AFSOC bases implement new, faster emergency notification system

by Raquel Sanchez
Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

12/16/2013 - HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- We've all heard the outside 'giant voice,' received a telephone call from the command post or seen that pop-up alert on our work computer during an emergency at one time or another. But do these methods provide instant accountability?

With the launch of the AtHoc Interactive Warning System Dec. 20 at Hurlburt Field and Cannon Air Force Base, Air Force Special Operations Command personnel will have a much faster, more reliable system at their disposal for mass emergency notifications. The new system will help align emergency notifications across the command by replacing the current systems in place at each base, said Mark Altenbernd, AFSOC command post operations chief.

The AtHoc IWS will be rolled out in two phases.

Phase one of the rollout is the alert system, which is capable of notifying personnel within minutes of an emergency from a single, centralized, web-based system.

With AtHoc IWS-Alerts, the notification is sent at the discretion of the installation commander and goes out simultaneously to all personnel through desktop pop-up alerts, e-mail, and telephone, specified by each user.

"That's one of the key things about this system that ReachPlus simply did not provide; you have instantaneous feedback that everyone has received the message," said Kevin Wilson, AFSOC communications division.

All personnel are required to "opt in" from their work computer to update their information and setup their notification preferences by using the AtHoc IWS-Alerts self service module; right click on the purple globe icon on the bottom task bar screen and select "Access Self Service."

Users are reminded to keep their information updated to receive notifications and ensure accountability during emergencies such as severe weather, a chemical spill, a terrorist incident, a base exercise, and more.

"If there is a need for a mass notification we want to be able to reach you and get an acknowledgment that you know something is going on," said Wilson.

In addition to the alerts, phase two of the AtHoc IWS rollout will involve an emergency management tool, an online database, designed to assist emergency responders with real-time updates.

"We want these tools to really help make our responders more effective and efficient in providing that situational awareness at all levels during an emergency," said Lt. Col. Mark Donnithorne, AFSOC civil engineering operations and readiness division.

AFSOC will be the first command to have this emergency management tool, which is currently being reviewed and will be available in the near future.