Frequently Asked Questions

Does SOS Technologies provide consistent, 24/7/365 emergency monitoring and response services?

Yes. SOS Technologies client hardware and connections are monitored 24/7/365. Our multiple redundancies ensure our systems are always online, functioning, and connected reliability to first responders in your area. This ensures we are always aggressively monitoring and engaging threats.
Our fully-supervised system is monitored by our skilled professional team at the SOS Technologies NOC (National Operations Center).

Can the SmartSOS™ platform integrate with existing security resources that my organization already has in place? (e.g., cameras, fire alarms, alarm systems)

Yes. SOS Technologies has an open back-end API. We regularly integrate with various third-party tools and services. (e.g., door-locking systems, cameras, public address systems, scrolling boards, message boards, incident response software, etc.)

Do fees for the SmartSOS platform include a monitoring charge?

Yes. Because the revolutionary SmartSOS platform requires complex, proprietary technologies to execute effectively, our end users are charged an annual monitoring fee. This allows SOS Technologies to maintain our direct connection with law enforcement dispatch and first responders through our Critical Incident Response Technology.

Does SOS Technologies offer platform training once a system is installed?

Yes. SOS Technologies provides full training and education for organizations that adopt our system. This is conducted prior to our platform going live and ensures you are able to receive the most value from our services to prevent violence, expedite response, engage threat, and unify technology.

How does SOS Technologies sell its SmartSOS platform and services?

SOS Technologies patented products and services are sold only through SOS Technologies.

Can the SmartSOS platform trigger alerts without requiring employees to install an application on their devices?

Yes. SmartSOS can trigger alerts without a digital application.

SOS Technologies believes that no tool is as effective in securing rapid, exceptional emergency response as physical hardware. Our wireless panic buttons and pendants are designed to run wirelessly from an independent power source. Through this independent operation, our platform avoids the technological and administrative hurdles that impede effective emergency response.

SOS Technologies recognizes that the needs of our customers are unique. We provide an optional companion application for Apple iPhone or Android devices for organizations seeking a tailored experience.

What types of alerts does the SmartSOS platform support?

We specialize in tailoring fully-customizable alert capabilities to meet the unique needs of our customers. Our SmartSOS platform ensures a rapid, relentless response for a variety of emergency alerts. These include, but are not limited to, active shooter, medical emergency, security alerts, severe weather, hazmat spills, and more.

Does the SmartSOS platform provide visual and audible alerts throughout the building?

Yes. The SmartSOS alert sirens and strobes provide visual and audible alerts to the interior and exterior of buildings. Depending on your needs, audible alerts can be silenced. We can also integrate with mass notification devices and public address systems.

Can the SmartSOS platform support unique audible, text, and visual alerts customized for their intended alert type?

Yes. The SmartSOS platform supports customizable audible, text, and visual alerts suited to announce specific incidents.

For example, an active shooter alert can be assigned a distinct sound, messaging, and color combination. A medical alert can be given a different combination. This is valuable since different first responders need to be notified depending on the type of incident.

Does the SmartSOS platform allow for an automatic alarm to local 911 dispatch centers?

Yes. Once the SmartSOS platform is activated, a direct, proprietary notification is sent to police dispatch and Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) within seconds. This message details the address of the endangered building and a description of the emergency type. This allows for the real-time transfer of information between the SmartSOS platform and first responders.

The SmartSOS platform removes the unnecessary technological and administrative burdens from the traditional emergency response process. This is achieved by bypassing the traditional 911 phone network to communicate more directly with dispatch. Additionally, law enforcement and first responders receive direct texts, email notifications, 3D mapping, and video paging containing critical information regarding the emergency event.

Does the SmartSOS platform provide indoor hardware-based geolocation for responders to locate medical emergencies?

Yes. SOS has a Medical Alert System. This system is specifically focused on Medical emergencies to aid First Responders, Staff Nurses, and designated CPR-trained employees. By receiving immediate notification of the medical emergency, the response time will be decreased to get to the victim and administer aid. All medical alert button stations and pendants are named to the exact location and personnel assigned.

Does the SmartSOS platform allow responders to utilize indoor hardware-based geolocation to locate employees with their pendants?

Yes, both button stations and mobile pendants are named to their exact location (library, cafeteria, etc.) or assigned employee. When the system is activated a link to the building floor plan will appear and identify exactly where the activation originated from. Additionally, upon receiving an alert from the SOS system, law enforcement and those under attack are immediately provided mission-critical information such as: floor plans, building schematics, aerial photographic views & optional live camera feeds. This intelligence allows those under attack to make informed decisions to ensure the survival of the attack. Updated alerts provide law enforcement with the route of travel of the attacker.

Does the SmartSOS platform allow for alert workflows be customized so that some may automatically alert police/medical, where other types of alerts would not?

Yes, The SOS alert workflows automatically alert police/medical upon activation. Other alerts can be programmed to only notify those within a specific location or building.

How does the SmartSOS platform prevent false positives? I am worried that an employee may accidentally hit a button or pendant and alert dispatch.

False alarm mitigation is built into the assembly of the devices. The Pendant button must be held down for two seconds so accidentally depressing the button will not activate the alert. The wall-mounted alert buttons have a protective cover, tamper siren, and a serialized safety tab to prevent accidental activation. The control station allows a false alarm notification to be sent to first responders and all other personnel entered into the system as requested by the customer.

Is the SmartSOS platform dependent upon existing network infrastructure, such as WiFi or local power?

No, the SmartSOS platform operates through an independent infrastructure but has dual path capability. Independent of any local network, our fully supervised 900Mhz enterprise network provides a 99.999999 redundancy platform for life safety.

What is the expected useful life of the SmartSOS platform infrastructure and hardware?

Indefinite. Exactly like your fire alarm pull station, the life of SmartSOS platform components is indefinite. Occasional maintenance is required. For example, monitored devices will require replacement batteries while the SOS Hub server will require firmware and operating system and software updates.

How do the SmartSOS platform trigger devices receive power? How long do the platform devices last?

As with the SmartSOS platform hardware, our pendants are battery-powered by monolithium batteries with a seven to ten year lifespan. In addition, an alert is sent to the SOS Technologies NOC if the battery declines in strength on any components or malfunctions due to vandalism or other functional issues. The trigger device is then provided a new battery.

Does the SmartSOS platform have a method to allow bystanders to report concerns or submit secure and anonymous safety alerts? This would help monitor and respond to at-risk individuals BEFORE they hurt themselves or others.

Yes. The SOS Technologies web app is built for accepting anonymous reports. Every SmartSOS platform user account recieves a unique URL for submitting reports. The reports are protected from spam with recaptcha.

Further, they are submitted to a designated employee or law enforcement representative email address.

Here is an example of some of the most common behaviors and incidents to report:

Assault
Abuse (physical, verbal)
Bullying or regular intimidation
Bragging about an upcoming planned attack
Depression, anxiety, or loss of self-control
Fighting
Gun Violence / Violence
Harassment
Hopelessness, excessive guilt, or worthlessness
Reckless behavior
Social isolation or withdrawal
Substance abuse
Suicide threats, cutting, or other self-harm
Theft
Threats
Weapons (use of and/or discussion about)

What support is provided with the SmartSOS platform?

SOS Technologies includes 5-year maintenance and monitoring contracts with each end-user sale.

What is the warranty on hardware and devices?

In the event that any part of the SOS Technology’s Equipment or System becomes defective and non-operational, or in the event that any repairs are required, Customer’s sole and exclusive remedy, and SOS Technology’s sole and exclusive liability, shall be repair and replacement of defective parts without costs to the Customer, for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of installation (the “Warranty Period”). In fulfillment of this warranty, SOS Technologies reserves the option to either replace or repair the defective parts, and reserves the right to substitute materials of equal quality at time of replacement, or to use reconditioned parts. The warranty does not cover any damage to the Equipment or the System caused by accident, misuse, attempted or unauthorized repair service, unauthorized intrusion to the premises, modification, removal or improper installation by anyone other than SOS Tech. This warranty does not include batteries, reprogramming, damage by lightning, electrical surge, wire or communication pathway interruption of service.

Does the SmartSOS platform integrate with other systems? (e.g., security cameras, automatic locks, etc.)

The SmartSOS platform has an open Application Programming Interface (API) and can integrate with access control/door locking systems, IP cameras, and more. If you have a unique integration, please notify your SOS Technologies engineer to perform a technical discovery to outline possible integration.

How does SmartSOS achieve exterior area coverage?

SOS Technologies pendants may be carried to exterior locations at covered locations to provide exterior area coverage. Our buttons may be installed externally as well. When activated, they alert first responders and activate mounted interior and exterior mounted sirens and strobes.

Does SOS Technologies manage large-scale installations outside of normal business hours?

Yes. If needed, SOS Technologies will conduct installations after normal hours and on weekends to expedite the installation and functionality of our system. Surcharges may apply.