The present invention relates to an emergency alert system that triggers a distress event that is automatically managed by a community security system. The emergency alert system is activated through users' mobile devices and initiates communication with the community security system. Management by the community security system includes receiving the GPS location of the mobile device, recording a continuous stream of audio and video from the panic user's mobile application, notifying potential responders or groups of responders in the vicinity of the panic alert and, among other things, activating localized visual and audible deterrents present in surrounding private security systems, intelligently directing community CCTV cameras to record the distress event and issuing notifications to the closest community members for immediate responses, as well as other responders or group notification members.