AtHoc -- there when it's needed

By G. Anthonie Riis | Fort Knox NewsNovember 26, 2018

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FORT KNOX, Kentucky -- The AtHoc system is there when it's needed.

That's what David Fusselman, Installation Operations Center Emergency Management Specialist, recently said about the emergency warning system used at Fort Knox. He explained that users must first register for the alerts to benefit from them.

"AtHoc allows us to notify anyone anywhere on any device they [have] registered in the Fort Knox AtHoc system," Fusselman said. "You self-populate your information into the system from any computer that is on the Fort Knox domain."

Per direction from Headquarters Department of the Army, all U.S. and non-U.S. military, civilian and contractor personnel on any Army garrison installation or facility are required to register with AtHoc. According to Fusselman, however, not everyone has. However, there is value in registering.

"The system is only as good as the information that goes into the system," Fusselman said. "The IOC and Dispatch Center have trained personnel that activate the [loud speaker] system for the monthly test and daily bugle calls. Otherwise, [the system] is only activated during actual emergencies when mass notification is needed."

AtHoc notices can also be sent telephonically, text, computer email and screen alerts, and may be used to inform installation patrons of weather delays, early release, installation closures and any real-time emergencies.

Military Families, retirees, Fort Knox contractors and employees of tenant organizations without the use of a Common Access Card may request to be alerted by registering online at https://warnings.army.mil/SelfService/Entry.aspx?pid=2538145. Registrants at the site have the option to choose their affiliation with Fort Knox.