Academy officials: Think 'safety' when you see snow Published Jan. 22, 2015 By Ray Bowden U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Snow removal crews assigned to the 10th Civil Engineer Squadron here were in full force Jan. 21, removing several inches of snow from Academy roads. "The crews are more than aware of the unpredictability of Colorado weather," said John Sutherland, the 10th CES Heavy Equipment Operations supervisor. "Weather patterns can change very quickly here in Colorado - especially along the foothills - but we're equipped to deal with that," he said. "The cooperation and patience of Academy drivers during snow removal operations greatly helps us out when it comes to clearing roads and parking lots and making the Academy a safer place." "One issue interrupting snow removal on base is that staff members continue to arrive at the regular time during delayed reporting periods," Sutherland said. "If there is a two-hour delay, don't report to work before it ends," he said. "This delayed reporting period gives snow removal crews on-and-off base time to clear the roads and parking lot. The bottom line here is that abiding by the delay enhances everyone's safety." Sutherland said Academy drivers should yield to snowplows; do not pull out in front of them. "Snowplows are heavy, loaded with deicing chemicals, so they can't stop as easily as a car," he said. "Each snow plow has a "Keep Back 100 feet" sign on the back - it's a warning for your safety. When the snowplows have their chemical spreaders turned on, it could hit your vehicle if you drive too closely behind it." Tailgating is illegal, and snowplow crews have reported tailgaters to the 10th Security Forces Squadron, Sutherland said. "You shouldn't even pass a snowplow, even on the Academy's main routes," he said. Sutherland said snow removal crews inspect the Academy secondary snow routes during snowfall. "Security Forces Airmen at the North and South Gates typically let drivers know if the snow routes are to be used," he said. "Please do not open a snow gate if they are closed." Senior Master Sgt. Shadd McKee, the 10th Security Forces Squadron manager, said drivers need to approach driving during snowfall with caution. "Lack of situational awareness is very much a factor in accidents during snowfall," he said. "Traffic accident reports do spike in winter so we all need to be cautious and drive according to road conditions." Safety tips · Drive according to weather conditions. Reduce your speed. · Watch out for black ice. Roads that look wet may be icy and slick. · Lengthen your stopping time. The distance it normally takes to stop increases on snow or ice covered roads. · Deployed Airmen should not leave their vehicle where it may impede snow removal. If a vehicle must be left in a lot, it should be parked as far away from the facility as possible. · Biking and jogging are prohibited on base during snow removal operations. · Keep emergency phone numbers in your vehicle. Call 9-1-1 for an emergency response. The 10th SFS can be reached at 333-2000. · Compile an emergency kit for your vehicle containing blankets (preferably wool) or a sleeping bag; a heat source such as candles or a non-propane backpacker stove; matches and a lighter; high-calorie food such as candy bars, raisins, dried fruits, peanut butter or peanuts; extra gloves, coat, hat, scarf and pants; a flashlight with extra batteries; large plastic garbage bags; red or orange material for antenna; and a coffee can for small items and to melt snow for water.