United States · Personal alarm

Emergency button in the United States

A personal alarm is a wearable SOS device that calls for help at the press of a button. This national guide explains who the category suits, what to compare, and which SureSafe products are relevant. A personal alarm gives you a direct way to call for help if you fall, feel unwell, or become stranded at home. Most systems pair a pendant or wrist device with either a professional monitoring centre or a list of family contacts.

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 personal alarms are for

  • Anyone who lives alone and wants a faster route to help
  • Older adults who want to stay independent at home
  • People recovering from surgery or managing a long-term condition
  • Families who want reassurance without constant check-in calls

Response first: choosing personal alarms

With personal 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

  • Decide whether you want professional monitoring or family contacts to answer
  • Check whether the alarm works without a landline
  • Confirm the range of the pendant inside and around the home
  • Ask about fall detection, GPS, and waterproofing if you need them
  • Compare the total monthly cost, not just the device price
  • Check the contract length, cancellation terms, and returns policy

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.

Personal Alarms options

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

Local personal 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

  • 24/7 Monitored Alarms — A monitored alarm connects your SOS button to a response centre that answers day or night.
  • Fall Alarms — A fall alarm can raise an alert automatically when it detects a fall, without waiting for a button press.
  • No-Landline Alarms — A no-landline alarm uses a mobile signal or home internet instead of a traditional phone line.
  • Wrist Alarms — A wrist alarm puts the SOS button on a watch-style device you can wear all day.

Related guides

Personal Alarms questions

Do I need a landline for a personal alarm?

Not necessarily. Many current alarms use a mobile signal, a home internet connection, or a digital base unit. Confirm the requirement for the specific model before ordering.

Will a personal alarm call an ambulance?

A monitored alarm contacts a response centre, which follows the instructions on your account and can call emergency services when needed. A family-monitored alarm calls your nominated contacts instead.

How much does a personal alarm cost?

Costs include the device and, for monitored systems, an ongoing plan. Prices and included features change, so check the current price and terms with the provider.