As winter comes to Grissom, be safe

Published Dec. 21, 2011
By Tech. Sgt. Mark Orders-Woempner
434th ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Old Man Winter has finally arrived, even though it may not have felt like it the past few days.

Perhaps surprising to some, the first official day of winter this year, according to the astronomical seasons, is today, Dec. 22, instead of Dec. 21.

Astronomical winter is determined by the winter solstice, which is when the Earth is tilted farthest away from the sun in the Northern Hemisphere. This year, the winter solstice occurred at 12:30 a.m. EST this morning.

For many, winter begins in December, when the autumn weather in Indiana starts to turn blustery and cold. Meteorologists use this reasoning as well, as they use whole months to identify meteorological seasons.

In the Northern Hemisphere, meteorologists identify the three coldest months of December, January and February as meteorological winter.

No matter what your view on the start of winter, as the cold rolls in with ice, sleet and snow, the 434th Air Refueling Wing's safety office has a few reminders for how to stay safe while traveling during the season.

Make sure vehicles are ready for winter driving by doing the following:
- Check fluid levels, service belts and hoses.
- Make sure heaters and defrosters are working.
- Ensure tires have good traction and tread.
- Make sure brakes have been checked within the last 5,000 miles by a certified mechanic.
- Test turn signals, brake and headlights, and four-way hazard lights.
- Change worn out windshield wiper blades.

Even if a car is complete ready for winter driving, it's out on the road where accidents take place. Use the following safety tips while driving:
- Reduce speed on snowy and icy roads.
- Double stopping distances for wet conditions.
- Watch for ice on bridges and overpasses.
- Turn on headlights during low light conditions.

If an accident should occur, it's always best to be prepared. For this reason, the safety office recommends having an emergency survival kit in the car at all times. This kit should include chains, a shovel, blankets, flashlights, matches, candles, a first-aid kit, water, quick energy food, flares and jumper cables.

Whenever going out in the cold, travelers should dress appropriately. Wear of several layers of thick loose-fitting clothing and always wearing a hat, scar and gloves as the head and neck lose heat faster than any other part of the body.

Should the need arise to dig a vehicle out of snow or push it, avoid overexertion as the strain from cold weather and heavy labor could cause back strains and heart attacks.

The biggest safety tip for this winter season the safety office has is often the least followed. Travelers should allow for extra time when traveling in bad weather and drive with caution. The key is planning a trip in advance.

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command.

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Grissom welcomes first day of winter

As winter comes to Grissom, be safe

Public Affairs Staff