Repeat after me: The snow is coming, the snow is coming...

  • Published
  • By Lori O'Donley
  • 21st Space Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  In the wee early hours of the morning, before you press snooze, multiple experts collaborate to determine the appropriate course of action to keep personnel safe when inclement weather gracefully covers the streets of Peterson AFB.

While there are multiple sources to check for the latest updates about the weather, the commander wants you to know how to respond to these updates disseminated during hazardous weather conditions.

Depending on your preferred news source, weather updates, road conditions and delayed reporting information are available through local media, the 21st Space Wing Snow Call line at 556-SNOW, the Facebook page: Peterson AFB: 21st Space Wing, www.peterson.af.mil, and our Twitter alert: PAFBAlert by 5:30 a.m. or within 30 minutes of notification.

Wherever you get your information, communication between supervisors and personnel is critical to the winter safety of all who live and work at Team Pete.
The commander designates personnel into two roles: essential and nonessential. For those with mission essential roles, supervisors ensure in advance they understand their position is involved in sustaining mission-critical activities. Examples of essential roles include snow removal, medical, firefighters, security forces, child care and the dining facility. Nonessential roles are those that can be on delay for a short period of time. Your supervisor will identify which slot you fill.

Understanding your role is imperative, particularly when the commander decides the status of the base. He has three options from which to choose: base closure, delayed reporting and normal reporting.

Only mission essential personnel are to report for duty when the base is closed because of weather conditions. Delayed conditions allow nonessential personnel additional time to report to work safely.

It is important to note this time delay allows the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron time to remove the snow following a storm, and nonessential personnel are not to arrive before this time as it slows down, or in some cases stops, the snow removal process.
If you have a medical appointment prior to the delayed reporting time, it will be cancelled. You can call 524-CARE or 526-CARE to reschedule.

Lastly, normal reporting will be updated on www.peterson.af.mil and the snow call line.
In the case of delayed or normal reporting, understanding the road conditions will improve your ability to plan to leave with enough time to safely commute.

In respects to clearing snow, be prepared to pick up a shovel. The 21st CES will clear streets and parking lots (provided they are empty). You may be asked to remove snow and ice from entryways, steps, emergency exits and sidewalks within 100 feet of your building to prevent hazardous walking conditions. The base grounds contractors will meet you at 100 feet and care for the rest.

This winter season, let's work together to keep each other safe, and keep our mission going.

* To follow PAFBAlert and receive the latest information, text "follow PAFBAlert" to 40404.

Here are some helpful tips if there is a snow delay:

If I am scheduled for gate guard duty, what do I do?
If the commander determines non-mission essential personnel should report no earlier than 9:30 a.m., augmentees should report at 8:30 a.m.

What if I think it is too dangerous to drive?
Safety is of the upmost importance. Weather conditions can vary widely across the area and what one person considers as safe driving conditions may not be for another. If individuals feel it is unsafe to attempt driving to work, they should contact their supervisor to discuss the situation.

What do I do if I have a medical appointment scheduled?
Any medical appointments that are before 9:30 a.m. will need to be rescheduled. Individuals who have a cancelled appointment due to a snow delay can call 524-CARE or 526-CARE (2273) to make a new appointment.

If there is a delay or closure, will the Commissary or Exchange be open?
The Commissary and Exchange will open at 9:30 a.m. on days they are normally open.

What if there is a special event scheduled?
Any special event scheduled before 9:30 a.m. will be postponed or rescheduled.

When does the Child Development Center open?
For mission essential personnel, the CDC opens at 6:30 a.m. These families have a letter on file notifying staff they are mission essential. Even though CDC staff is present at 6:30 a.m., non-mission essential personnel should not bring their children in until 9:30 a.m. The CDC is not equipped to take care of extra children until then.

My child goes to an in-home childcare provider on base, when can I drop them off?
In-home childcare providers set their own hours. Families should discuss this with their care provider.

Are school buses allowed on base when there is a delay or closure?
School buses will come on base at their normal time if the school district is not delayed regardless of the status of the base. If the school is running on a delayed schedule, buses will run accordingly.

What if I work at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station? How do I find out if they have a delay or closure?
A representative from CMAFS participates in the snow call with Peterson but ultimately makes their own decision for the reporting of CMAFS personnel. The CMAFS delay or closure information sources include the CMAFS snow line (719) 474-3333; 721st MSG Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/721MSG); new CMAFSAlert text message service (to sign up, text "follow CMAFSAlert" to 40404 [standard text message rates apply]) and local media outlets.

How can I sign up for PAFBAlert?
First, text 'follow PAFBAlert' to 40404 (without quotation marks) Then, text 'on' to 40404 to ensure your notifications are turned on.  Note: You will receive a message that confirms you are signed up to receive texts from PAFBAlert.

 

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