Notification system scheduled for test Published June 22, 2009 By Senior Airman Dillon White 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Servicemembers and their family members on base will receive an automated telephone notification June 23 during a test of the new base telephone desktop alerting system. The Dial Logic Communicator was purchased to create a direct line of communication between the command post and people in base housing to make them aware of exercise scenarios and real-world events, such as pending natural disasters or attacks. "We have a great system in place for notifying our Airmen in their duty sections, but this allows us the same level of communication with the Airmen in base housing who don't wear uniforms - our families," said Col. Michael Fortney, 341st MW commander. "Now people in base housing will be among the first to know when and where something is happening or about to happen on their base and what they need to do to stay safe." To ensure people receive messages the command post staff sends out, the system requires people to acknowledge receipt of the message by pressing "1," said Tech. Sgt. Keith Hittler, 341st Missile Wing NCO in charge of command post systems. "If people do not acknowledge receipt of the message, they will continue to receive phone calls until they do," he said. "That way, if someone's child picks up the phone and hangs up, the system will call back to ensure they received the message and know what they need to do." The command-post staff set a specific date for the test so people are not caught off guard, Sergeant Hittler said. "The automated message is voice activated, so people have to say hello. The message will state that it is a test and give further instructions, if needed." If the notification system reaches an answering machine or service, it will leave a phone number for the person to call and retrieve the notification. The message: "This is the Malmstrom command post with a test of the on-base emergency notification system. This is only a test. If this was a real emergency, you would be told what actions would be required of you. Please press 1 to acknowledge this message or press 2 to have it repeated. Thank you." Answering machine message: "Please call 406-731-2050 to retrieve an important message from the Malmstrom command post." The system also has the capability to pinpoint notifications to individual buildings, or even offices. This allows the command-post staff to notify people in the possible event of a structure fire and prompt them to evacuate, Sergeant Hittler said. Additional instructions will be provided during any natural disaster, possible attack or exercise scenario.