Any experience with Life Alert

[newbury]

And of course if your in a lead lined freezer, or deep in my metal shed, no signal gets in or out

 

[Sigarms]

The key being, from what I read, is that your phone has a SIM card (over my head, don't ask LOL)

 

[Sigarms]

"One thing I did find out that I wasn't aware of. Apparently if you have a "working" cell phone, ALL 911 calls will go through even if you have NO signal."
not entirely true the way it is worded, 911 calls will go through if you do not have a current contract or prepaid phone. NO cell signal nothing goes through, physically impossible. unless it is a satellite phone it must be in range of a tower.
The video came in after my message, my message is still correct you need a signal even if it is weak. A very good video with valuable information.

A decent read

Prof. Hike: This Post Might Save Your Life | Backpacker Magazine

I will agree on a satellite phone, but as I understand it, no "medical alert" company offers a "true" satellite phone.

 

[lockhaven]

And of course if your in a lead lined freezer, or deep in my metal shed, no signal gets in or out

Or if you are in North Central Pennsylvania either on a mountain of have one between you and the towers. Cell phones and emergency gadgets that use them do not work. And I am sure many other places exist with the same condition. Since the majority of people live in residential areas the cell companies do not concern themselves with those not along highways. My Texas cousin told me he had coverage anywhere in the United States so I guess Haneyville is not in the US because his phone was as useless as a teats on a boar hog from my porch.

 

[/pine]

FWIW...the latest issue of Consumer Reports evaluates Emergency alert systems...

 

[Sigarms]

FWIW...the latest issue of Consumer Reports evaluates Emergency alert systems...

Thanks, but...

I've been in the HVAC industry for the last 20 years. I'm not sure how consumer reports evaluates emergency alert systems, but for evauluating HVAC equipment, they (consumer reports) have no clue what they're writing about. I'm still scratching my head how they rated one "manufacturer" first, and yet another "manufacturer" last, when the only difference betweent the two EXACT same pieces of equipment was they had different "manufacturers" names on the brand label, but they were made on the SAME assembly line (and I saw the assembly line myself with both brands in the warehouse).

 

[Sigarms]

Or if you are in North Central Pennsylvania either on a mountain of have one between you and the towers. Cell phones and emergency gadgets that use them do not work. And I am sure many other places exist with the same condition. Since the majority of people live in residential areas the cell companies do not concern themselves with those not along highways. My Texas cousin told me he had coverage anywhere in the United States so I guess Haneyville is not in the US because his phone was as useless as a teats on a boar hog from my porch.

When I lived south of Erie and we (parents to visit or other way around) would drive I-80 that could of concearned me, but dad only drives out to Jonestown on the turnpike now.

I use to hate that LONG drive on I-80 between I-79 and I-81, particularly in winter for the Christmas holidays.

 

[lockhaven]

As long as a person stays along major highways or remains in metropolitan areas the technology is fantastic. I am currently 20 minutes from any cell coverage

 

[/pine]

Thanks, but...

I've been in the HVAC industry for the last 20 years. I'm not sure how consumer reports evaluates emergency alert systems, but for evauluating HVAC equipment, they (consumer reports) have no clue what they're writing about. I'm still scratching my head how they rated one "manufacturer" first, and yet another "manufacturer" last, when the only difference betweent the two EXACT same pieces of equipment was they had different "manufacturers" names on the brand label, but they were made on the SAME assembly line (and I saw the assembly line myself with both brands in the warehouse).

You should write them...I would love to see what they say...

 

[Sigarms]

I know of at least two manufacturers from first hand experience who have, and the answer has been the same on both occasions. No response.

The issue with a split HVAC system is that there are too many variables that need to be controlled during installation which can affect both system performance and reliability. What's more important that any equipment name is the contractor who is installing it.

For some reason, consumer reports can't figure that out, nor due they list the conditions and variables in which the equipment was installed. Because of their lack of knowledge in this industry, I'm not so sure where else they're lacking when they review other products.

 

[dmccarty]

Thanks, but...

I've been in the HVAC industry for the last 20 years. I'm not sure how consumer reports evaluates emergency alert systems, but for evauluating HVAC equipment, they (consumer reports) have no clue what they're writing about. I'm still scratching my head how they rated one "manufacturer" first, and yet another "manufacturer" last, when the only difference betweent the two EXACT same pieces of equipment was they had different "manufacturers" names on the brand label, but they were made on the SAME assembly line (and I saw the assembly line myself with both brands in the warehouse).

I take what CR says with a box of salt. Back in the 80's they rated a Japanese car better, much better in fact, than two American cars. The three cars were the same with only slight trim and badge differences. The Japanese car and one American car were made in the same factory in Normal ILL, yet the Japanese car was rated much better than the US car. :shocked: Hmmmmmm.......

Later,
Dan

 

[Sigarms]

I take what CR says with a box of salt. Back in the 80's they rated a Japanese car better, much better in fact, than two American cars. The three cars were the same with only slight trim and badge differences. The Japanese car and one American car were made in the same factory in Normal ILL, yet the Japanese car was rated much better than the US car. :shocked: Hmmmmmm.......

Later,
Dan

Well, it's nice to see that they don't just have the same issue with only the HVAC industry

On a sidenote, CR has done this numerous time with HVAC equipment. The last time I looked (which I don't do very often) they rated a "brand name" oil furnace over a "lesser name" oil furnace, the only problem was both oil furnaces were produced at the same factory using the same parts, just a different cabinet color and label on the side LOL (it was actually the "lesser name" brand that made the "brand name" of all things).

They lost all credibility in my own eyes when they wouldn't answer the manufacturers questions on how they actually rated the equipment.

 

[sodamo]

A bit late to the discussion, but...
MIL is turning 85, lives alone in NJ, we are in HI, closest relative is a grandson with own problems and still 30 minutes away depending on traffic. While we haven't given up on her relocating either here or nearer another of her kids, chances are slim to none barring something major.
So last year we decided on a multi prong approach.
We replaced her older cell phone with an iPhone 5. Being non tech and no wifi is a challenge, but now she can FaceTime which really helps her overcome her hearing.
I also have her phone on Find My Friends so I can see where she is. Challenge is keeping it charged, but if my wife calls the cell and no answer, she immediately calls on the landline and asks about the phone. Most times, it is just in her purse so doesn't hear it..
Also went with Great Call, both the pendant and iPhone app. Pendant is good for around the house and she wears it around her neck. The app gives same coverage when out of the house and has her cell. Costs just under $40 per month to have the double coverage (not counting the cell itself, which is on my account also). The Great Call pendant and app are registered in my name, so I'm responsible for them but when eventually comes to pass I can just reuse them.
Not perfect solutions, but gives wife and family more peace of mind.

David Sent from my iPad Air using TractorByNet

 

[Sigarms]

I can understand my dad not wanting to come down ti NC due to the hot weather (for Christmas, he did say he would spend at least a couple of months with us), but turning down Hawaii?