FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Apr 25 2016

Media Contact: Molly Antos
Email: media@punchalert.com

YMCA of Greater Charlotte Activates Mobile Emergency Communication Platform at all Locations Following Success in Initial Test Location

CHARLOTTE, NC, Apr 25 2016 –

Today, Punch Technologies announced that all Charlotte, NC YMCA locations are employing Punch Alert technology as a result of a successful test run in the YMCA’s Dowd location. Punch Alert is the only all-in-one, mobile emergency communication platform created to keep public spaces safe and allow instant communication for responders.

“Punch Technologies is excited to announce our official partnership with the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.” said Greg Artzt, CEO of Punch Technologies. “We look forward to bringing our safety technology to all the YMCA locations in Charlotte to keep their staff and members safe. The YMCA is a perfect example of how an organization can use Punch Alert to create a fully integrated community of safety that engages the internal responders of the organization, employees, members, and official responders.”

The Charlotte association of the YMCA initiated a single-location test run of the Punch Alert technology at their Dowd branch in October 2015. After success and positive feedback from staff using the technology, the YMCA signed onto an annual contract for 23 Y locations. In the coming months, the branches plan to give every employee access to the safety platform and every member access by 2017.

The Y has also given access to thePunch Alert platform to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department for quicker response to emergencies as reported.

“Keeping our staff and members safe at all times is a top priority for the YMCA,” said Kimberly Conroy, Risk Manager for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. “The success our Dowd branch saw during the pilot served as proof that all of our locationscould greatly benefit from utilizing the technology and we are excited to officially launch Punch Alert in additional locations.”

Punch Alert provides security by including a panic button that, once pressed, alerts emergency responders of a potentially life-threatening situation. Responders then have the ability to release emergency information to others when appropriate, involving them collaboratively in the response process. Punch Alert streamlines communication by enabling users to submit information and emergency responders to deliver mass updates during emergencies. Punch Alert also, through its use of GPS and iBeacon/Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, provides location awareness by capturing the location of the initial report and actively monitoring the location of all community members until the emergency is resolved. It is an all-in-one mobile response tool for emergency situations.

About Punch Technologies

Punch Technologies is a mobile software company based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are the creators of the Punch Alert mobile security and communication platform. The Punch Alert Platform is the only all-in-one emergency communication platform leveraging both GPS and iBeacon location technology.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb 16 2016

Media Contact: Molly Antos
Email: media@punchalert.com

Punch Technologies today introduces PAL, the first mobile app to help users crowd source safety for a wide scope of situations.

CHARLOTTE, NC, Feb 16 2016 –

Punch Technologies today introduces PAL, the first mobile app to help users crowd source safety for a wide scope of situations. This technology provides new functionality to the previously released Punch Alert app.

The first safety app to focus on the responder’s needs, Punch Alert turns any iOS or Android device into a mobile emergency solution. Users report emergencies or suspicious situations to preselected responders with text notes, images, video or audio recordings. Responders can crowd source this information, and redistribute warnings and announcements to the entire community as one mass notification. Instantly after an emergency is reported, responders receive an email, text message and automated phone call with the name and location of the person reporting the emergency. Responders can screen emergencies as they come in, release them to specific users, distribute emergency plans, communicate with other responders, share content and updates with anyone necessary and completely resolve the emergency – all from a mobile device.

Housed within the Punch Alert app, PAL users have the option of pushing a red or blue button. Red allows users to give or receive help from other PAL users in the area. After pressing the red button, users categorize the help request and wait for PALs to accept and respond. Once help is on the way, users can chat with the PALs coming to help to provide further information or instructions. After the interaction is resolved, the user can rate the PAL helper for future interactions. Any PAL can accept or dismiss help requests in the vicinity and report inappropriate PAL requests. Situations where the red button might be of use include:

• feeling threatened or trapped
• domestic abuse
• running out of gas
• any emergency where the ten minute wait for 911 is too long

The blue button allows users post and view safety tips in the area. Users press the blue button, categorize the post and post comments or photos to help describe the situation. All tips are displayed on a map to keep PALs in the area up to date and informed. Situations where the blue button might be of use include:

• a suspicious person or activity
• a dangerous animal
• weather problems
• hazardous material
• ice on the road

Both apps are free, though PAL will initially only be available for iOS, whereas Punch alert is available for both iOS and Android. At launch, PAL will be available on an invite-only basis. Visit joinpal.co to sign up for product updates.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug 21 2015
Media Contact: Molly Antos
Email: media@punchalert.com

Available in October, now on iOS and Android, Punch Alert 4.0 and PAL, is Available Free to Everyone. Anyone Can be a PAL and Help Make their Community a Safer Place

CHARLOTTE, NC, Aug 21 2015 –

Punch Technologies will launch in October its new and improved Punch Alert 4.0 — the only app that connects the full chain of safety communications — available soon on iOS and Android. The app will be free for any individual and available to the public.

Punch Alert 4.0 will also include Punch Alert Local (PAL) — an opt-in community safety program within the Punch Alert mobile application.  Users of Punch Alert can decide whether or not they want to be a “PAL.”  By pressing the panic button, users of PAL can  alert not only 911 or other designated responders but any PAL in close proximity. They will also be able to chat, post and receive tips and view announcements for the purpose of making their community a safer place.

“Now, the general public can play an active role in their community’s safety,” said Greg Artzt, CEO of Punch Technologies. “PALs are not expected to be responders in risking their lives to help others in need.  They can make a decision at the moment of incident whether or not they can help.  Often, people simply walking nearby, knocking on a door, or making a loud noise can deter or stop a personal crime such as a rape or other abuse. PAL is like a mobile version of community watch.  There is safety in numbers, and with the PAL program we envision a world where we are never truly alone.”

Punch Alert is the only universal panic button developed for mobile emergency management. Punch Alert uses smart communication technology to inform and notify responders.  It provides essentials tools to help local authorities assess the situation and take necessary action. Its real-time location tracking — GPS for outdoor location monitoring and iBeacon for indoor positioning — is essential in managing an emergency.

“Our goal is to help make the world a safer place by minimizing response times so drastically that most crimes and crises will be deterred or prevented,” said Artzt. “This new version of Punch Alert and the PAL community offers a safety platform like no other.  There’s no app that gets you help faster.”

Go to joinpal.co to sign up for early access to the PAL community.

For more information on Punch Alert, visit:www.punchalert.com, or go to vimeo.com/104136990

About Punch Technologies

Punch Technologies is a Charlotte, North Carolina-based mobile software company and creator of the Punch Alert mobile security and communication platform. The Punch Alert Platform is the only all-in-one mass emergency communication platform that leverages both GPS and iBeacon location technology. Punch Alert is designed specifically for any school, university, public or corporate entity that needs to protect and send notifications to its employees, students, residents, or community.

For more information visit www.punchalert.com, or follow Punch on Twitter @PunchTech.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jul 28 2015

Media Contact: Molly Antos
Email: media@punchalert.com

Five Districts Implement Punch Alert — the Only All-in-One Mobile Emergency Com-munication Platform — to Protect and Connect 16 Schools

CHARLOTTE, NC, Jul 28 2015 – Five Franklin County School Districts in Maine are the latest to team up with Punch Technologies and launch Punch Alert — the only all-in-one mobile emergency communication platform — across 16 schools — and all of the county’s official responder groups (police, fire, emergency management and state police).

“We feel very fortunate that our County is going with the Punch Alert System,” said Dr. Thomas Ward, Superintendent of Schools, Mt. Blue Regional School District. “This is a great collaborative effort between schools, law enforcement and all first responders. Anything we can do to reduce the time it takes to stop an intruder saves lives.”

Franklin County secured a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant which made the implementation of Punch Alert possible.

Punch Alert improves security by including a panic button that, once pressed, alerts emergency responders of a potentially life-threatening situation. Responders then have the ability to release emergency information to others on campus when appropriate, in-volving them collaboratively in the response process.

It streamlines communication by enabling faculty, staff, and students to submit infor-mation and emergency responders to deliver mass updates during emergencies. Punch Alert also, through its use of GPS and iBeacon/Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, provides location awareness by capturing the location of the initial report and actively monitoring the location of all faculty and staff until the emergency is resolved.

“Punch Alert was uniquely created to help schools and universities with their emergency management,” said Greg Artzt, CEO of Punch Technologies. “Punch Alert is the perfect security solution for the Franklin County School Districts, and it will enhance the coun-ty’s existing school security measures.”

Punch Alert is also being utilized by schools nationwide including those in: Arizona, Florida, New York, North Carolina and Ohio.

For more information on Punch Alert, visit: www.punchalert.com, or go to https:/vimeo.com/104136990

About Punch Technologies Punch Technologies is a Charlotte, North Carolina-based mobile software company and creator of the Punch Alert mobile security and communication platform. The Punch Alert Platform is the only all-in-one mass emergency communication platform that leverages both GPS and iBeacon location technology. Punch Alert is designed specifically for any school, university, public or corporate entity that needs to protect and send notifications to its employees, students, residents, or community.

For more information visit punchalert.com, or follow Punch on Twitter @PunchTech.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jul 22 2015

Media Contact: Molly Antos
Email: media@punchalert.com

Hickory District Joins Schools Nationwide as They Implement Punch Alert — the Only All-in-One Mobile Emergency Communication Platform — to Protect and Connect Their Campuses

CHARLOTTE, NC, Jul 22 2015 – The Hickory Public School District in North Carolina is now using Punch Technologies’ Punch Alert emergency communication platform to protect and connect their public schools and district office — ten locations in total.

Hickory is the latest school district to begin working with Punch Technologies and im-plement Punch Alert which is the only all-in-one, mobile emergency communication plat-form uniquely created to help schools and universities streamline their emergency man-agement.

“During a tornado warning last year, we learned how beneficial it would have been to be able to communicate with all staff at one time rather than make many phone calls. Hav-ing the ability to communicate with everyone at once will enhance our safety procedures for all of our staff and students,” said Angela Simmons, director of student services at the Hickory Public School District. “Everyone will have the same information and know exactly what to do to keep their students safe.”

Punch Alert improves security by including a panic button that, once pressed, alerts emergency responders of a potentially life-threatening situation. Responders then have the ability to release emergency information to others on campus when appropriate, in-volving them collaboratively in the response process.

Punch Alert streamlines communication by enabling faculty, staff, and students to sub-mit information and emergency responders to deliver mass updates during emergen-cies. Punch Alert also, through its use of GPS and iBeacon/Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, provides location awareness by capturing the location of the initial report and actively monitoring the location of all faculty and staff until the emergency is re-solved.

“School security is a significant concern in this day and age. And, being a parent my-self, I know how crucial it is to know that your child’s school district is doing everything to create and maintain a safe environment,” said Greg Artzt, CEO of Punch Technolo-gies. “Punch Alert was created with this concern in mind. It relies on the most relevant, smart communication, along with emergency management and real-time location awareness, making it ideal for protecting a school campus.”

Punch Alert is also being utilized by Providence Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina as well as with many schools and districts across the country including those in: Arizo-na, Florida, Maine, New York and Ohio. For more information on Punch Alert, visit: www.punchalert.com, or go to https:/vimeo.com/104136990

About Punch Technologies Punch Technologies is a Charlotte, North Carolina-based mobile software company and creator of the Punch Alert mobile security and communication platform. The Punch Alert Platform is the only all-in-one mass emergency communication platform that leverages both GPS and iBeacon location technology. Punch Alert is designed specifically for any school, university, public or corporate entity that needs to protect and send notifications to its employees, students, residents, or community.

For more information visit www.punchalert.com, or follow Punch on Twitter @PunchTech.