Be safe this winter

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Winter safety is something all Gunfighters and their families should take into consideration as the weather turns colder.

The base offers a number of ways to stay alert on important winter advisories such as the new GunfighterSnow Twitter account as well as the Gunfighter Information Line at 828-8900. Many Airmen reside off-base which means advance knowledge of base operations and local road conditions are important considerations to ensure people drive safely this year.

"With winter weather around the corner, we are grateful for the Idaho Transportation Department's hard work to complete the construction project on I-84 and open all lanes to traffic between Boise and Mountain Home," stated Lt. Col. Ainsley O'Reilly, 366th Fighter Wing chief of safety. "Many Airmen from MHAFB reside in and often visit Idaho's vibrant capital city. The newly repaved section of I-84 greatly enhances the surface condition of the roadway making the commute safer for our Airmen and other transient traffic using the corridor."

While state and local agencies prepare the off-base roads and communities for winter, many base agencies are doing the same by offering winter-specific deals to personnel.

"Here at the base auto skills center we offer a variety of vehicle safety checks and repairs in preparation for the winter months," said Jerry Richardson, an Automotive Service Excellence certified technician and auto skills center building manager. "I have lived here for a number of years and usually in late December and early January the weather can become absolutely treacherous."

With the possibility of inclement weather it is important to have a plan in place.

"Be prepared at all times for weather changes affecting your driving safety," said Master Sgt. Xavier Lawson, 366th FW ground safety noncommissioned officer-in-charge. "Don't wait until the first snowfall to install your winter or all-season tires. Ensure you read the owner's manual for your vehicle and if you must drive give yourself some time when commuting between the destinations."

Knowing the conditions and planning ahead of time will go a long way in keeping Gunfighters safe this winter:

The following are some items which can be put in your vehicles in preparation for inclement weather:

Flashlight, battery powered radio, extra batteries, water, snack food, matches, extra hats, socks and mittens, first aid kit with pocket knife, necessary medications, blanket(s), tow chain or rope, booster cables, emergency flares, and a fluorescent distress flag.

For more information call the base ground safety office at 828-1802, visit http://511.idaho.gov for I-84 road conditions or text 'follow GunfighterSnow' to '40404' to follow us at http://twitter.com/GunfighterSnow.