In the motor pool of the U.S. Army Garrison Red Cloud and Area I’s Directorate of Public Works Jan. 12, a 15-ton salt-and-sand spreader stands ready for action if snow hits Warrior Country installations. Whenever DPW’s snow removal crews roll out, they first work to clear the snow itself, then go after any ice that’s formed. Area I officials are reminding the Warrior Country community that building managers have the important role of putting out salt and sand, and that all community members should follow safe winter practices, behind the wheel, out walking, or at home. – U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Mark A. Kauffman
CAMP RED CLOUD – Should heavy snow storms hit Warrior Country installations this winter, Area I’s snow response crews are gassed up, checked out and ready to roll.
“We got all our snow removal assets loaded and ready to go – salt trucks, sand spreaders, snow plows, excavators, graders, all checked out, topped off,” said Marshall D. Downs, chief, Operations and Maintenance Division of the U.S. Army Garrison Red Cloud and Area I’s Directorate of Public Works.
Although there’s been some snowfall this winter so far, the winter has been shaping up as relatively mild in Warrior Country.
But Area I officials are reminding the Warrior Country community that the many long weeks of winter still ahead carry the possibility of snow, ice and the safety hazards they pose.
Work crews have positioned salt-and-sand boxes near key on-post buildings so that those managing the buildings can spread salt and sand on walkways and other spots where a passersby might slip on ice and fall.
When heavy snow does fall, DPW’s crews have a list of priority cleanup targets: the main roads that lead to emergency facilities, schools and other key facilities within the garrison.
But, even with the DPW crews hard at work, building managers have an important role to play in making things safer, said Downs.
“If you do have ice and snow when you come to work, then, the first thing you should do is shovel your snow, then apply salt and sand as needed,” he said, regarding building managers duties. “Go to the salt-and-sandbox and start putting it down on the sidewalks and entrances into your facility so your employees get there safely.”
Downs also said that DPW has already mobilized its crews about a half-dozen times this winter. One of those occasions was in early January after a night of heavy rain combined with frigid temperatures left Area I installations under a hazardous sheet of ice.
“It rained heavily and it froze so there was ice everywhere on the installations,” he said.
But because of the quick clearance effort, the post’s key roads were virtually free of ice by 8 a.m.
“By 8 a.m. it didn’t affect you,” Downs said of those who’d gone to work on the installations. “You see some icy spots here and there but the majority of it was already cleaned up.”
While it’s DPW’s crews that have the job of keeping on top of snow and ice removal, military units also have a role, said Downs.
According to Downs, units are supposed to clear the areas within their 'footprint' – their sidewalks and the areas within, their motor pools for example.
That includes laying down salt and sand.
Each year as winter approaches, DPW sets out the salt boxes. But as winter progresses and the quantity of salt in the box runs out, it is not DPW personnel who refill them or provides the salt needed for refills, Downs said.
Instead, those responsible for refilling them must go to the on-post self-help store for salt refills.
Here are some tips on keeping safe in winter weather:
Driving Safety
• If you have a car and haven’t done so already, have it tuned up, check the level of antifreeze, make sure the battery is good, and check your tire tread or put on snow tires.
• Keep emergency gear in your car for everyday trips.
• Avoid driving in snow or ice storms. If you must travel in bad weather, drive slowly. Let someone know what route you're taking and when you plan to arrive so they can alert authorities if you don't get there.
• If your car is parked outside, make sure the exhaust pipe and the area around it are free of snow before you start the car. Snow packed in or around the exhaust pipe can cause high levels of carbon monoxide in the car.
• Don't sit in a parked car with the engine running unless a window is open. Do not let your car run while parked in a garage.
• If your car stalls or gets stuck in snow, light two flares and place one at each end of the car, a safe distance away. Make sure snow has not blocked the exhaust pipe. Then stay in your vehicle and open a window slightly to let in fresh air. Wrap yourself in blankets and run your vehicle's heater for a few minutes every hour to keep warm.
Heating Your Home
• Keep portable space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn, including bedding, furniture, and clothing. Never drape clothing over a space heater to dry.
• Keep children and pets away from space heaters. Never leave children in a room alone when a space heater is in use.
• Never use your range or oven to heat your home, even for a short time.
Clearing Snow and Ice
• Dress warmly, paying special attention to feet, hands, nose and ears.
• Do light warm-up exercises before shoveling, and take frequent breaks.
• If possible, push snow in front of you. If you have to lift it, pick up small amounts and lift with your legs, not your back. Do not toss snow over your shoulder or to the side.
• Don't drink alcohol before or while shoveling snow. Never smoke while shoveling.
• Use rock salt or de-icing compounds to remove ice from steps, walkways, and sidewalks. Sand placed on walkways may also help prevent slipping.
Surviving A Storm
• Before cold weather hits, make sure you have a way to heat your home during a power failure.
• Keep on hand extra blankets, flashlights with extra batteries, matches, a first aid kit, manual can opener, snow shovel and rock salt, and special needs items (e.g., diapers).
• Monitor the temperature of your home. Infants and persons over age 65 are especially susceptible to cold. If it's not possible to keep your home warm, stay with friends or family or in a shelter.
• Dress in several layers to maintain body heat. Covering up with blankets can also conserve heat.
