PURPOSE: To provide an abnormality monitoring device which is capable of recording the image before the detection of an abnormal phenomenon and the image while a VTR is practically started after the detection of an abnormality.

CONSTITUTION: Based on the video signal from a video camera, image data is taken out in a synchronizing separator circuit 1. An address counter 3, a field space setting circuit 5 and a field segment setting circuit 6 prepare the writing address timing of a laminated memory 4 for image data and stores the image data in a laminated memory for normal image data. When an abnormal phenomenon detection circuit 2 detects an abnormal phenomenon, a start/ stop control circuit 8 operates and stops the recording of images after fixed time or at a point of time when an abnormality is extinguished. With this fixed time, a VTR 7 is started and records the subsequent data. After the abnormal phenomenon is eliminated, a data transfer circuit 9 transfers the contents of the laminated memory 4 for image data to a storage device 10.