JBER Commander Winter Weather Message Published Nov. 22, 2010 By Col. Rob Evans JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Arctic Warriors - Today we experienced our first significant adverse weather event for the season and more will follow. First and foremost, I encourage you to consider your unique travel circumstances each day before getting on the road this winter. Exercise judgment and call your supervisor if you need to delay your commute. As you know, we have widely varying weather conditions across Anchorage Bowl and Matsu Valley. Therefore, a "one-size fits all" weather decision on delayed reporting, etc. is often difficult. When faced with adverse weather, we will endeavor to make a reporting decision based on the current conditions and forecast no later than 0500 each day. Please call the JBER Information Line (552-INFO/4636); check the JBER web page (www.jber.af.mil); Facebook (www.facebook.com/jberak), or Twitter (JBER_PA) sites with the latest reporting instructions (see below PA article for more information). Today's driving conditions became treacherous as the morning commute began and APD reported to us that the accident count was up to 149 by mid day. The most common causes of accidents were following too closely behind other vehicles and other vehicles using excessive speed to pass slower-moving ones. I offer these data points for consideration as you commute this winter. Freezing rain is forecast for tonight, so stay tuned for possible delayed reporting in the morning. Thanks and drive safe! Col. Rob Evans Commander, JB Elmendorf-Richardson Adverse Weather Notifications JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- There is no telling when the Anchorage Bowl will be hit with the next large snowfall. When this does happens, members must know base procedures during inclement weather. Base officials have three options when winter weather makes driving conditions hazardous for Elmendorf drivers: Mission essential reporting: Only mission-essential people, as determined by unit commanders and supervisors, are required to report to duty. Unit commanders must specifically identify who they determine as mission essential in advance. If you have not been told, ask your supervisor. Delayed reporting: All members report for duty while exercising caution and arriving as soon as conditions permit. Expected reporting time will be specified, but it will normally be 10 a.m. Early release: Unit commanders are responsible for managing early release within their organization when the installation commander initiates this action. The goal is to stagger departure times to alleviate congestion and to allow those who live farthest from the base to leave first. These options give us the flexibility to balance safety and mission needs against the weather situations. However, this is Alaska, and with snow and ice no stranger to the area, you can expect these options to be used infrequently. When conditions at home are severe enough to warrant changes to normal reporting times and no option has been directed, people must coordinate with their supervisors and unit commanders to modify arrival times and work schedules. When the installation commander decides to initiate any of these actions, the command post is notified and disseminates the information and specific reporting procedures. The public affairs office notifies local news media and initiate changes to the JBER Information Line (552-INFO/4636), JBER web page, Facebook, and Twitter sites with the latest reporting instructions, as directed. The information is also distributed through Top Cover (accessible from government computers only) and the Commander's Access Channel (GCI Channel 898 on base only). Elmendorf members can expect to receive the information as early as possible, but decisions will normally be made by 5:00 a.m. If the base goes into mission-essential reporting, dining facilities and lodging will continue to operate to the maximum extent possible to meet the needs of customers, officials said. However, AAFES and commissary facilities may be closed. Call AAFES at 753-4422 and the commissary at 580-4425 for operating hours. A related concern is driving under snowy and icy conditions. People operating vehicles on Elmendorf during inclement weather need to slow down and drive with the conditions of the roadways. Speed, following too closely, and decreased visibility are major problems to safe driving. Nothing is more important than the safety of our forces and families. Road condition advisories for Elmendorf are: Green: Roads are clear and dry. Drivers will comply with normal vehicle operating procedures and posted speed limits. Amber: It has been determined that roads may be slippery due to snow, ice, or reduced visibility. Drivers will exercise caution. Red: It has been determined that roads may be hazardous due to snow, ice, or reduced visibility. Drivers will exercise caution and reduce speeds by 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. Black: It has been determined that road conditions are extremely hazardous due to ice, snow, or reduced visibility. Vehicle dispatching is prohibited unless directed by command authority. Only operate mission essential and emergency response vehicles. Drivers will exercise extreme caution and reduce speeds by 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. Road conditions will be posted at all the gates and will be displayed on Top Cover and the Commander's Access Channel. In addition, the base installed electronic road condition signs at various locations to keep on-base drivers aware of the current road conditions. A good dose of common sense, slower speeds, and increased spacing between vehicles will help everyone get to their destination unscathed.