Get in right gear to deal with winter's dangers Published Sept. 6, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Sean Johnson 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- The Montana winter is coming. As disappointing as it is to think about summer ending, winter weather can arrive quickly and it remains the responsibility of the men and women of Air Force Global Strike Command to use Risk Management for winter driving. According to National Weather Service data, Malmstrom Air Force Base will experience an average temperature drop of roughly 10 degrees Fahrenheit per month between now and January. Given current lows around 50 degrees, freezing temperatures could be present by October. The forecast center for central and southeast Montana, located in Great Falls, states there were more than 220 combined winter weather and blizzard warnings issued for the 2010-2011 winter. The conditions needed to issue such a warning are severe, and knowing ahead of time what weather conditions to expect will allow Airmen to be prepared for the worst during the upcoming winter. A good place to start preparing for winter weather is prepping the family vehicle. The current summer weather is just as rough on an automobile as winter weather but in different ways. Therefore, find a reputable automotive shop in town and get the entire vehicle inspected. Brakes, wipers, windshield, exhaust, tires, battery and components requiring fluid are parts needing attention. All vehicles have manufacturer suggested maintenance schedules and should be followed in addition to preparing for the unpredictable. Brakes should be adjusted, and it should be determined if they have enough pad and rotor to sustain the vehicle throughout the course of the winter. Be sure to have a thorough brake inspection with the wheel off. In addition, brake fluid should be checked for cleanliness and proper fill level. Wipers are a good thing to replace. They are inexpensive and a winter wiper blade will accomplish a lot more than a summer blade when removing snow and ice. Letting the vehicle idle longer to warm up is a good idea but the only way to do this safely is to have your exhaust system checked for leaks. Having carbon monoxide leak from the exhaust and into the cabin may cause a fatality. Tires are doubly important to maintain for winter driving conditions as they can be the difference between remaining on the road and ending up in a ditch. A variety of winter tires are available but for cost purposes, a high quality, all-purpose tire will not only help maintain traction on snow and ice but also cross over into wet spring and dry summer conditions. The windshield is often overlooked until cracks obscure oncoming traffic or obstacles. A small chip in the glass received during the summer is very prone to becoming a large crack when colder temperatures arrive. Most insurance companies will repair a chip for free while not paying for a new windshield. Therefore, be proactive and take a good, hard look at the condition of the exterior glass. Though not usually a safety concern, the battery is one of the hardest components hit by winter weather. Any automotive shop will be happy to inform of the likelihood that cold temperatures will kill a battery. The cranking amps required to turn a cold engine versus turning a hot engine are much greater, and old batteries simply cannot handle the increased work load. Vehicle batteries typically have a stamped on date indicating when the battery will expire. However, the conditions experienced during Montana winters can cut that life expectancy by years. So, make sure the battery is reasonably new and ask a mechanic to inspect and clean it before it's too late. After ensuring the family vehicle is capable of handling winter conditions, make sure the occupants are ready. Whether driving a few hundred miles or simply heading over to the next town for a day trip, owners of vehicles in the Malmstrom area should have a winter car kit. The contents of this kit may vary based upon the number of occupants but sound Risk Management will point Air Force members to include some specific items. Here are some essential items to be carried in the vehicle during winter driving: ·Snow Shovel ·Tire Chains ·Abrasive Material such as Cat Litter, Sand or Ice Melt ·Snow/ice scraper ·Warning device such as Road Flares or a Reflective Triangle ·Tow strap ·Flashlight with Extra Batteries ·Water and Non-Perishable Snacks ·Compass ·Map ·First aid Kit ·Blanket One more item, new to the winter car kit list, is the hand-held, battery operated and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration approved portable weather station. These radio devices are capable of delivering weather warnings and forecasts for whatever location the device is in. So, while traveling, this device can provide weather information on the current location allowing better decision making. Another important factor to consider for winter driving is understanding weather forecasts. Winter storm watches, warnings and advisories are issued by local National Weather Service Forecast offices and each of these have their own meaning: Winter weather advisory -- A significant winter storm or hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent and is an inconvenience. Winter storm watch -- A significant winter weather (i.e., heavy snow, heavy sleet, significant freezing rain or a combination of events) is expected, but not imminent, for the watch area; provides 12 to 36 hours notice of the possibility of severe winter weather. Winter storm warning -- A significant winter storm or hazardous winter weather is occurring, imminent or likely, and is a threat to life and property. Blizzard warning -- Winds that are at least 35 mph or greater, blowing snow that will frequently reduce visibility to 1/4 mile or less for at least three hours, and dangerous wind chills are expected in the warning area. Wind chill index -- The calculation of temperature that takes into consideration the effects of wind and temperature on the human body. This is not the actual air temperature, but what it feels like to the average person. Wind chill shows the difference between actual air temperature and perceived temperature, and the amount of time until frostbite occurs. The most modern, up-to-date safety features on vehicles are great. Having a full working knowledge of how weather forms and changes driving conditions is ideal. However, all of that is useless if the strongest tool in the shed isn't used. The highly trained mind of an Air Force Airman is the one tool that has the capability to avoid and manage risk. If conditions are bad, weigh out the pro's and con's of traveling. If driving is unavoidable, ensure the vehicle is ready and has enough fuel. Snow covered vehicles are difficult to see out of and may cause other vehicles to deal with the snow blowing off the roof so make sure the entire vehicle has been cleared off including the headlights and tail lights. Wear clothes warm enough for the conditions. The summer will inevitably come to a close over the next few weeks. Winter is a common but poor excuse for staying indoors but with Risk Management the state of Montana has plenty to offer for fun. Traveling in this state can, and will, be at times very dangerous but with a little forethought the dangers are avoidable. This summer has been a safe one for most, and the 341st Wing Safety Office encourages the men and women of Malmstrom to continue their strong focus on Risk Management to make the winter even safer.