Base to get new emergency notification computer program Published Jan. 29, 2009 By Danielle Gregory Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Tinker members may notice a new addition on their computer's task bar that looks like a purple dot. That dot is AtHoc, an alerting system which is a network and web-based program with "canned' alerts for weather warnings, force protection conditions, etc. The program's primary purpose is to immediately deliver information on emergency situations affecting life, limb and property. "This will benefit everyone on the Tinker domain. In order for it to work, you have to be logged in to your computer. Once the alert is sent, you have to acknowledge it to continue working on your desktop. A report is automatically generated on the number of desktops which have acknowledged the alert," said Al Lambert, project manager. "In the past we could not contact anyone (in organizations outside) the Tinker domain, such as DLA, AF recruiting, DAPS, AAFES, etc. A function of AtHoc should allow us to contact a key person in these organizations via telephone or E-mail who can in turn notify their people (of an emergency)." This program began to take shape after the May 3 tornado that destroyed much of the area. Air Force Materiel Command requested a warning system for personnel who work inside. The Information Technology directorate built the Tinker Messaging System. TMS is becoming harder to maintain and gone past it's projected life cycle, Mr. Lambert said. AtHoc will replace it with current technology that has more functions and capabilities than TMS. "As we learn how to use it, we want to (be able to) target specific buildings or zones on the base to disseminate critical information to specified locations or release information at specified times," said Mr. Lambert. The program will fully activate Feb. 1. The team that helped build the program is planning a quick "how-to" briefing that will be available on the Tinker home page to answer any questions people may have.