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Defrosting winter safety

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Diana M. Cossaboom
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  A new year can bring new goals, new travels, and a renewed determination to accomplish unfinished ambitions from the prior year. However, with the winter season just around the corner, it is important for Airmen and families to be conscious of potential cold weather hazards that may influence their resolves for the new year.

Being aware and informed can keep the winter season a safe and fulfilling time of the year.

Air Combat Command safety personnel are encouraging Airmen and their families to use the Check Three - gear, plan, and skills (GPS), method when preparing for the winter weather season.

Some tips Check Three GPS provides for the winter include:
- Have plenty of winter gear and clothes.
- Make sure personal vehicles are ready for the winter.
- Do not forget to clean snow and ice off of personal vehicles.
- Do not forget to check the air in the spare tire.
- Have a plan and share it.
- Check the current weather conditions.
- Do not drink and drive.
- Do not underestimate the weather.
- Maintain proper following distances while driving.
- Adjust speed depending on the weather or road conditions.
- Do not drive while fatigued.

"Be safe, don't be sorry," said James Fowlkes, 20th Fighter Wing occupational safety and health specialist. "Winter safety is critical to ensure that personnel don't let their guard down during the winter season."

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, on average over 5,000 people are killed and 445,000 are injured annually in weather-related vehicle accidents.

"When the weather takes a turn for the worse this winter, take precautions if you have to be out on the roadways," says the National Weather Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration personnel. "Whether there is a coating of snow or ice on the roadways, or the asphalt just looks wet, slow down."

Continue to use risk management. Look at what can go wrong and make decisions based on information accumulated from experience on that particular situation, said Fowlkes.

As the New Year begins and resolutions are brought to fruition, Airmen and families are encouraged to ensure their safety by remaining vigilant and knowledgeable of the environment surrounding them.

Dangerous road conditions are only one of the many winter hazards Team Shaw personnel may face this season. For more information on how to stay safe this winter, visit: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/winter_safety.html