PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. - As we inch closer toward the months of winter, the days are growing shorter, darker and colder — a reminder that winter is quickly approaching.
Cold-weather injuries, such as frostbite and hypothermia, as well as slippery conditions, can present significant challenges during this time of year, both at home and at work.
In preparation of anticipated winter weather conditions, officials with U.S. Army Garrison Picatinny Arsenal's Directorate of Public Works (DPW) reminds employees, family members, and visitors that the installation's operations and maintenance contractor, Chugach Consolidated Solutions, is tasked with keeping roads safe for drivers on Picatinny.
Trying to predict what conditions the installation will face during each storm, snow, ice or both, along with the impact of high winds, is often difficult to determine in a dynamic event. Driving during dangerous conditions, and not driving safely during winter weather, can spell disaster.
Chugach monitors forecasts for winter storms from the National Weather Service, local television station weather reports and from the Mount Holly Weather Station, often planning and preparing days in advance of a predicted winter storm.
Snow removal at Picatinny is completed in prioritized areas, DPW officials said. For example, priority one areas are primary access to the installation as well as 24-hour operation areas, such as at police, fire and emergency operation facilities. Secondary priorities are the Child Development Center and School Age Center/Youth Center as well as housing areas. Priority two areas also include parking areas for most facilities throughout the general access areas. Priority three areas are cleared immediately in succession as required.
Icy conditions pose a particular challenge to road crews, which focus primarily on deicing intersections, hills and curves, where vehicle tires can spread the deicer along the road. Deicer cannot be applied to all roads and, as part of snowstorm management, the road crews rely heavily on sunshine and temperatures rising during the day to melt the snow and ice.
Ultimately, being prepared is key to winter driving safety, including having good tires, driving at safe speeds, ensuring extra distance between cars and allowing for extra travel time to avoid rushed trips.
“It is important for individuals to be prepared for winter weather in both the workplace and at home to minimize the potential for disruption and loss,” said Robert Verpent, Picatinny Arsenal’s Emergency Manager.
“This includes having a plan in place for snow removal, sheltering, power outages, and stocking up on supplies such as food, water, medications, and warm clothing. Monitoring the weather forecasts and signing up for local Emergency Alert Notifications are great ways to stay informed in advance of approaching storms and helps individuals and organizations make informed decisions to ensure the safety of people within our communities.”
Before the season comes along, check their vehicle’s fluids, lights, defrosters, windshield wipers, tire pressure and tread. Also, consider having the following items as part of an emergency kit:
*Flashlight and batteries
*Jumper cables
*Hazard sign or flares
*Extra windshield wiper fluid
* Shovel
* Extra pair of clothes
Please do your part this season to eliminate winter/cold weather injuries. Al Morrissey, the installation’s safety officer, offers these winter weather safety tips:
- Walk and drive slowly in adverse conditions. Allow extra stopping distance when driving.
- Watch carefully where you step while walking. Stay on the salted and sanded areas in the parking lots and use sidewalk paths to enter/exit the buildings. Do not take shortcuts through snowy or ice areas.
- Wear proper footwear with slip-resistant soles and carry your work shoes in/out with you. Winter footwear (boots) provide traction to lower the risk of slips. Winter boots are also insulated to keep your feet warmer. Wait to put on your dress shoes in the office.
- Areas that appear wet could be black ice, which is extremely slippery, so walk carefully.
- Use special care when entering and exiting vehicles, using the vehicle for support to get out.
- Use extreme care when carrying any items outside. Your center of balance may be off due to the weight of what you are carrying, which can cause you to fall more easily.
- Walk Safe/Drive Safe – Stay Safe. If you would like to know more about winter safety, ask your building managers and/or supervisors to contact the Garrison Safety Office at 973-724-7859 for assistance.
You can also visit https://www.ready.gov to learn about creating home and vehicle winter safety kits.
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