Not just any noise

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Heidi Vukasin
  • 17th Civil Engineer Squadron
As summer approaches, Team Goodfellow must be prepared for natural disasters such as severe thunderstorms, extreme heat, flash floods and tornadoes. Thankfully, Goodfellow has a warning system, called the Giant Voice System, which provides sirens and other messages to prepare Team Goodfellow for natural and other disasters. It is imperative that servicemembers understand these warning sirens. Air Force Visual Aid 10-2510, U.S. Air Force Emergency Notification Signals, advises the base on what to do if the Giant Voice System sirens sound.

One detail of which all members of Team Goodfellow should be aware is the difference between a test of the Giant Voice System and a real emergency. Tests will normally occur around noon and begin and end with, "this is a test of the Giant Voice System." During an actual emergency, the sirens will sound without the test statement. To prevent confusion, the sirens will not be tested when severe weather is possible or present.

If the sirens sound for an actual emergency, seek shelter immediately and take cover. Your Unit Emergency Management Representative will have the most recent information on what to do in the event of a natural disaster as well as being able to provide refresher training on the actions required during severe weather.

If needed, AFVA 10-2510 can be found on the Emergency Management bulletin boards in each squadron. If you are unsure of what to do in the event of the sirens sounding, proceed to the bulletin board and locate the visual aid. For further information, the 17th Civil Engineer Squadron Readiness and Emergency Management Flight has prepared a Base Emergency Preparedness Video, which is available through your Unit Emergency Management Representative.