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Safety team offers cold-weather survival tips

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nichole Gittens
  • 87th Air Base Wing Safety
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J --  The winter season can inspire activity-filled holidays. The season's tidings, however, can also bring many dangers and safety hazards.

Daily activities like driving and walking are more hazardous as snow and ice cover roads and walkways.

Sidewalks and walkways are not always properly maintained during the winter. It is important to plan for the worst. Wear proper footwear for all winter weather conditions. Avoid walking on ice if possible - it is better to walk in the snow than on ice.

Snow and ice cause the majority of slips, trips and falls during winter months. This is a leading cause for ankle and wrist sprains and fractures. Be sure to maintain situational awareness while walking to and from all destinations.

Office space temperatures tend to drop as the temperatures drop outside. It is important that personal space heaters are not brought into work areas. Unauthorized space heaters are a violation of safety and fire regulations. Direct any questions regarding approved space heaters to the 87th Civil Engineering Squadron customer service at 754-2388.

The winter season is a busy time for servicemembers and their families as they travel to celebrate the holidays with loved ones. The Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst safety staff highly encourages all Airmen and their families to travel and return safely during this time by abiding by the following safety guidelines when operating motor vehicles:

· Speed limits are based on "perfect driving conditions". Drivers must adjust accordingly.
· Assure all vehicles are properly maintained. Be sure to check for proper tire pressure and tread as well as wear on belts and hoses.
· Keep an emergency kit accessible in the event a vehicle breaks down.
· Increase following distance between cars to provide more time to react safely.
· Do not wander away from a vehicle if stranded, unless certain of how far away help is.
· Plan trips ahead of time and avoid making long drives without breaks and adequate rests.

More information on winter driving tips can be found at www.aaaexchange.com.