Israeli Woman Develops Personal Alarm Device to Deter Attackers
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Sarit Sterlitz, 20, and Liron Revivo, 21, developed "Safely," a personal alarm device that emits a loud siren, flashlight, and sends distress signals with location data to emergency contacts. The device was inspired by Sterlitz's personal fear of walking alone and aims to deter attackers and make women feel safer. "Safely" costs 249 shekels, has sold thousands of units, and the developers are planning international expansion.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Sarit Sterlitz and Liron Revivo developed the "Safely" personal alarm device to deter attackers.
- The device emits a 130-decibel siren, a blinding flashlight, and sends distress signals.
- "Safely" connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth to alert emergency contacts and police.
- The device was inspired by Sterlitz's personal fear of walking alone at night.
- The developers self-funded the project and are planning to expand into the U.S. market.
Sarit Sterlitz, a 20-year-old from Ashdod, developed a compact personal alarm device called "Safely" after experiencing fear while walking alone at night. The device, designed to deter potential attackers and alert authorities, was presented by Sterlitz and her partner, Liron Revivo, 21, at the Israeli High-Tech Week. The inspiration for "Safely" came from Sterlitz's own feelings of insecurity, particularly when visiting Revivo in East Jerusalem. She found existing self-defense options like pepper spray and stun guns impractical and potentially dangerous to the user. "Safely" attaches to a keychain and, when activated by pulling a pin, emits a 130-decibel siren and a blinding flashlight. Crucially, it also connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth to send distress messages and location data to pre-selected emergency contacts or the police. A silent mode is also available, activating the alert and location features without sound or light.
The device, which costs 249 shekels, is primarily sold through the "SafeGirl" website and has already sold several thousand units. Sterlitz shared stories of women who successfully escaped harassment using the device, while others found comfort from the mere presence of the device in their bag. Sterlitz and Revivo self-funded the project through savings from waitressing jobs and handled the development and initial marketing themselves. Due to the lack of local manufacturing facilities for such devices, they contracted an overseas factory to produce "Safely" exclusively for them. Revivo, who studied electrical engineering and computer science, is currently working with the factory on software updates to add features like photo and voice recording. The duo is also planning to expand into the American market.
Sterlitz's ultimate goal is to ensure women can move freely and without fear at all hours. "My main goal is that every woman has something to protect her, that she doesn't have to walk in fear and anxiety when she goes down the street," she stated. "That we all be safe."