Icemen prepare for colder weather

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Yash Rojas
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Located more than 120 miles south of the Arctic Circle, the Iceman Team at Eielson Air Force Base experiences months of extreme cold and minimal sunlight from October to March.

At winter's first sign, usually marked by cooler temperatures and increased snowfall and darkness, Airmen and families should begin to operate with a degree of caution when venturing out into an ever-changing climate.

The Alaskan winter landscape gives way to slicker highways and sidewalks, making daily commutes more hazardous than usual.

According to Don Gossel, 354th Operations Support Squadron lead meteorologist, in a typical winter season Eielson receives most of its heavy snowfall in October as a result of high moisture content in the atmosphere. Early season snow fall is characterized as producing slick snow and slush, creating poor road conditions.

Motorists must tackle the changing road conditions cautiously to avoid causing an accident to themselves or other motorists, said Gossel.

Just as drivers must be prepared to handle the winter chill, vehicles must also be prepared for Alaska's longer winters.

"Prepare your vehicle by making sure that you have good tread on your tires," said Master Sgt. Rebecca Theakston, 354th Fighter Wing ground safety manager.

Staff Sgt. William Holmes, 354th FW safety technician, said winterizing your vehicle is key to enduring a winter at Eielson. By providing the right equipment, including a block heater, oil pan heater and battery heater, Airmen are taking the right steps to not falling victim to winter's fury.

In addition to driving, walking and running can also become more hazardous. The colder temperatures combined with moisture in the early months of winter can make walking surfaces as dangerous as an ice skating rink if not wearing the proper footwear.

"People should be mindful of walking surfaces," said Theakston. "Slips, trips and falls happen frequently this time of year as people get used to walking around on ice and snow."

"Wearing shoes that have softer rubber soles helps increase traction and minimize chances of slips, trips, or falls," added Patrick Wilson, 354th FW Occupation Safety Health and Voluntary Protection Program manager.

While footwear is helpful when challenged by ice, snow or slush, decreased sunlight makes visibility just as important. Decreased visibility makes it necessary for reflective belts to be worn and people can expect their use to be enforced as hours of daylight continue to dwindle.

Another precaution to take against winter weather is to dress warmly and avoid prolonged exposure to extreme cold, which can cause various levels of frostbite.

"Parents should inform children of the winter hazards of exposure as well," said Theakston.

As days shorten, winter begins to set in. While this drastic cooling trend continues deeper into the winter months, Airmen and families must err on the side of caution and are also encouraged to place personal safety first.

For more information, call the Wing Safety office at 377-4260.