Winter is coming...eventually

  • Published
  • By by Senior Airman Zachary Cacicia
  • 436th Public Affairs Office
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Though Jon Snow's fate is uncertain, one thing is certain for us; ice, snow, frigid cold and bone piercing winds are only a few weeks away; for winter is coming.

The 2015/2016 winter season is upon us, so what is forecasted for Dover AFB, and how can you better prepare for it? Furthermore, what steps is Team Dover taking to ensure your safety and the success of the mission?

"Based off of climate and the models, we can get an idea of what the season is going to be like," said Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Jones, 436th Operations Support Squadron Weather Flight chief. "Everything is pointing to it being mild, in terms of temperature, but with an increase in precipitation."

Dover AFB is not Winterfell, nor will it experience snowfalls of hundreds of feet deep. However, the base seasonally receives between 17 and 19 inches of snowfall. But in the past the base has seen extreme snowfalls of nearly 70 inches. On average, January and February tend to be the base's heaviest snow months.

"Because temperatures are going to be mild, we really aren't looking at there being a ton of snow," said Jones. "The possibility is we will have freezing rain events and an average amount of snow."

It should be noted that this is a long-range forecast, meaning that anything could happen. Being that Delaware is on the East Coast, one good Nor-Easter could give us our annual average snowfall in a matter of days. The best thing to do is be prepared for the worst.

Team Dover's population comes from all over the country, and not every Airman is familiar with winter weather or how to handle it. Brand new to the base and northern latitudes, Airman 1st Class Omar Sepulveda, 436th Airlift Wing Judge Advocate paralegal, is from Miami, Florida, a full 1,200 miles south.

"I have the mindset that if I'm in Delaware, I'm definitely expecting snow," said Sepulveda. "In Miami, we got between zero and negative 100 inches of snow, so this will be a first for me." 

But another Airman of Florida origin has fully embraced the snow and cold since joining the Air Force.

"Grew up in Jacksonville; the hardest winter was maybe 50 degrees," said Master Sgt. John Willard, 436th AW Safety superintendent. "As kids we would huddle around warm sewer drains by the bus stop, and we were all wearing gigantic Starter jackets, because we were freezing."

But since joining the Air Force and moving away from the Sunshine State, Willard has developed a great fondness of snow and the cold.

"I came here to Delaware where actual winter happens and I adjusted fine," he said. "I took up snowboarding instead of surfing."

So when the winter weather does hit, what risks and hazards should individuals be ready for?

According to the 436th AW Safety Office, the number one causes of injuries during the winter season are trips, slips and falls. It is advised that everyone takes their time while traversing icy sidewalks and parking lots.

Furthermore, it is recommended that you have an emergency kit in your vehicle. These kits typically include: a shovel, windshield scraper and small broom, flashlight, battery powered radio, extra batteries, water, snack food, matches, extra hats, socks and mittens, first aid kits with pocket knife, necessary medications, blanket(s), tow chain or rope, road salt and sand, booster cables, emergency flares, and fluorescent distress flag.

With winter, comes cold temperatures, and with cold temperatures comes the possibility of pipes freezing and possibly breaking.

"It happens every year," said Tech. Sgt. Thlaythla Meak, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron water and fuel systems maintenance NCO in charge. "Cold air gets into buildings and pipes freeze."

Meak recommends that Team Dover facility managers and Airmen be vigilant. He asks that if you have a janitor closet, open its door to let the building's warm air in. This will help prevent pipes from freezing. Additionally, walk around a building, if you notice one part of it to be abnormally cold, call the civil engineer squadron and they will address it.

But freezing pipes are not the most common challenges associated with winter. Ice and snow covered roadways pose a risk to all motorists.

Staff Sgt. Adam Ballash, 436th CES pavements and heavy equipment, has been designated as this winter's "Snowman" for the second year in a row.

"Our snowman is our head of the airfield," said Ballash. "They tell our equipment and personnel where to go, what to plow and what our priorities are."

Ballash, who is from Maine and is used to dealing with winter weather, oversees Team Dover's efforts in removing snow and ice from the base's roadways and runways.

"If we aren't out here doing snow removal, the mission is not getting done," said Ballash. "Our mission capabilities are essential to getting planes off the ground and getting people on and off base."

When hazardous weather or other events occur which necessitate reduced operations, personnel should keep informed, adjust their home to work travel time accordingly, and remain alert for special radio and television announcements as conditions change. The latest reporting instructions can also be found by visiting the Dover AFB website: www.dover.af.mil or by calling (302) 677-BASE (2273). Unless notified otherwise, personnel will be expected to report for work as scheduled.

It is advised that all personnel are aware of their priority reporting status, such as Emergency, Mission Essential Level (MEL) 1, 2, and 3, and Personnel in training/school. If you are unaware of your status, contact your unit supervision.

Winter is coming, Team Dover...eventually.