New procedure for Giant Voice announcements Published April 30, 2012 By 17th Training Wing Command Post GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Beginning May 1, upon notification from the 26th Operational Weather Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., of lightning within five miles, the Command Post will, during the hours of 6 a.m. and 8p.m. send out Network Alerting System computer pop-ups, and make an announcement over Giant Voice. However, this will only be accomplished on duty days. The GV announcement will state the following "There is lightning within five miles" (repeated two times). Upon cancelation of lightning the GV verbiage will state "Cancel lightning within five miles" (repeated two times). Between the hours of 8 p.m.- 6 a.m., weekends and holidays, we will only send pop-ups and phone calls to a selected group, Security Forces, Fire Department, pools and recreation camp. Command post will try to notify personnel and students who may be outside, of the hazard. They should use good judgment and seek shelter until the lightning warning has been canceled. In addition GV Tornado notifications will always be made when the situation warrants. Tornado verbiage will be as such. "A tornado is expected, seek shelter immediately" (this will be repeated two times) followed by a five minute steady tone. Once the threat has passed, Command Post will send a GV "All Clear message stating "All clear, immediate threat has passed" According to Goodfellow Air Force Base Supplement 1 to the Air Force Occupational Safety and Health Standard 91-501, when lightning is detected or observed, military students should seek shelter and not go out of doors or remain out unless it is absolutely necessary. The supplement also states when there is lightning within five nautical miles, military students will take shelter in the nearest building and remain there until the lightning is outside five nautical miles. If shelter is taken in a facility along the marching route, the formation commander will telephone the squadron charge of quarters and report their location. No student formations will be allowed outside during lightning within five nautical miles and straggling of students is not allowed. In addition, bus transportation of students will be halted when lightning is within five nautical miles. For more information about these weather safety requirements contact your unit safety representative or the Wing Safety Office at (325) 654-3894.
