Q: What is a geofence?

A: A geofence is a virtual “fence” drawn around a geographical area.

Q: How many geofences can an organization create?

A: As many as needed. Most organizations create the main geofence encompassing the entire campus and then create additional geofences around buildings, parking lots, sport fields, etc. located within the main geofence. Each geofence is named by the organization based on what the area represents. During an emergency, responders will be able to determine the geofence of a checked-in user.

Q: How does PunchAlert use a geofence during an emergency?

A: PunchAlert uses the geofence to determine where the emergency alert is sent. The area within the geofence is considered “protected” in that when an emergency alert is sent while in the geofence it goes directly to the organization’s responders/safety team.

Q: Where does the emergency alert go if you are not in the organization’s geofence?

A: PunchAlert is designed to always get the emergency alert to the nearest responders. If you are in a geofence then it will go to the responders associated with that geofence. If you are not in a geofence, it will prompt you to dial 911, text-to-911, or use 911+. All of these are aimed to get you to the nearest official responder.