ARPC snow removal team clears paths, offers winter safety tips

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Rob Hazelett
  • Air Reserve Personnel Center Public Affairs
BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  Walking to and from the parking lot during winter storms can be difficult. While there are still seven weeks of winter remaining, it helps to know the path from your vehicle at the Air Reserve Personnel Center to the headquarters building here will be cleared of ice.

As snowfall becomes common throughout the late fall through early spring, members at ARPC can expect sudden changes in weather.

That's when the ARPC snow removal team, led by Staff Sgt. Robert Short, ARPC evaluations technician, arrive to ensure safe conditions for personnel and visitors during the winter season.

"The snow removal team is primarily responsible for removal and the application of ice melt from all sidewalks surrounding the center," Short said. "If time permits, the same is done for the loading area."

When it snows, Short said the team arrives on scene to begin removing ice during the work week either at 5:30 a.m. or two hours before the delayed reporting time.

Short also has used some of his own time on the weekend to save the Air Force money.

"If we have had snow on a Sunday, for example, I will come in that day or evening prior to the Monday duty day to clear the sidewalks," he said.

Short described how it felt to contribute to winter safety here.

"It's rewarding to know that what the snow team does assists in the overall prevention of winter related accidents in and around the center," he said. 

Primarily because of Short's efforts, the snow team has been outstanding, said Jon Gaines, ARPC facility manager.

Gaines said no matter how well the snow and ice is removed, he hoped members would be remember that regardless of the time and effort spent clearing snow and ice, there will always be that one icy spot to watch for.

"Snow and ice control is a thankless job," Gaines said. "It's hard to compete with Mother Nature, which gets all the credit for weeks, like this week when it's nice and warm. But it's the snow teams fault when the sidewalks and parking lots are slippery."

Here are some safety tips to follow when walking outside the center during a winter storm:

·Wear proper footwear. Avoid boots or shoes with smooth soles and heels. Wear shoes with heavy treading and a flat bottom that place the entire foot on the surface of the ground.
·Plan ahead. Walk consciously on icy sidewalks and parking lots. Look up to see where the next icy spots are and be aware of any vehicles near you.
·Avoid listening to music or talking on the phone while walking in icy or snowy conditions. Pedestrians need to be able to hear approaching traffic or other noises.
·Be aware of ice in the mornings. Anticipate ice, which often appears in the early hours as wet pavement could be black ice.
·Use special care when entering and exiting vehicles; use the vehicle for support.
·Watch where you are stepping and go slowly.
·Take short steps or shuffle for stability.
·Look up. Be aware of what you're walking under. Falling snow and ice can cause injuries.
·Walk in designated walkways as much as possible. Taking shortcuts over snow piles and other frozen areas can be hazardous because it is less likely any removal has occurred.
·When walking down steps, take them slowly. Plant your feet securely on each step and have a firm grip on the handrail.
·Extend your arms out to your sides to maintain balance.
·Keep your hands out of your pockets. You can use them to help break your fall if you do start to slip.