773d CES ready to tackle the snow head-on this year Published Nov. 8, 2012 By Air Force Capt. Trenton Reeves 773d Civil Engineer Squadron JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- As the temperatures begin to drop, our windshields will begin to freeze over. As darkness takes over our days, we wonder if we are in store for another record snowfall. We are all uncertain, but one thing for sure is the reactivation of the 773d Civil Engineer Squadron's "snow team." The team's mission is to keep the installation's runways, airdrome, roads and parking areas clear and safe, enabling JBER personnel to safely execute the mission. We all share the responsibility of ensuring a safe snow season. Keeping in mind the following important tips will expedite snow removal, prevent accidents, and return the base to normal operations as quickly as possible. Pick-up or remove items and debris around base facilities and housing units that will impede or damage snow removal equipment. Facility managers with entrances on the airfield can stop by the Snow Barn, and pick up sodium acetate, which should only be applied to the airfield side. Facility managers should develop plans for vehicle movement prior to arranging for or requesting snow removal and get some expert advice on the dos and don'ts of snow removal. Prior to using unit-owned, truck-mounted plows, facility managers must contact the snow barn for instructions on how to plow and where to stockpile snow. Facility managers need to post parking lots as "closed" upon requesting snow removal operations; parking lots with vehicles left in them may not be cleared of snow. Personnel leaving for temporary duty should park in long-term "deployment" parking areas and make arrangements to have their vehicles moved, as needed, throughout the winter months. Operators are under strict instructions to immediately stop operations when children are seen near snow removal locations. Instruct children on the dangers associated with snow operations.Operators have narrow fields of vision in their vehicles. Operators have extremely limited hearing over the equipment noise. Snow tunnels and forts can be unstable and collapse without warning. Playing near icy roads or snow removal vehicles is a recipe for disaster. Maintain a minimum 75-foot clearance from all snow removal equipment; don't tailgate. Yield right-of-way to snow equipment. Slow down and drive according to road conditions - speed limits are reduced during snow and icy conditions. Important numbers for the winter season: For housing area snow removal, call Aurora Military Housing - 753-1023, 753-1024 or 753-1091. Base roads/facilities/parking/potholes: Snow Barn dispatch - 552-2994 or 2995 Airfield snow removal: Base Operations - 552-2107 Straight Talk Line: 673rd Wing Public Affairs - 552-0101 for current road/emergency conditions. The snow team will use all available resources to keep JBER running. They have a priority schedule and will get to problem areas as soon as possible.