Outbound Call Center Featured Article

Fort A.P. Hill Deploys AtHoc's Personnel Notification System

By Trupti Kamath
TMCnet Contributor

AtHoc, a pioneer and leader in network-centric emergency mass notification systems, announced that Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia will deploy its award-winning AtHoc IWSAlerts™ system to help alert personnel in an emergency such as extreme weather or man-made threat. AtHoc is the pioneer and recognized leader in providing network-centric emergency mass notification systems to military, homeland security, government and commercial organizations.

The AtHoc solution will help to leverage existing IP and telephony network services and will employ a centralized, Web-based architecture to deliver fast, reliable and secure emergency notifications to all personnel through multiple communications channels. These include alerts through the telephone, with text messaging, and with intrusive audio/visual pop-up alerts to personnel connected to the IP network via desktop, laptop and any other networked device.

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) with an aim to enhance maritime safety and security recently selected AtHoc IWSAlerts to support its response to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

"AtHoc network-centric emergency notification enables the U.S. Army at Fort A.P. Hill to support its IMCOM (Installation Management Command) emergency mass notification initiatives with a pervasive system to communicate fast and efficiently to its communities," (Ret.) Army Col. David Brown (News - Alert), director of Army operations for AtHoc, stated in a press release.

"AtHoc is helping to provide a safe and secure environment at Fort A.P. Hill, using the power and reach of computer networks and the Internet to deliver emergency alerting capabilities. With tens of thousands of Boy Scouts converging on the fort this month, AtHoc IWSAlerts will be used to help the fort immediately respond to any threats," Brown added.

The deployment of AtHoc IWSAlerts mass notification system will have a significant positive impact on the safety of both civilians and military personnel at Fort A.P. Hill. The fort has hosted the Boy Scouts of America National Jamboree every four years since 1981 and is hosting the 100th Anniversary of Scouting Jamboree this year. During this event, AtHoc IWSAlerts will be used to support the safety of approximately 45,000 Boy Scouts and leaders and 270,000-plus visitors, who are expected to attend the event this year.

"Our staff looks forward to using this system under the demand of the National Scout Jamboree to test its effectiveness for the garrison to manage emergency situations and improve our security posture," Lt. Col. Jack Haefner, Fort A.P. Hill garrison commander said. "This results in enhanced ability to communicate with garrison and tenant agencies regarding issues that affect our ability to execute our primary mission -- to provide the best training and support anywhere."

Alert responses from recipients will be captured and reported to emergency managers in real time to provide an enterprise personnel accountability picture of the safety and status of all personnel.