Design, Construction, and Evaluation of a Low-Cost, Battery-
Powered Personal Safety Alarm for Emergency Signaling
Submitted by:
Baraquiel Jr, Eligio I.
Esquillo, Kyan
Badayos, Jay mark
Bronosa, Jhoven
INTRODUCTION
RATIONALE
Personal safety is important, especially for students and commuters who
may encounter emergencies. Personal alarms are small devices that produce
a loud sound to attract attention and discourage threats. According to Safety
Technology (2025), personal alarms typically generate 120–140 decibels, a
volume strong enough to be heard from long distances and immediately
draw attention.
Research also shows that loud sounds such as alarms or sirens can cause
criminals to run away because they increase the risk of being noticed.
According to Cove Smart (2020), burglars and robbers often flee once they
hear a loud alarm, as it both scares the attacker and alerts nearby people.
Experts suggest that alarms should be very loud to be effective. A report
noted that noise levels greater than 130 dB can help disorient an offender
and give the victim time to escape. Additionally, simple security systems
built with basic electronic components can be cost-effective, portable, and
reliable while still producing a strong alert sound.
Therefore, this study aims to design and evaluate a low-cost, battery-
powered personal safety alarm to determine whether an affordable device
can provide effective emergency signaling and help improve personal safety.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
This study focuses on the design, construction, and evaluation of a low-cost,
battery-powered personal safety alarm for emergency signaling. It aims to
determine the device’s performance, reliability, and overall usefulness.
Specifically, this study seeks to answer the following questions:
[Link] the sound level of the personal safety alarm sufficient to attract
attention and be effective during emergency situations?
[Link] the battery life and reliability of the device adequate for emergency use?
[Link] do users evaluate the device in terms of portability, ease of use, and
overall usefulness?
HYPOTHESIS
Null Hypothesis (H₀):
The low-cost, battery-powered personal safety alarm is not effective in terms
of sound level, battery life, reliability, portability, ease of use, and overall
usefulness for emergency signaling.
Alternative Hypothesis (H₁):
The low-cost, battery-powered personal safety alarm is effective in terms of
sound level, battery life, reliability, portability, ease of use, and overall
usefulness for emergency signaling.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study is significant as it aims to develop a low-cost, battery-powered
personal safety alarm that can support individuals during emergencies by
providing a simple way to attract attention. The findings of this research may
benefit the following:
Students and Commuters: The device may help improve personal safety by
offering a portable and easy-to-use emergency signaling tool.
Community: An affordable safety alarm can contribute to increased
awareness of personal protection and preparedness in emergency situations.
School and Educators: This study can serve as a reference for future research
projects related to electronics, safety devices, and practical technological
innovations.
Future Researchers: The results may provide baseline data that can guide
further improvements or inspire the development of more advanced and
reliable personal safety devices.
Researchers: Conducting this study enhances the researchers’ knowledge
and skills in design, construction, testing, and evaluation while promoting
innovative solutions to real-world concerns.
SCOPE AND DELIMITATIONS
This study focuses on the design, construction, and evaluation of a low-cost,
battery-powered personal safety alarm for emergency signaling. It examines
the device’s sound level, battery life, portability, ease of use, and overall
usefulness based on user feedback from a selected group of participants,
mainly students. The research is limited to the performance of the prototype
and does not compare it with commercial alarms or test advanced features
like GPS or mobile connectivity. Findings are based solely on the testing
conditions and responses collected during the study period.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Personal safety is important, especially for students and commuters who
may face unexpected dangers. Personal safety alarms are small, portable
devices that produce a loud sound to alert others and scare away potential
threats. According to Safety Technology (2025), most alarms produce 120–
140 decibels, loud enough to be heard from far away during emergencies.
Studies show that loud alarms can disorient attackers and give victims time
to escape. Cove Smart (2020) explains that alarms are effective because the
sudden sound draws attention and warns people nearby. Battery-powered
alarms are also practical because they are affordable, easy to carry, and
simple to use. [Link] (2012) notes that devices built with basic electronic
parts can be reliable without being expensive.
This study builds on these findings by designing and testing a low-cost
personal safety alarm, focusing on sound level, battery life, portability,