Visibility essential to safety during dark winter months

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Peter Reft
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Alaska experiences extended periods of darkness during the winter, with the most drastic change in daylight occurring during the months of October and November.
With shorter sunlit days upon us, it's important that Icemen take the steps to remain visible.

Air Force Instruction 36-2903 states the use of reflective belts in low light situations is required, but Brig. Gen. Mark Kelly, 354th Fighter Wing commander, has written additional requirements for Eielson Icemen specific to this region.

According to the 354th FW AFI supplement, "Reflective belts are mandatory when in uniform, while on or off base, during periods of darkness or reduced visibility."

Reduced visibility refers not only to daylight, but also to adverse weather conditions.

"Lots of people think low visibility only means darkness and it doesn't," said Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Brown, 354th Fighter Wing command chief. "If it's snowing and there's cloud cover, that's low visibility as well."

According to 2012 Fairbanks weather data, the amount of daylight between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30 changed from 11 hours and 20 minutes, to 4 hours and 48 minutes, losing on average 6 minutes a day. By the end of November, darkness will occur for 19 hours per day.

Due to the extremity of Alaska's winter climate, low visibility from ice fog can also present a major risk for pedestrians.

"Ice fog is made of frozen water molecules suspended in the air and is thicker and more persistent than regular fog," said Staff Sgt. Devon Ellis, 354th Wing Staff ground safety officer. "And here there is no wind to disperse it. Reflective belts could be the difference between getting across the road and getting hit by a car."

With distractions such as extended darkness and ice fog, vehicle drivers are more likely to be involved in traffic accidents.

"When you're dealing with darkness, intense cold and icy roads, all of that contributes to drivers being more distracted," said Brown, "and with Airmen crossing the street, it's even more dangerous."

Actions as simple as walking to your car or walking to the dining facility can present more risks during the winter, whether Airmen realize it or not.

"With these hours of darkness and weather patterns, the reflective belt is as necessary as the hats, gloves, and coats," said Ellis. "You can be good and warm, but if you can't be seen, it's as dangerous as not wearing your cold weather gear."
Icemen also have an obligation as Wingmen to help each other during the winter, which includes reminding each other about proper safety.

"We love our Airmen, our professional sons and daughters," said Brown. "Sometimes people need tough love, which is telling someone, 'put your personal protective equipment on.'

"If you're professional about it, it doesn't matter who you correct. People sometimes get distracted and just forget to put it on. You just say, 'Sir/Ma'am, I notice you don't have your reflective belt on, do you have it?'"

Regulations for reflective belts are meant to protect Airmen and to help ensure mission readiness by eliminating unnecessary risks.

"Our job as leaders is to do everything we can to protect Airmen," said Brown. "What we do in the Air Force is dangerous enough day in and day out. We don't need to increase that danger by not being visible in periods of low visibility. Airmen need to put their reflective belts on."