Installation Protection Program implementing new telephone alert system

Published Feb. 18, 2011
By 21st Civil Engineer Squadron

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Picture this scenario: It's 2 a.m. and a major incident takes place requiring Peterson Air Force Base emergency responders and crisis management personnel to get to work immediately.

Traditionally, recall rosters would be activated, working its way down the list to notify necessary personnel. Depending on response, the time it takes for the last member on that list to get the message could take anywhere from 30 minutes to more than an hour. It's a time-tested system, with varied results. But, what if the situation arises where you can't waste precious minutes getting the message out?

In order to improve the installation's ability to respond faster in situations like this, the Installation Protection Program, working with the Civil Engineering Readiness and Emergency Management Flight, is implementing the Peterson AFB Telephone Alert System. The TAS is an automated phone notification system that allows customizable messages to be immediately sent out to pre-identified lists of people. The system dials up to 48 numbers per minute. It will allow key leadership to distribute incident-related information and special instructions to specified audiences through messages that go directly to telephones, cell phones and smart phones.

Installation personnel will be entered into this system, along with their unit information, cell phone numbers, zip codes and addresses, allowing key leadership to reach out to specific groups. The secure system also controls access, ensuring applicable rights and privileges are given to key leaders so they can alert members in their areas of influence.

"The key to this system is to get the right message to the right people in the least amount of time," said Dan Muszytowski, IPP team leader for Peterson AFB.

An added benefit to this program is that leaders can distribute telephone messages to members in their organizations for non-emergency communication as well. For example, a squadron commander can quickly notify members of his or her squadron, providing them information concerning anything from schedule changes to unit morale events.

Initial test messages have been sent out to personnel in 21st CES. As additional units come online, further test messages will be generated this month.