Spangdahlem Air Base keeps students safe Published Dec. 1, 2011 By Senior Airman Natasha Stannard 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Spangdahlem Air Base has implemented designated snow routes to get children to school safely. Schools will amend routes when weather conditions are too dangerous to drive on non-priority roads and busses cannot get through "Throughout Germany, the rule of thumb during inclement weather is to stick to A- and B-priority roads, like the Autobahn and B-50 because German street sweepers work from A- to B- roads to clear off snow and ice," said Jennifer Ramos, 52nd Mission Support Group school liaison. When there is a two-hour delay due to hazardous road conditions, parents with children who use bus stops on these routes must either transport their children to the nearest bus route located on a snow route or drive them to school. The following bus routes will be affected: 102, 110, 111, 213, 214 and 219. "We need all parents to make sure they are aware of what roads are being used," Ramos said. The Department of Defense Dependents Schools Europe student transportation office sent out an email and letter with bus routes and stops along the way to ensure parents are in the know. If their child's stop is closed; they can choose the most convenient open route to take their children to, said David Britt, DODDS transportation office specialist. While it may take more preparation to get children to these stops, they were established for safety and efficiency, Ramos said. These routes are not only safer for school children but are also recommended routes for Airmen to take when road conditions are hazardous. "We are aiming to make things simplified and safer for families," she said. For the current road condition information and delays, Airmen and their families can visit http:// www.spangdahlem.af.mil, listen to AFN radio, or call the bus transportation hotline at DSN 452-9287 or 06565-61-9287. For information on snow-route locations and stops, call the bus transportation office at DSN 452-4340 or 06565-61-5340.