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New and Improved AtHoc Keeps Base Personnel in the Loop

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Holly Ardern
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OHIO- With cold weather just around the corner, it’s important than that base personnel stay in the loop on changing base conditions.

AtHoc recently ditched the purple globe version of its emergency mass notification system and switched to a new and improved white globe version. The new version upgraded from a server-run system to a cloud-based system, which improves the consistency of messaging. AtHoc allows base senior leaders to disseminate the most up-to-date information to personnel as quickly as possible, which is especially important in the winter season.

To access the new white globe system from an unclassified government computer, users should look on their desktop for the white globe with purple ring icon in the system tray. By right-clicking the icon, and selecting “Access Self-Service,” users can input their personal information such as email address, phone numbers and even family members contact information so they can receive notifications as well. For further guidance, follow the directions in the information block on the WPAFB web site home page www.wpafb.af.mil.

In addition to pop-up notifications at worker’s desktops, the system notifies users via phone call, text message or email.  This allows users to get critical information like gate and road closures, delayed reporting times, or base closures before leaving home. Notifications regarding extreme weather will typically be disseminated between 4 and 5 a.m. to account for commute adjustments.

In addition to the desktop app on government computers, personnel can also download the Blackberry AtHoc app from the Apple or Google app stores and be notified that way.

If the white globe icon is missing from the system tray, users should contact their Communications Focal point or submit a trouble call ticket to have the new AtHoc installed through the VSED shortcut on their government computer’s desktop.