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In an emergency, timing is everything. What if a resident collapses on the pickleball court, suspicious activity is spotted near your property, or a crisis unfolds when you least expect it? The traditional safety net of gates, guards, and cameras falls short without one critical element: immediate, reliable communication.

In this week’s episode of Take It To The Board, host Donna DiMaggio Berger talks with Geno Roefaro, the CEO of SaferWatch, a cutting-edge safety app transforming how residential communities respond to emergencies. Developed in the aftermath of national tragedies like the Pulse nightclub and Parkland School shootings, this innovative platform functions as a digital panic button connecting users directly to local law enforcement while simultaneously alerting the entire community as a disaster unfolds. Unlike group texts or emails that might go unnoticed, SaferWatch delivers unmistakable alerts demanding immediate attention.

Donna and Geno discuss the practical, legal and even emotional implications of using technology to enhance safety where it counts most-in our homes. Customizable for each community's needs, SaferWatch addresses everything from severe weather or medical emergencies to suspicious activities, providing not just immediate response capabilities but also valuable data management tools for tracking incidents and improving security measures over time.

If you're a board member, manager or resident concerned about community security, you won't want to miss this conversation

Conversation Highlights:

• Key differences between SaferWatch and consumer security apps like Ring and Nest
• Integrating SaferWatch with existing security infrastructure like cameras, gate systems, and smart building technologies
• What successful SaferWatch implementation looks like in a large residential building (e.g., 300 units)
• Addressing privacy and data protection concerns associated with the platform
• Personal inspiration behind SaferWatch, including the impact of the Parkland shooting
• How the app has evolved from use in large public venues to serving residential communities like condos and HOAs
• SaferWatch’s role beyond safety threats, including medical emergencies like cardiac events and drownings
• Strategies for balancing frequent alerts with preventing notification fatigue among residents
• Advice for associations exploring this type of technology, especially when dealing with skepticism or budget limitations

BONUS: Donna describes alligator sightings in her HOA community

Related Links:

• Resource: SaferWatch Website
• Podcast: Eyes Everywhere – Understanding Community Surveillance Options with Louis DiGioia of IC Real Time