Winter Safety

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Victorio Gutierrez
  • 341st Missile Wing Ground Safety apprentice
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Winter is here! You can feel it in your bones, smell it in the cold air as it tickles your nose, and see it in the form of snow covered roads and landscape. Just as we use our senses to detect winter, we should use common sense to address winter safety. The hazards that could impair a joyful winter experience typically arise from slip, trips and falls, the effects of cold weather on our bodies, and poor preparation while traveling.

Slips, trips and falls account for the majority of mishaps during the winter season. Winter brings snow, low temperatures and high winds. These factors form ice in and on parking lots, sidewalks and stairs. Use caution when coming in and out of buildings, especially if the sidewalks have not been cleared of snow or have some kind of ice melt applied to them. Consider wearing traction-enhancing boots covers. Inform the facility manager if the sidewalks are not getting clear or need to be maintained.

Parking lots see a lot of foot traffic as well. As snow plows scrape roads there will be build up of snow banks near these parking lots that will hide curbs and drop offs. Use caution with these snow banks and always stay on designated footpaths. Use care if you must venture off the beaten path. Horseplay is not tolerated when these conditions exist.

With the high winds we have experienced, ensure you control the door of your vehicles and keep it from flying open and damaging itself or the vehicle adjacent to it. Those with small children must also be mindful that children may not know or understand how the wind affects doors during these periods.

Winter in Montana is cold, very cold. Negative temperatures and wind chill severely hamper the ability of skin to regulate your body's temperature. Wind chills below -50°F on exposed skin can result in frostbite as little as 10 minutes. As humans, we generate sufficient body heat by both burning appropriate food and preventing the loss of that heat by suitable clothing and shelter. During the winter months here, maintain a healthy diet and increase the intake of fluids to prevent dehydration. Cover all exposed skin to prevent frostbite and frost nip from developing on extremities. Use caution going back and forth between warm buildings and cold temperatures outside. A warm building will make you sweat and going back outside can make that sweat freeze, reducing your core temperature. For the dorm dwellers, DO NOT wear shorts and a tee shirt outside to walk across the street to the gym. Dress appropriately for outdoor temperatures as you would dress appropriately for the gym.

Unpredictable, at best, describes Montana in the winter. Being in the military and in a safety mindset, a person should always be prepared the worst possible scenario. The winter months contain many activities and holidays, like hunting, skiing, Christmas and New Years. Many people will travel to participate in these activities. When traveling in the winter months be prepared. Example of being prepared includes a winter survival kit in your car. This kit should include the following:

- A three pound coffee can with small holes near the top for hanging it;

- Matches;

- A heat source such as a candle

- Montana's Take-Along Winter Survival Handbook;

- Flashlight;

- Bathroom tissue;

- Multi-purpose tool;

- Coffee, bouillon, hot chocolate;

- Spoons;

- High energy food such as nuts, candy and jerky;

- Pad and pencil;

- Whistle;

- A deck of cards for entertainment;

- 550 survival cord;

- A red flag to affix to the vehicle's antenna to signal the need for help;
and a first-aid kit.

Other items that should be kept in a vehicle during the winter months include:

A gallon of water with room for expansion in case of freezing (for coffee, bouillon or hot chocolate;)

A waterproof bag of gravel to provide traction to drive wheels;

Warm clothes to include gloves and hats; and survival blankets or sleeping bags

As a military member always carry your winter issue with you into the field or have it in your car no matter what your job is, you never know when it might be needed. When traveling on roads that are icy, or during snow storms, give yourself extra time to get to your final destination. Never speed and don't take unnecessary risks such as passing on icy roads or driving while tired. Always check the local weather of where you're at and where you plan on traveling to so you know what to expect. Also, always let someone know where you're going, especially supervisors.

Using the survival kit:
The possibility of being stranded in a vehicle overnight is a reality despite the availability of a cellular phone or radio, said Kelly Nathe, 341st MW traffic safety manager.

"If motorists become stranded in a vehicle, they can increase their chances of survival by packing the proper gear and staying in their vehicle," he said. "There are spots on Montana highways that do not have cellular phone coverage and if the highway patrol closes the highway due to snow, can be stuck overnight or perhaps longer."

The driver should also run the engine periodically with the windows rolled down slightly for ventilation, Mr. Nathe said.

The safety office staff has created several versions of the survival kit, and has experimented with them to ensure they work. Items in the kit also serve more than one purpose, Mr. Nathe said. The coffee can, for example, is used to store the kit, and is used to heat water by hanging it with the 550 survival cord.

Winter here is beautiful. You can enjoy everything winter in Montana has to offer just continue to properly prepare for the hazards and enjoy the season safely.