Navy launches alert network

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - The Navy is encouraging its servicemembers and civilian workers to register their personal information to receive full alerts from the Shore Wide Area Alert Network (WAAN).

"[It's] an alert system to provide information to all of our sailors and their families as well at home, via their cell phones, text messages, email, and at work, obviously," says Captain John Fristachi.

That information includes delays because of weather, like the massive snowfall in December that buckled Hampton Roads for days, or even a shooting incident like the tragedy at Fort Hood.

"We could put out information in real time to all of our naval personnel and civilian employees so they know whether to shelter in place, where to go, or what to do in times of an emergency," says Captain Fristachi.

The Captain says only 20 percent of personnel use WAAN to it's fullest potential. LN2 Lakin Bradbury is a member of that percentage.  She says WAAN is helpful to everyone she works with.

"They have to take their children to daycare in the morning. They have to call their parents in the morning and let them know they're okay, because they're worried about their kids, so it's very important. It's very handy," says LN2 Bradbury.

QM2 Alvin Wright and his wife depend on the alerts.

"We get them on our cell phones and home phone, along with our yahoo accounts," says QM2 Wright.

Those who use WAAN say it takes seconds to register for.

Instructions for adding contact information to the WAAN using the AtHoc Self Service client are:

• Right-click on the AtHoc Self Service client (Purple Globe) icon in the users system tray, at the bottom of the computer screen.
• Select "Access Self Service" from the pop-up menu.
• The Athoc Self Service client will open. Select the "My Info" tab and update your Last Name, First Name, and Display Name and save. Do not enter PIN information.
• Select the "Devices" tab and enter your contact information in the appropriate fields and save.
• This completes the registration process.

For assistance with these instructions or with technical issues, contact the CNIC Help Desk at 1-888-264-4255, DSN: 942-6597, https://supportcenter.cnic.navy.mil

Below are a couple of quick notes about the WAAN system from the Navy:

--CNIC deployed WAAN, a Wide Area Alert Notification System, in 2008 to allow local Commanders to pass critical information to all affected personnel bit INCONUS and OCONUS.

--All Navy personnel assigned to Navy installations worldwide need to register on WAAN as soon as possible.

--Goals are to increase user self-registration in an effort to increase the ability to notify personnel and provide guidance during a crisis.

Instructions on how to register for the WAAN using the AtHoc Self Service client is also available on the Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (COMNAVREG) website at www.cnic.navy.mil/cnrma or the COMNAVREG facebook page at www.facbook.com/cnrma.pao .