Peterson prepares for snowy weather Published Oct. 20, 2008 By Lt. Col. Stacey Anason 21st Civil Engineer Squadron PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- During winter weather, one of the most important missions at Peterson AFB is notifying employees about road conditions and whether the base is open or closed. "Our primary objective is to keep the base populace informed in a timely manner to allow them to make sound driving decisions," said Col. Emily Buckman, 21st Mission Support Group commander. Employees here at Peterson can check several avenues for information: the Peterson Snow Call Line at 556-SNOW, www.peterson.af.mil, or local television and radio stations. Here's the process: When snow and icy conditions develop at Peterson, a team of experts from across the wing recommends a course of action to protect base personnel. When questionable weather conditions develop, the 21st Security Forces Squadron and the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron will inspect on-base road and parking conditions. If road conditions are hazardous, the 21st CES and the 21st SFS commanders present a status brief to the 21st MSG commander. Timely communication is the key element when determining road conditions and base reporting procedures. The entire process must be executed in less than an hour to ensure people are informed quickly; safety is the primary consideration throughout the process. When conditions warrant, the 21st MSG commander convenes a formal teleconference with the commanders from the 21st SFS and 21st CES. Once the commanders agree, the 21st MSG commander recommends a course of action to the 21st Space Wing commander or vice commander. Finally, the 21st SW commander instructs the Command Post to implement snow call procedures, and in turn, the 21st SW Public Affairs Office updates local media resources. When snow operations begin for the 21st CES, forty-one of our finest engineers begin working to make Peterson roadways as safe as possible. Their efforts are focused on keeping all roadways clear and accessible for emergency vehicles. Of course, with the airfield at their highest priority, you may not see improvements immediately on some secondary roadways, but rest assured, they will get to your area. What terms you should know: Closed Peterson Air Force Base is closed. Military personnel and Department of Defense civilians are not permitted to come or go. Anyone coming on base while it is closed will not be allowed to leave. Mission-essential personnel will remain in place until the base is reopened and their replacements arrive. Early Release Non-mission-essential personnel and non-emergency personnel must depart their duty stations before the end of the normal duty day. Phased release of personnel normally occurs at 30-minute intervals to reduce the congestion of traffic departing Peterson. "The reason for early release is to provide [personnel] ample time to pick up their children, make it home safely and allow the 21st CES the opportunity to ready the base for the next day," Colonel Buckman said, Mission Essential Only Only mission-essential and emergency personnel should report for duty. Additionally, mission-essential and emergency personnel on Peterson at the time the base is closed must remain on Peterson until the situation clears or replacements arrive. Sources of information available to you: Peterson Snow Call Line Call the Peterson Snow Call Line at 556-SNOW (7669). Note: Due to the potential for a large volume of calls, the snow call line may be busy. Call back periodically, or check TV stations or other sources listed to get the information. Television Radio Channel 5/30 - KOAA FM 95.1 - KATC Channel 11 - KKTV FM 96.9 - KCCY Channel 13 - KRDO FM 99.9 - KVUU World Wide Web FM 101.9 - KGDQ (En Español) www.peterson.af.mil AM 740 - KVOR www.flashnews.net/rocky.html How you can help When the base is placed on a two-hour delay, this means you should begin your commute two hours later than you usually do. This delay gives the snow and ice removal teams time to clear roads and parking lots before you begin your commute. Your parking lot may be skipped if there are cars preventing operations, and with the tight time-line the snow plows are on, it is uncertain when they can make it back through your areas. The teams can clear roads much more quickly and efficiently if there is little or no traffic on the roads, and you are kept safe while this operation is ongoing. If you do encounter a snow plow while driving, yield to the vehicle and give it a wide berth. These machines cannot stop quickly and are most likely spreading a deicer and anti-skid substance mixture behind them. Additionally, you can help by slowing down and allowing additional time for your trips. What Facility Managers should be doing Facility managers should be readying building occupants for the upcoming snow season. Hopefully by now, your facility has a snow removal schedule, snow shovels and plenty of sand or ice-melt on hand. If facility managers do not have any ice-melt on hand, they can acquire it from 21st CES Supply. "During snow/ice events building managers should also ensure entrances, exits and handicap areas are slip-free," Colonel Buckman said. Safety is everyone's business and all occupants should be looking for ways to help out. Additionally, remember our base grounds contractors are only responsible for common sidewalks and 100 feet from each facility. Base Housing Occupants Tierra Vista, the company that manages base housing, has contracted Embassy Landscaping to perform snow removal for residents. Embassy will begin snow removal once the snow has accumulated to 2 inches. They will continue removing snow until the accumulation has subsided. Embassy will also be removing snow in resident driveways and the walkways up to the front porch, providing there are no vehicles in the driveway. Embassy will observe quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. During this time, snow removal will be limited to housing streets only. Snow Parade 21st CES is bringing back its annual snow parade. The parade will take place on Oct. 24 at 3 p.m. The squadron's snow removal vehicles will stop briefly at the main Child Development Center before proceeding down Peterson Boulevard. Please come out and see the snow plows, fire trucks and our special guest, Santa Claus!