Wing safety preps base for winter

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jessica Lockoski
  • 35th Fighter Wing public affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  The 35th Fighter Wing ground safety office is hosting a mandatory base-wide winter safety briefing Nov. 15 through 19 at the Richard Bong Training Facility for all active-duty members and Department of Defense civilians.

The briefing educates the base community on risks associates with winter weather conditions and seasonal activities.

Last year, on the first day of accumulative snow fall, there were 17 weather-related accidents involving base residents, a typical scenario each season, said Tech Sgt. Brandon Cruz, 35th Fighter Wing safety NCO in charge.

"It's been about six months since people have driven in the snow, so they aren't used to slowing down," he added. "The brief will inform people about the precautionary measures to take."

Briefs are at 8 and 10 a.m., noon, and 2 and 4 p.m.; accountability will be taken. The safety office also encourages dependants to attend the briefings. Representatives from different base organizations will speak in their areas of expertise and share winter worst-case scenarios with attendees, to include just how snow-covered Misawa gets.

Last year, 127 inches of snow fell in the surrounding area; however, 240 inches of accumulation have been recorded in the past. Giving a witty prediction (or hope) of having only five inches this year, Staff Sgt. Lennon Brixey, was one of the briefers from the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron. He and fellow operators of CES's heavy equipment are responsible for 85 percent of the base's snow removal.

During the first day of winter safety briefs, Sergeant Brixey explained the base's snow removal priorities, housing residents' snow removal responsibilities and parking procedures during lot closures.

"You don't want to be the guy who wakes up in the morning and your car is gone because we had to fork lift it out," he said, "or dig your car out of the snow because you didn't move your car."

Also from the 35th CES, a representative from the fire department touched base on common holiday activities, such as deep-frying turkeys and stranding electrical decorations in and on houses which may present hazards and cause personal injuries.

Despite turkey mishaps, according to the Sergeant Cruz, participating in outdoor activities is the second leading cause of winter injuries.

Ronald Stark, a winter safety briefer from Outdoor Recreation, shared how to survive the winter months while enjoying winter sports and activities.

Drifts in mountain areas can accumulate past 30 feet, Mr. Stark said. Before participating in winter sports, such as snow trekking, skiing and snowboarding, proper training, ensuring the equipment is in good shape and knowing your abilities are vital, he added.

As the first snowflakes fell, Nov. 15, signifying an entrance into Misawa's winter months, Misawa will not experience the extreme weather conditions as its surrounding mountain ranges.

"Here in town, the snow fall will not be as bad, but we still see a significant amount, said Sgt. Cruz. "In March, we received 24 inches of snow in 24 hours."

"Temperatures don't stay at freezing when the snow falls, Sergeant Cruz added. "During the day, it will be warm enough for the snow to melt, and at night the temperatures will be freezing. It's like you're driving on an ice rink - it's really slick."

Sergeant Cruz also warns drivers about the culverts on the sides of the roads off base, which happen to be the same size as a vehicle's tires.

"Keep in mind they are still there, they are not going to be covered up and the roads will be narrow," he said. "Also, watch getting out of vehicles because there can be a lot of ice; many people are quick to exit their cars getting to where they need to go out of the cold."

To keep off the cold winter ground, Sergeant Cruz recommends an inexpensive item found at the Base Exchange.

"Snow-shoe grips known as 'Yak tracks,'- wear them because they allow people to walk on ice without slipping," he added, referring to the cleats that can be stretched over boots or shoes. "They are authorized here to wear with the military uniform when outdoors."

In addition to the wing safety staff's efforts to keep the base community safe this winter, they will also offer a winter driving course, the Slippery Weasel, once there is significant snowfall.