C-O-L-D line, Web detail closures

  • Published
  • By Rhonda Siciliano
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  When winter weather makes traveling a challenge, Hanscom personnel have a number of options available to find out if certain base operations are affected or delayed arrival is authorized.

Col. Dave Orr, 66th Air Base Wing commander, recently authorized a new 66 ABW Command Post initiative which would alert Hanscom personnel of base closures or delayed openings via phone call, text message or e-mail. These capabilities are offered through the same mass alert system that currently provides pop-up notifications to members of the Hanscom community through their individual computer workstations.

Personnel interested in utilizing the additional notification capabilities should update their information in the system, providing home or cell phone numbers and email addresses, according to their communication preferences. In case of a weather event, these individuals will be notified between 4 and 5 a.m.

Detailed instructions on accessing and updating the system will be provided by the command post and are forthcoming. Participants requesting text message alerts should be advised that they will not be reimbursed for any text messaging charges incurred.

Other options utilized by the base to get the word out to employees about the status of inclement weather delays or closures include the "pyramid alert" system, the C-O-L-D line, and radio or television news.

Employees and base residents can call the C-O-L-D line at (781) 377-COLD (2653) or visit the Hanscom public Web site at www.hanscom.af.mil for early morning notification.

Several radio and TV stations across the area will be notified of Hanscom delays or closures, but there is no guarantee these stations will broadcast the information. A complete list of stations to tune in to is listed below.

Colonel Orr has pledged to have the C-O-L-D line and the Hanscom Web site updated as soon as possible after a decision has been reached but no later than 5 a.m. To access the base status on the Hanscom Web site, click on the "Weather Information" link that is displayed near the top of the Web page.

The 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs office notifies the following area TV and radio stations:

Boston
WBZ Radio (AM 1030)
WBZ-TV (Ch. 4)
WHDH-TV (Ch. 7)
WCVB-TV (Ch. 5)