Scott prepares for winter Published Nov. 19, 2014 375th Civil Engineer Squadron SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, ill. -- When the 375th Air Mobility Wing responds to a winter weather event the base focuses first on a couple key areas: the airfield, base emergency routes and 24-hour work center parking lots and sidewalks. Then the additional parking lots and secondary streets are tackled. According to the 375th Mission Support Group, the men and women of the 375th Civil Engineer Squadron and Logistics Readiness Squadron are extremely proud of the accomplishment that in the winter of 2013-2014, no sorties were canceled into or out of Scott due to local winter weather; in fact, there were several instances where Scott was the only open runway in the Midwest. More than 1 million commercial flights were canceled or delayed last winter due to snow and ice. It was a team effort by more than 200 Airmen working outside in some of the worst weather to ensure the many critical missions here at Scott continued with minimal interruption. When January 2014's polar vortex caused more than $1 million in facilities damage here at the Civil Engineer craftsmen frequently plowed their way to the damage, performed expedient repairs, and then plowed their way to another emergency. When the extreme weather proved too much for plows, it was the LRS vehicle maintainers who donned extreme cold weather gear and braved sub-zero wind-chill to get the equipment running again. The 375th CES has done a lot this summer to prepare for the 2014-2015 winter weather to include fully re-stocking road salt supply, doubled airfield de-ice chemical stockpile, ensured snow removal equipment is full operational and begun improvements to the "Snow Barn" facility to provide better operating conditions for the men and women who keep the airfield equipment operating. The 375th MSG is in the process of investing millions of dollars in base mechanical systems to upgrade aging physical plant and provide more reliable heating and cooling capacity while simultaneously making the oldest facilities more energy efficient. More than $2 million has been invested in the base power distribution system to make it more reliable; the old roads and parking lots are being upgraded, and are more than 50 percent complete with a $5 Million runway drainage upgrade project. When winter weather arrives, the 375th AMW leadership does its best to track the rapidly changing weather, monitor on- and off-base road conditions, and balance safety with mission accomplishment. With the rapidly changing and difficult-to-predict weather conditions in the Midwest, the base strives to announce base closures and reporting delays well enough in advance so base employees can plan ahead. Even during 24-hour operations with snow equipment, the base roads will contain slush, ponding water, and ice for hours or even days after a storm. Additionally, when temperatures drop below 20 degrees, de-ice chemicals and sidewalk salt stop working. Taking time to slow down, increase following distance behind other vehicles, and remaining patient with motorists who may be driving in the snow for the first time, will go a long way to ensuring Team Scott enjoys a safe winter. Base response to snow events is a team effort. The CES coordinates in-house heavy equipment and contracted snow operations, but facility managers and individual employees play a significant role as well. Facility managers are responsible for ensuring sidewalks within 50 feet of their facilities are clear of snow and ice as well as the entire length of sidewalk leading from the facility's primary entrance(s) to parking lots. In the event of hazardous road conditions, base employees may want to consider remaining on base with friends or in base lodging on a space-available basis. In base housing, snow and ice control will be provided by Scott Family Housing and focused on making housing communities accessible. All fire hydrants, handicap parking areas, mail box kiosks, and bus stops will be given extra care before, during, and after all events. The goal of Scott Family Housing is to maintain adequate traction for vehicles and pedestrians properly equipped for winter conditions. After snowfall stops, roadways and common area parking spaces will be cleared if total accumulation reaches 3-inches or more. Snow piling will be avoided at the intersections and entrances to each neighborhood if possible. Reporting to work Depending on the circumstances of the winter weather activity, the installation commander may authorize the following: Early release: Unit commanders and supervisors are authorized to release non-mission essential personnel according to the guidelines of the early release notification. All non-mission essential personnel will need to pick up their children from the Child Development Centers and Youth Center. Units are encouraged to stagger their release to avoid congestion while exiting the base. Delayed reporting authorized: The purpose for delayed reporting during hazardous weather conditions is to allow base personnel additional time for safe travel to the base if needed (normally up to two hours). However, the base is open and prepared to receive personnel. Delayed reporting applies to military and civilian personnel; leave will not be charged for the authorized delay period. Personnel are expected to arrive as soon as safety permits, not necessarily wait the full delay time if it is not needed. Delayed reporting - Report no earlier than specified time: There will also be instances of delayed reporting for non-mission essential personnel, specifying not to report prior to a specific time. This allows base recovery personnel time to plow snow from streets and parking lots ahead of your arrival. When a specific time is given to report, non-mission essential personnel should not report earlier than the specified time. The CDCs and Youth Center will only accept drop-offs for children of mission-essential personnel until the specified time. During these situations, only the Belleville and Shiloh Gates will be open unless otherwise announced, so please plan your arrival accordingly and work with your supervisor or work center for any other reporting requirements. Staggered reporting is encouraged to minimize congestion at the gates. *Please note that during any delay reporting situation, the Commissary, the Exchange and other customer service activities may also have a delay in opening. Those with medical appointments will be contacted by the medical clinic to reschedule appointments if necessary. For those with appointments downtown, please check with your physician for appointment status and expect delays. Mission-essential only reporting: Personnel identified by their commanders as mission-essential are to report for duty. Civilian personnel not required to report will be placed on administrative leave as granted by the installation commander. Only those children of designated mission-essential personnel are allowed to be dropped off at the CDCs and Youth Center. During these times, the Commissary and the Exchange will be closed unless otherwise stated and all other base activities cancelled as well. Weather notifications In addition to AtHoc messages being sent as required, information about inclement weather base operating procedures will be released through: Scott AFB public website: www.scott.af.mil Straight Talk Line at 256-SAFB (7232) Scott AFB Facebook page (which has a direct link off of www.scott.af.mil) Base-wide emails (for early release only). The Team Scott community is highly encouraged to check these sources first. Information will also be released to the following media outlets: KTVI Channel 2 (www.fox2now.com) KMOV Channel 4 (www.kmov.com) KSDK Channel 5 (www.ksdk.com) Servicemembers and civilians unsure of base operating procedures or their reporting status should speak with their supervisor or unit commander. Remember, Scott Elementary is in the Mascoutah School District. If Mascoutah schools are closed, Scott Elementary is also closed even if the base is open. If the base is closed but Mascoutah schools are open, then Scott Elementary is also open. One of the best local resources for off-base road conditions is the Illinois Department of Transportation's road condition website. Their interactive map will provide road conditions including surface temperatures (less than 32 degrees you should expect ice) to help you determine when it's safe to travel to work during winter weather. The website is www.gettingaroundillinois.com.