Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What do I get when I sign up for CRS Notify?
All packages include free and unlimited IT support, free system updates, 25 text recipients, unlimited email recipients, automated voice call recipients, CRS Notify policy template, and much more!
Q. How long does it take to get up and running?
Usually minutes! We will do all the heavy lifting so you can get this project completed and move onto other projects. You will always have access to add any other panic buttons at any time. Tell us when you’re ready and we will do the work!
Q. Do you have to sign a contract?
There are no contracts or hidden obligations of any kind. CRS Notify is a monthly subscription that can be paid for month-by-month or annually.
Q. I just want a simple panic button on one computer, would CRS Notify fit?
Yes! CRS Notify fits whether you want a simple computer-based panic button or a complete alert and communication system!
Q. What is a low level alert?
A low level alert is when you have a situation that may only require a few people to be made aware. For example, a receptionist who feels uncomfortable with a patron may want to alert and bring it to the attention of other employee’s.
Q. What is a high level alert?
A high level alert is when you have a situation that requires attention from all staff members and responders. This would require an immediate response from all parties involved to quickly respond and resolve.
Q. How will we know if it’s a high level or low level alert?
The alert level will be broadcasted at the beginning of each alert.
Q. How do we decide who gets these alerts?
In the management portal, you will be able to decide what users get what level alert, or both. The alert levels can be distinguished for all users, text, email, and voice call recipients.
Q. Do I have to purchase any other programs or equipment to get CRS Notify operational?
No! There is no need to purchase a server and there is no hidden cost.
Q. Do you need a physical button to raise an alert?
No! By default you can raise an alert using your computer mouse. We do offer optional hardware buttons both stationary and wireless. They come preconfigured and ready to use.
Q. Will the alert room appear if we want to discreetly prompt an alert?
The alert room window can be easily adjusted to where it won’t appear if you prompt an alert using the hardware button.
Q. Do we have to use a specific hardware button?
Although CRS Notify will work with most hardware buttons, we will only support hardware buttons purchased through CRS. All buttons come tested and ready to work with CRS Notify. You can have as many hardware buttons as needed.
Q. Why should I choose CRS Notify over a traditional panic button offered through my alarm company?
The flaws of the traditional panic button are the main reason CRS was started! Traditional panic buttons can take several minutes to notify first responders. We even found that some traditional panic buttons fail to notify first responders due to an unknown malfunction. CRS Notify has taken those minutes down to just seconds! We even offer confirmation the alert went through via automated voice call and/or computer!
Q. Is CRS Notify similar to the Blackboard system commonly used by school systems?
No. The Blackboard system is a remarkable system used to notify schools of administrative information. CRS Notify has similar features, but is geared more for emergencies that require a rapid response.
Q. What if I want CRS Notify in all my computers, but I don’t want everyone to have the ability to initiate an alert?
No problem! We have user and viewer security rights for CRS Notify! Users have the ability to initiate an alert, receive an alert, and comment into an active alert. Viewers only have the ability to receive an alert, and comment into an active alert. You can assign individual security privileges.
Q. What happens when an alert is raised?
A lot happens simultaneously when an alert is raised! It notifies all the computers (with the program) at your facility, sends a text and email message to all recipients you have listed, and it makes two automated voice calls to whatever telephone number you have in the system. Then an alert chat room opens on all computers where all users and viewers can enter in relevant information for everyone else to see. Text and email recipients receive additional messages on any information entered into the alert chat room.
Q. What information is sent out on alerts?
All recipients receive the alert topic (if there is one), the locations name, address, and who initiated the alert as well as their room or office number. The alert room also displays confirmation the alert was sent out to connected locations and that the automated voice calls were made. Each comment into the alert room identifies the persons’ name, address, and room or office number.
Q. What does a connected location mean?
A connected location means that you can connect with any other location using the system to share alerts of mutual interest. Both locations must approve the connection for the connection to be complete. For example, you can connect your school with your central office, local first responder agency, neighboring facility, or any other location. So if you are connected with your central office and first responder agency and an incident happens at your location, your connected locations computers, and text and email recipients would also receive the alert. On an active alert, your location and your connected locations would enter the same alert room for centralized and streamlined communication.
Q. Should I write a policy on the use of CRS Notify?
We strongly recommend you have a policy in place. You will have access to our free fill-in policy for CRS Notify when you sign up!
Q. What are the system requirements to run CRS Notify?
CRS Notify can operate on any Internet-connected computer capable of running Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3 or later and Mac OSX.