgent medical advice in the US, contact your clinician or urgent care. For an emergency, call 911.

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Who fall alarms are for

  • People with a history of falls or a higher falls risk
  • Anyone who lives alone and worries about being found after a fall
  • People who may be unable to reach or press a pendant after a fall
  • Families supporting someone who wants to remain at home

Response first: choosing fall alarms

With fall alarms, the response model deserves more attention than the hardware. Decide whether alerts go to a monitoring centre or to family, then check how each option handles missed calls, power cuts, and a person who cannot speak.

A faster response usually comes from a clear plan and practised contacts, not from adding more features to the device.

  • Compare the response model before the feature list.
  • Confirm how missed calls are escalated.
  • Make sure every responder understands the plan.

What to check before buying

  • Ask whether fall detection is included or an extra-cost add-on
  • Check where the device must be worn for detection to work
  • Confirm how false alerts are cancelled
  • Ask whether detection works while walking outdoors or only indoors
  • Check the monitoring or contact response behind the alert
  • Read independent guidance on falls prevention alongside any purchase

National versus local

Medical alert systems are sold nationally, but coverage and response times depend on your address and the monitoring plan. Use the city pages to check local considerations, then confirm cellular coverage and plan terms with the provider.

Fall Alarms options

These are the SureSafe products relevant to this page. Confirm the current price, contract, and coverage with SureSafe before ordering.

Local fall alarms guides

Use a city page for the same checklist with local support and coverage notes.

New YorkLos AngelesChicagoMiamiDallasHoustonPhiladelphiaAtlantaWashingtonBostonPhoenixDetroitSeattleSan FranciscoSan DiegoMinneapolisBrooklynTampaDenverQueensBaltimoreLas VegasSt. LouisPortland

Related alarm types

  • Personal Alarms — A personal alarm is a wearable SOS device that calls for help at the press of a button.
  • 24/7 Monitored Alarms — A monitored alarm connects your SOS button to a response centre that answers day or night.
  • Wrist Alarms — A wrist alarm puts the SOS button on a watch-style device you can wear all day.
  • No-Landline Alarms — A no-landline alarm uses a mobile signal or home internet instead of a traditional phone line.

Related guides

Fall Alarms questions

Does fall detection work every time?

No. Automatic fall detection is an aid and can miss some falls or trigger on other movements. It should sit alongside a button you can press and a plan for getting help.

Can I cancel a false fall alert?

Most systems give you a short window to cancel before the alert is sent. Ask how long the window is and what happens if you cannot respond.

Do fall alarms need to be worn in a specific place?

Yes. Detection depends on the device's position and sensors, and requirements differ by model. Check the manufacturer's wearing instructions.