Ice and Winter Safety

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jessica Condit
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  Winter can be a difficult season whether there is snow on the ground or ice in the trees. The precautions that should be taken during winter are necessary for individual safety as well as the safety of everyone around.

When ice hits the roads, slick icy buildup and cold slushy water creates a recipe for disaster unless you are prepared and practice proper safety procedures. Do not drive fast on icy roads. Staying at the speed limit or driving slightly slower will provide the opportunity for greater reaction time in the event of a sudden stop.

Master Sgt. Amber Person, a 19th Airlift Wing ground safety specialist, provides safety precaution ideas and discusses several hazards that affect people during the winter months.
"As soon as winter weather hits, we see an immediate rise in mishaps involving traffic accidents, slips, trips and falls," said Person. "We have had 17 reported mishaps directly related to icy conditions just in December."

Staying alert and anticipating a stop will give you more than enough time to stop slowly, avoiding a spinout or sliding into the car in front of you.

An important way to prepare for winter weather and storms is to keep necessary items in your car at all times. In the event of an emergency, an emergency kit will provide much needed supplies.

"Keep items such as cell phone chargers, flashlights, batteries, blankets, food, water, gloves, boots and a first-aid kit in your car just in case you do end up stuck in a traffic jam or worse, a ditch," said Person.

Icicles in trees and along the roofs of houses and buildings also play a role in the safety hazards of winter. Some icicles can get huge over the course of only a few hours, creating a dangerous obstacle for anyone walking under them. If possible, knock the icicles down using an object, ensuring you are not in the path of the icicle when it falls.

There are several things you can do in order to clear ice from your walkways as well. Salt can be purchased at a local hardware store or shopping center. Pouring salt on the walkways melts ice, decreasing your chances of slipping. Sand, another winter safety saver that is also sold at hardware stores and shopping centers will work as well, creating traction for people to walk over the ice.

If you have questions about safety precaution or what steps you should take to practice safe winter procedures, contact the base safety office at (501) 987-3599.