Watching for road changes as the weather changes on JBER

  • Published
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  There is no telling when Mother Nature will blanket Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska with snowfall, but when it happens, members should be aware of base procedures for inclement weather.

Base officials have three options when weather makes driving conditions hazardous for JBER 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 a two-hour delay.

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 provide the flexibility to balance safety and mission needs against inclement weather. Motorists 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 initiates any of these actions, the command post is notified and disseminates information and 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.

If the base changes to mission-essential reporting, dining facilities and lodging will continue to operate to the maximum extent possible to meet the needs of customers. However, AAFES and commissary facilities may be closed. Call AAFES at 753-4422 and the commissary at 580-4425 for operating hours.

"Drivers operating vehicles on JBER during inclement weather need to slow down and drive with the conditions of the roadways," said Doug Hoffmaster, 673d Air Base Wing Installation Safety Office safety officer. "When approaching intersections, ensure you begin braking early, to give yourself plenty of time to stop and not slide into the intersection."

Snow-and ice-covered parking lots are the source of many vehicle mishaps. Compressed snow and ice contribute to a lack of traction and become skating rinks for vehicles.

Speeding, following closely, and limited visibility are major problems while driving. Nothing is more important than the safety of our forces and families, Hoffmaster said.

Not only do vehicle on vehicle accidents happen, but property damage accidents happen as well.

"During the winter months of 2011 to 2013, there were [more than] 20 motor vehicle mishaps both on and off base with property damage or personal injury," Hoffmaster said.

Before snow arrives there are several safety practices to consider.

A good dose of common sense, slower speeds, and increased spacing between vehicles will help everyone get to their destination unscathed, Hoffmaster said.

Vehicles are authorized to operate with studded tires on paved highways or roads beginning September 16 through April 30, he added.

Road condition advisories for JBER 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 are determined primarily by prevailing conditions on JBER. Installation leaders work with the Anchorage Police Department and consider off-base conditions when determining whether base closure or delayed reporting is needed.

Road conditions will be posted at all the gates and displayed on the Commander's Access Channel. Additionally, the base installed electronic road condition signs at various locations to keep on-base drivers aware of the current road conditions.

Being prepared on the Alaska roadways is also important.

"Winters in Alaska can be dark, cold, and persistent," said Phil Goss, 773d Civil Engineer Squadron emergency manager. "Snowfall can occur anytime between October and April, so when traveling during the winter, pay attention to weather reports and let someone know your phone number, departure time and anticipated arrival time."

In areas of extreme cold and snow it is recommended that vehicles carry an emergency kit. The kit should contain a shovel, windshield scraper and small broom, flashlight, battery powered radio, extra batteries, water, snack food, extra hats, socks and mittens, first aid kit with pocket knife, necessary medications, blankets, tow chain or rope, road salt and sand, booster cables, emergency flares, matches and candles.

"If you become stranded, tie a bright colored or florescent cloth to the antenna or mirror," Goss said. "If you start your vehicle to stay warm, run the engine and heater no longer than 10 minutes with a downwind window slightly open for ventilation and by making sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow allowing poisonous gas to ventilate outside of the vehicle."

For more information visit www.jber.af.mil.