Find answers to some frequently asked questions about the Genasys Protect platform.
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TROUBLESHOOTING & KNOWN LIMITATIONS
GENERAL
What is Genasys Protect?
Genasys Protect is a mobile and web-based public safety platform that delivers real-time emergency information. It provides map-based awareness, push notifications, and location-specific updates to help communities stay safe.
Do I need to create an account to use Genasys Protect?
No login or account is required. You can access alerts, save locations, and receive push notifications without signing up.
SAVED LOCATIONS
Can I save addresses for quick access?
In the mobile app, yes. You can save up to 10 addresses, each with a unique name.
What happens if I try to save more than 10 addresses?
You'll be prompted to replace one of your existing saved addresses.
Can I save an address by tapping the map?
Yes. Tap on the map or manually enter an address to save it.
What if my address is near another saved one?
If it's within 500 meters of a saved location, you'll get a proximity warning and can choose to continue or cancel.
ALERTS
How do I receive alerts?
Alerts are triggered from the mobile app based on your current location (if enabled) and any saved addresses. You'll only see alerts if your location falls inside the alert area. Alerts are not supported from the web browser version of the platform.
What types of alerts are supported?
- Alerts from the Genasys ALERT emergency messaging system (polygon-based alerts only)
- Alerts from Genasys EVAC (zone-based evacuation alerts)
Both types of alerts display the title, message, timestamp, and a map image.
How many alerts will I see?
You can see active alerts in the map by manually looking around, or view all alerts in the Activity List. Active alerts can be filtered by location using the search bar at the top, and can be sorted by Latest, Nearest, or County.
Can I see past alerts?
Yes. The Activity List feature on the left side menu of the website includes an Inactive section, where you can view past activity. This list can be filtered by location, zone ID, zone status, date, and criticality. The Inactive section includes data up to 18 months old.
Can I delete alerts?
No. Alerts cannot be manually deleted from the Activity List. Expired alerts from the app will automatically disappear from your phone's notification list.
How is "critical" defined in the Activity List?
- For activity from Genasys ALERT, criticality is determined by the public safety organization that created the alert.
- For activity from Genasys EVAC, criticality is based on zone status. Statuses that indicate a direct threat to life or safety (Evacuation Order, Shelter In Place, etc.) are determined to be critical.
PUSH NOTIFICATIONS
What alerts trigger a push notification?
You'll get a notification if an alert affects your current location or a saved address.
Can I test notifications?
Yes! Use the "Test Notification" option in the Settings section of the mobile app to preview how alerts look.
MAP FEATURES
What mapping technology is used?
The app now uses Open Street map ESRI (MapLibre) for improved performance and stability, replacing Mapbox, which was used previously.
What can I do on the map?
- View evacuation zones and ALERT polygons
- Tap to select a location
- Search addresses or zones
- Save locations in the app
- Explore other information such as:
- Fire perimeters
- Road closures
- Evacuation points (evacuation shelters, resource centers, animal shelters, etc.)
Are all map areas supported?
If an area has no active alerts, the app simply says "No alerts." Non-covered areas aren't flagged due to performance considerations.
HAZARDS
What hazard types can I view?
You can view fire information across the U.S. using the Fires section. Fires can be sorted by distance, name, or date updated.
Where does the fire information come from?
Genasys pulls fire information from official sources. The source(s) for each incident can be found in the "More details" section. Genasys checks for updates to fire information every 15 minutes.
Can I search for a specific fire?
Yes! Tap the search icon and enter the fire name to find a specific fire. Click the "More details" button to see the incident information.
SETTINGS
What notification preferences are available?
- Turn alerts On/Off
- Choose to receive All Alerts or Only Critical Alerts
- Test notification feature
Can I disable alerts?
Yes. You can turn off notifications entirely or limit them to critical ones only.
ACCESSIBILITY
Is Genasys Protect accessible?
Yes. The app complies with WCAG 2.2 and is designed for usability by all users, including those with disabilities.
PRIVACY & LOCATION
Is my personal information collected or shared?
No. Genasys Protect does not require login and does not collect personal data. Alerts are broadcast anonymously.
Do I need to share my location?
It's optional, but enabling "Share Location" helps you get real-time alerts for your current area.
What happens if my location is turned off?
You'll still receive alerts for your saved addresses. The app will prompt you to enable location to improve accuracy, but it is not required.
TROUBLESHOOTING & KNOWN LIMITATIONS
Why does it say "No Alerts" even during an emergency?
Your current or saved location may be in an area that doesn't use the Genasys Protect system, or outside the alert polygon. We are constantly working to expand coverage.
Why can't I select a polygon on the map?
Only specific points are selectable. You can select road closures, evacuation points, and fires. You can also click a specific location on the map to see the applicable zone and alert information.
Why am I not receiving notifications for any zone changes?
If you are not receiving notifications, check to make sure you have notifications turned on for the Genasys Protect app, be sure your location sharing is set to always on so you can receive location-based alerts, double check you have saved the locations you wish to receive notifications for, and ensure you are using the latest version of the app.