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AFH 1 · Chapter 17 · Section 17.6

DAF Warning and Notification Signals

Part of Emergency Management · 2 sections · ~782 words · WAPS PFE study material

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DAF Warning and Notification Signals — Tones and Voice Announcements

Emergency Notification Signals

Emergency Notification Foundation
Every DAF installation must have a rapid and effective system to quickly disseminate emergency notifications and information such as:
  • Watches
  • Warnings
  • Evacuation routes
  • Protective actions

Personnel Response

Personnel Response
When a disaster or incident affecting the installation is imminent or in-progress, personnel must respond to directions communicated over mass warning and notification systems or other communication channels, whether visual or audible.

Mobile Notifications

Mobile Notifications
Personnel should be familiar with the installation's warning and notification systems and are highly encouraged to enroll in mobile device notifications to ensure prompt, informed, and ready responses to local emergencies.

Attack Warning Signals

Attack Warning Signals
These signals are used to notify personnel of warnings or impending attacks.

Signal Methods

Signal Methods
The warnings may be communicated through:
  • Mass notification and warning systems
  • Display of alarm condition flags
  • Other communication channels

Signal Purposes

Signal Purposes
Attack warning signals are used to:
  • Posture installations for attacks
  • Warn of attacks in progress
  • Initiate post attack recovery actions
  • Return the installation to normal state of readiness

Regional Variations

Regional Variations
Attack warning signal variations may be used in some geographical regions. Personnel will be notified of these variations before departure of home station and/or upon arrival into the region.

Three to Five Minute Steady Tone

3-5 Min Steady Tone
Indicates a disaster or incident is imminent or in progress.

Steady Tone Actions

Steady Tone Actions
Individual actions:
  • Be alert
  • Take cover or evacuate to safety
  • Follow instructions
  • Account for personnel

Three to Five Minute Wavering Tone

3-5 Min Wavering Tone
Indicates an attack or hostile act is imminent or in progress.

Wavering Tone Actions

Wavering Tone Actions
Individual actions:
  • Be alert
  • Execute security measures
  • Follow instructions
  • Account for personnel

Lockdown, Lockdown, Lockdown

Lockdown Announcement
The announcement "Lockdown, Lockdown, Lockdown" indicates an active shooter incident is in progress.

Lockdown Actions

Lockdown Actions
Individual actions:
  • Remain calm
  • Implement lockdown procedures

Shelter-in-Place

Shelter-in-Place Definition
The announcement indicates a natural disaster warning or a technological disaster warning requiring personnel to immediately:
  • Take shelter indoors
  • Perform actions according to the Emergency Action Plan to protect personnel within the building from the hazards

Natural Disaster Actions

Shelter Natural Disaster Actions
Actions for natural disasters may include:
  • Taking refuge in an interior room without windows and doors
  • Taking cover

Technological Disaster Actions

Shelter Tech Disaster Actions
Actions for technological disasters may include:
  • Taking refuge in a pre-designated room
  • Shutting off heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
  • Covering vents and doors with plastic

DAF Warning and Notification Signals — Alarm Conditions (Green, Yellow, Red/Blue, Black, All Clear)

Five Alarm Conditions

5 Alarm Conditions.
  1. Alarm Green
  2. Alarm Yellow
  3. Alarm Red/Blue
  4. Alarm Black
  5. All Clear

Alarm Green

Alarm Green
Attack is NOT probable.

Alarm Green Actions

Alarm Green Actions.
  • MOPP 0 (or as directed)
  • Normal Wartime Conditions
  • Resume Operations
  • Continue Recovery Actions

Alarm Yellow

Alarm Yellow
Attack is probable in less than 30 minutes.

Alarm Yellow Actions

Alarm Yellow Actions.
  • MOPP 2 (or as directed)
  • Protect and Cover Assets
  • Go to Protective Shelter or Seek Best Protection with Overhead Cover

Alarm Red/Blue

Alarm Red/Blue
Air or ground attack is imminent or in progress.

Red vs Blue Variation

Red/Blue Variation
The "Blue" variation may be utilized at some installations within the Pacific.

Alarm Red/Blue Actions

Alarm Red/Blue Actions.
  • MOPP 4 (or as directed)
  • Seek Immediate Protection with Overhead Cover
  • Report Observed Activity or Attacks

Alarm Black

Alarm Black
Attack is over and CBRN contamination and/or UXO hazards are suspected or present.

Alarm Black Actions

Alarm Black Actions.
  • MOPP 4 (or as directed)
  • Perform Self-Aid/Buddy Care
  • Remain Under Overhead Cover or Within Shelter Unless Directed Otherwise

Alarm Black Release Stages

3 Alarm Black Release Stages
Alarm Black has three release stages:
  • Initial Release — CBRN and Specialized Teams (EOD, Damage Assessment, etc.)
  • Limited Release — Post Attack Reconnaissance Teams
  • General Release — Mission-essential personnel only

All Clear

All Clear Definition
The announcement "all clear" indicates the immediate disaster or threat has ended.

All Clear Actions

All Clear Actions
Individual actions:
  • Remain alert
  • Account for personnel
  • Report hazards, injuries, and damages

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