Winter weather safety tips for reservists

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sasha S. Skrine
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Icy roads and snow are often part of Delaware winters. As the colder months creep in, traveling reservists are reminded to take extra precaution on their monthly commute. 

With a force of more than 1,800 reservists traveling in from 40 different states, the 512th Airlift Wing has a "safety net" in place to combat geographical boundaries and assist commuting reservists with safe travels this winter season. 

"The commanders have established a network of safety representatives who are placed throughout the wing and are responsible for briefing on safety issues," said Master Sgt. Kevin Casquerelli, 512th AW ground safety manager. 

"These representatives are personnel who don't necessarily have the safety Air Force Specialty Code, who either volunteered or were selected by the commander to handle safety issues during the Unit Training Assemblies," said Sergeant Casquerelli. 

In the wing, there are approximately two safety representatives per unit or squadron, said Sergeant Casquerelli. Each representative is required to take a safety certification course and attend quarterly meetings, he added. 

Although the winter months are a time for extra precaution, to ensure safety all year long, reservists new to the wing receive a safety briefing during their newcomer's orientation to receive monthly briefings to reiterate safety year round, he said. 

E-mails and posting on the wing share drive are other tools used to communicate briefings and messages to reservists. 

In the event of inclement weather on a UTA weekend, reservists should call the Dover Air Force Base Information Line (302) 677-BASE (2273) for reporting instructions. This information is also updated on the base's Web page at http://www.dover.af.mil/questions/topic.asp?id=803. 

Winter Safety Tips
To further ensure the safety of wing reservists, the 512th Safety Office and the Occupational Safety Hazard Association also offers the following tips in preparation for the winter weather:
- Ensure vehicle is equipped with an emergency with an emergency kit in the event of a breakdown while traveling.
- If stranded, stay with the vehicle, put bright markers on the antenna or windows, and turn on the dome light.
- When roads are covered with ice or snow increase following distance from what it would normally be and refrain from using cruise control.
- Check vehicle battery, tire tread, antifreeze, and windshield wipers regularly.
For more information on how to winterize a car and other travel tips visit: http://www.osha.gov.