Countering Jack Frost's wintery grip

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Racheal E. Watson
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The days of the endless Alaskan summer sun and mosquitoes swarming in the warm air have been forgotten, only to be replaced by mounds of snow and layers of ice as far as the eye can see.

With winter well underway, Col. Larry Rice, the 354th Mission Support Group commander, hosted a town hall meeting Oct. 1 to inform the Eielson community of potential winter hazards.

Staff Sgt. Devon Ellis, a 354th Fighter Wing safety representative, began the meeting educating the audience about personal and vehicle safety.

"You will want to dress in good layers," said Ellis.

Ellis highlighted benefits of proper layering, to include avoiding the lack of maneuverability and ensuring layers keep people warm and dry.

To endure the freezing temperatures, Icemen will want to dress in three layers: inner, middle and outer. The inner and middle layers should consist of merino wool, synthetic or blends of both. Cotton should be avoided as the inner layer because the fabric will absorb water and can potentially cause hypothermia. The outer layer should include hats that cover the ears, waterproof and insulated gloves and boots, and windproof and water resistant jackets.

"Everybody thinks puffy jackets mean warmth, 'buy the biggest jacket you can find and that will keep you warm,'" said Ellis. "You want something that is close to your body, form-fitting and adheres to you."

Ellis continued the safety briefing with a focus on some of the unique road conditions and inclement weather individuals residing in Alaska need to be prepared for such as snow, fog, ice, freezing rain and ice fog.

Ice fog is frozen moisture suspended in the air. The frozen fog is usually seen in low-lying areas.

"The best way to avoid [an accident] is to slow down," said Ellis. 

Other ways to help prevent vehicle mishaps is to prepare vehicles for winter weather. Items to keep on hand when traveling back and forth to Fairbanks include a folding shovel, cold-weather gear and ice scrapers.

According to Alaska Statute 13aac 04.225(a-b), vehicle windows must be thoroughly cleared of snow and ice before people start driving.

"All windows around the vehicle have to be cleared," said Ellis. "Our security forces, Alaska State Troopers, Fairbanks and North Pole [police] can all write you a ticket that's going to cost you about $60."

"[Alaska] is a really neat place to live in the winter, but it is a little dangerous if you're not familiar with the environment," said Rice. "That's what we are here to try to prepare you for--how to deal with the environment successfully."