Items to keep students safe at college

Wearsafe tag

The Wearsafe tag allows its user to call out to friends and family by way of a cell phone--without actually using the phone. Once pressed, the Wearsafe tag sends constant audio through the tag holder's phone--even capturing and saving audio from a full minute before the tag has been activated--giving anyone connected to the user's phone (by an app) an idea of what is happening, and how to respond. All those connected to the Wearsafe user's phone can also share in a live chat room, so everyone linked will know if a response has been sent, what sort of response and where everyone in the room is located. As for the tag, it silently vibrates once an alert is sent, and again once a response has been placed. Tags are $149.99, which includes the tag itself and a lifetime subscription to Wearsafe service; for more information visit wearsafe.com. (Be sure and read the Terms of Service in relation to possible cancellation or non-return of device fees.)

Vigilant personal alarm with backup whistle

Designed to look like a car alarm fob, the Vigilant 130dB personal alarm emits a 130-decibel alarm at the push of a button. To give you an idea of how loud that is, a Purdue University report says it's the volume of a military jet aircraft taking off from an aircraft carrier with an afterburner at 50 feet. Last we checked, no one (a student or otherwise) can yell that loudly (the average scream registers roughly 90 decibels), so this alarm promises to summon the neighbors. And that volume can also be painful to the ears of those in the vicinity. In addition, there's a built-in backup whistle for use in case the battery dies. Available in red, pink and black. ($14.99 at amazon.com)

invisaWear Silver Expandable Bracelet

Working in conjunction with a free app, invisaWear says its bracelet "could save your life." The charm on this sterling silver expandable bracelet operates as an "SOS" button. After downloading the app, add five people to a list of emergency contacts. In the case of an emergency, double press the back of the bracelet's charm and a message with the wearer's GPS location will be send to the five people on the emergency contact list to let them know the help is needed. The app also gives wearers the option to share their location with 9-1-1 emergency dispatchers when the button is pressed. The button's battery lasts between one to two years, and can be easily replaced. ($129,  invisawear.com)

B A S U eAlarm+

Delivering a 130-decibel alarm when its pin is pulled (the equivalent of a thunderclap), the B A S U eAlarm+ siren will sound nonstop for a half-hour (unless its pin is returned to the port) The device weighs less than an ounce, has a battery life of a year, and attaches to backpacks, lanyards and keychains. ($19.99) ; more information and purchase at basu.com.

Tile Pro

Whether its attached to a backpack or a laptop case, or it's slipped inside a coat pocket, the Tile Pro is a battery-powered tracker that helps students keep track of their belongings. After purchasig Tile Pro, download the Tile app and connect it to the device. The app will automatically begin tracking the device it's connected to using a bluetooth. If the item users connected the Tile to is lost, they can open the app, which shows where the Tile is on a map. There is also an option to make the Tile ring through the app. Additionally, if users lose their phone and have their Tile, they can press the device to make their phone ring, even if its on silent. The Tile Pro's battery lasts for one year, and is replaceable. ($35, thetileapp.com)

Kensington NanoSaver Combination Laptop

Preventing laptop and tablet theft, this lock attaches to the smaller ports on thinner devices like Apple's MacBook Air laptop or Samsung's Galaxy Tab A. One end of the lock attaches to the device and the other end anchors to any table or chair leg. The lock features a keyless four-number combination, and its cable is cut-resistant. The lock's combination is also resettable incase a code is forgotten. ($29.99,  kensington.com)

Compact safe

This 0.5-cubic-foot, solid steel SentrySafe (model P005C) is perfect for securing small valuables, such as jewelry, cellphones, wallets, keys, MP3 players, credit cards and cash. The 3 digit mechanical lock is programmable with a code of your choosing, and the steel-tethering cable can't be easily cut. It measures 6" x 8" x 2.5 " and weighs three pounds. (starting new from $26.60 at amazon.com)

BlingSting Pepper Spray

Created by a mother and daughter team "whose love for anything cute and sparkly got them thinking that maybe if women had cute choices for personal safety items they would be more likely to keep them handy," this bedazzled can of pepper spray on a clip-on chain is both fashionable and fierce. Attach it to a purse strap, gym bag or key chain, where it will be at the ready in the unfortunate circumstance when it might be needed. Available in eight colors and refillable. ($24.99 at blingsting.com)
*Check with local ordinances, as pepper spray is regulated in some towns and states.

Doorstop alarm

Powered by a 9-volt battery, the GE personal security doorstop alarm emits 120 decibels of sound when pressure from an opening door is applied. Simply slip it under the door, flip the on/off switch to activate, and sleep peacefully knowing you'll be awakened in the event of a forced entry. ($16.45 at homedepot.com)

Revolar

The Revolar tag not only allows its users to reach out with a signal for help, but the device holder can send a yellow alert (signifying there is problem potential, and that connecting with contacts is necessary) or a red alert (immediate help is required)--with both alerts featuring a text message that includes an active GPS link. Water-resistant, it uses a battery with a year-long life, is less than 2 inches in length and can be hidden under clothing or attached to a keychain. ($39.99 at revolar.com )