KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- The AtHoc system implemented on Kadena Air Base in January is not just for military personnel, it can also be used to notify civilians and dependents registered in the system.
It is important for military members to register their adult dependents so that they receive notifications during emergencies as well.
"Active duty members are being asked to register their dependent's contact information (cell phone number) so disaster information and instructions can be disseminated to all SOFA-status members assigned to the 18th Wing," Senior Master Sgt. Scott Etler, 18th Wing Command Post superintendent, said. "The information and instructions will typically include details of the emergency, evacuation routes and hazardous areas."
AtHoc is a web based emergency notification system used by command post controllers to instantly reach a large audience accurately during critical situations.
"AtHoc is important because it allows the command post controllers to disseminate critical information quickly to all Kadena personnel," said Master Sgt. Michael Stutlien, 18th Wing Command Post operations section chief. "With a push of a button, AtHoc is able to make notifications to thousands of registered users to include dependents."
There are a lot of families on Kadena so it is important not only to keep our military safe but also their families.
"Dependents will only be notified during real-world emergencies such as tsunamis, active shooter, force protection, etc. that could affect their safety," Stutlien added. "By registering their cell phone numbers, it would enable AtHoc, through the command post controllers, to reach out to them via text message which would provide instructions during an emergency."
Military members and their families are the number one asset to the military and it is important to keep them safe.
"After the tragic shooting of U.S. military personnel at Fort Hood in 2009 the Department of Defense thoroughly reviewed its approach to force protection policies, programs and procedures," said Stutlien. "In 2010 the DOD Independent Review identified lessons from the Ft. Hood incident and provided recommendation that all installations possess mass notification warning system capabilities; that is where AtHoc comes in."
AtHoc is another tool to for the 18th Wing Command Post to better prepare military members and their families should a situation arise.
"It's up to each and every one of us to sit down and talk to our dependents about what AtHoc is and its importance," Stutlien said. "The first time we have an AtHoc discussion with our dependents should not be the first time they are in receipt of a message."