Cold, rain & snow: 10th CES releases snow map, driving tips

  • Published
  • By the 10th Civil Engineer Squadron
  • 10th Air Base WIng
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Winter is fast approaching so Academy members can expect decreasing temperatures, more snow fall and the first hard freeze to occur in the near future.

To provide Academy members with a safe route of travel, the 10th Civil Engineer Squadron is more than prepared with its snow removal fleet, and has installed snow-route signs and snow gates throughout the installation.

Delays, Closures, Early Release
Delayed reporting and base closure information will be released to local radio and television stations by Public Affairs. Stay tuned to local radio or television stations before to reporting for duty. If there is significant snowfall, local media will inform Academy personnel of reporting times.

Late reporting and early release times are designed for every Airman's safety. For automated closure or delay information and road conditions, call the Academy's Snow Call Line at 333-2800.

Academy residents assigned to other local military bases should follow reporting times for those installations.

Mission Essential Personnel
Never assume you are mission essential and report for duty as an overabundance of unnecessary traffic on the base can cause dangerous conditions.

Abiding by the designated reporting time allows snow cleanup crews time to make the roads and sidewalks safe. An Airman's mission essential status is determined by unit commanders, so report for duty when directed.

The Main Exchange, commissary and AAFES service station will open at the designated late reporting time.

The Child Development Center will open at its normal time to accommodate mission-essential workers. Check with those facilities on their operating hours and other pertinent information.

Safe Winter Driving
Prior to inclement weather, snow crews will prepare roads to ensure driving safety. Crews may apply a liquid anti-icing chemical to prevent ice from adhering to the  pavement. The liquid soaks into the pavement and dries, leaving a dark wet appearance which may produce a temporary slippery effect. Prior to morning rush hour, a granular type chemical de-icer is applied that resembles sand: mostly on hills, curves, stopping points and intersections.

· Drive according to weather and road conditions.
· Reduce your vehicle's speed by at least 10 mph when road conditions are other than normal. Speeding is the primary factor in winter driving accidents.
· Watch out for black ice when temperatures are below freezing.
· Brake early when approaching stop signs and intersections.
· Don't hurry; allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
· Stay on snow routes during snow or icy conditions. These roads are continually treated for your safety.
· Use extreme caution when driving near snow removal equipment.
· Stay at least 100 feet behind snow removal equipment and never pass a snow plow.
· Jogging or bicycling on the roadside is not allowed during or immediately following a snowfall as work crews will be busy removing ice from the roads.
· Service your vehicle before the snow season and make sure you have tires rated for snow with plenty of tread.