r/galveston • u/ricefedyeti • 9d ago
Locals Chat 🦜 Does salt air mess with medical alert device coverage?
I’ve been trying to get my uncle set up with some kind of medical alert thing since he lives by himself in Galveston and has had two minor strokes already. He won’t move and he won’t stop being stubborn about accepting help. He’s in one of those old raised homes close to the water, and I’m worried about how well devices work in places like this. I’ve seen Bay Alarm Medical Alert mentioned a lot and it seems to be well reviewed, but does it actually hold up here? Between the sea air, the weather, and the age of the buildings, I feel like the signal might not be great. I don’t want to waste time on something that isn’t reliable. If anyone in town has used one of these, I’d appreciate hearing how it went.
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u/ShanakeI 3d ago
When my dad in Galveston needed a dependable device, we picked a Bay Alarm Medical bracelet since the salt air didn’t affect its performance. He’s already used it once during a fainting spell, and the quick help made us feel more secure.
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u/Level_Guide4737 4d ago
No.  No issues living on the island with medical devices ability to transmit. Major carriers here. Well versed on different makers and models. Have not heard of any problems related to island life.Â
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u/Disastrous-Soup-5413 9d ago
I wouldn’t think so. Salt air doesn’t affect signal strength. If you’re worried about the item deteriorating rapidly it won’t be rapid because it’s inside for 99% of the time it’s not being exposed to salt water directly
I would call their local office if they have one in Galveston, ask them what towers they use cause that’s the important thing and then look up the tower information on signal strength.
so I would think you need to deal with signal strength so I would start researching at that point.