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Winter is coming
Posted 10/30/2012 Updated 11/1/2012
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by Staff Reports
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
10/30/2012 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Winter begins Dec. 21; however, the inclement weather it brings has already hit the Eifel region.
The 52nd Fighter Wing and the safety office compiled winter safety tips to help Airmen brave harsh conditions caused by winter weather.
Driving
Winter or all season tires are required from Nov. 15 - March 1. It is also German law to have these types of tires on vehicles when driving on icy roads, regardless of the time of year. Winter tires are marked with an "M+S", "M/S" or a snowflake symbol directly on the sidewall of the tire. Studded tires are not allowed in Germany.
People should also watch their speed as black ice, brown ice and slick leaves typically cover winter roads. Speed limits are posted for ideal conditions, so just because 100 KPH is posted does not mean that is the speed people should drive during inclement weather.
Following distances and speed are very important during freezing temperatures as stopping on frozen roads can take more than twice as long as stopping on wet pavement. People should leave plenty of space between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them.
The safety office urges people uncomfortable with driving in winter conditions to sign up for the Saber Driving Course through their unit safety manager.
Identifying black ice
People with temperature gauges on their car should check them before driving, because the possibility of black ice forming on the road is much greater if it's 0 degrees Celsius or below freezing outside. Ice may still remain on the road even if temperatures rise above freezing.
People should also expect black ice on bridges, overpasses or in tunnels even if temperatures are above freezing. All of these places freeze before road surfaces, and there may be spots where black ice resides even if the rest of the road was wet.
If cars pass a puddle of what looks like water but does not splash any, they most likely drove over black ice. Water spray on a windshield signals that it was just water on the road, but people should still drive cautiously as there are sections of the same road where black ice has formed.
The moments before dawn and after dusk are the most dangerous for the possibility of black ice. This means that rush hour can be more dangerous than normal during the winter.
Home winter safety
If using space heaters, people should purchase ones with an automatic shut-off switch and keep them at least 35 inches away from combustibles. It is also recommended to unplug and turn off space heaters when they are not in use.
People should not burn items in a stove or fireplace that isn't properly vented.
Fireplaces, chimneys and flues should be inspected each year and cleaned if needed. When using a fireplace people should open the flue, use a sturdy fireplace screen, burn only untreated wood and never burn paper or pine branches -- pieces can float out of the chimney and cause a fire.
For more winter safety tips, call DSN 452-7233 or 06565-61-7233. |
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