Instruction outlines safe winter-reporting procedures Published Dec. 1, 2011 By Staff Sgt. Daryl Knee 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The 52nd Fighter Wing leadership here recently released updated instructions regarding delayed reporting and base cancellations during times of inclement weather. The new Spangdahlem Air Base Instruction 31-102, Delay, Cancellation or Early Termination of Duty or School Day, clearly defines weather conditions and what actions Airmen may take to arrive at base safely. "This instruction is something for our community," said Col. Scott Calisti, 52nd Mission Support Group commander. "We tailored it to our people and mission here. For the safety of our Airmen, we came up with a process and procedure that's unique to us." According to the SABI, the base and local communities' road conditions are categorized by color -- green, amber, red and black. The wing issues the categories based on specific roadway circumstances: - Green: Normal driving for all vehicles. Operations continue as normal. - Amber: The roads are moderately hazardous, and drivers must exercise caution. Operations and services are open with minimal impact. Airmen should report to work but allow additional travel time to arrive at work safely. - Red: Roads are very hazardous. Drivers must exercise extreme caution and limit driving to essential trips to and from the base. Unit commanders will determine which Airmen are considered 'essential' and should report to ensure mission accomplishment. These Airmen should attempt to report for duty when safe to do so. Coordinate delays with supervision. - Black: Roads are extremely dangerous. Privately-owned vehicles should not be on the roads. Air Force installations are closed during this road condition, and only first responders and members assigned to snow and ice control will report for duty. If ROADCON black occurs during the duty day, Airmen must be prepared to remain on base until the condition has lessened. The process for implementing the categories begins as security-forces Airmen travel nearby roadways during an early-morning review, Calisti said. Based on their observation and coordination with the 52nd Operations Support Squadron's Weather Flight, wing leadership will determine which category to announce. Categories may change throughout the day based on fluctuating weather conditions. While security-forces Airmen check the major roads near Spangdahlem, he said they cannot predict conditions for the smaller roads and different communities in which Saber Airmen live. "The road-condition instruction is designed as a guide," the colonel said about Airmen opting to travel during inclement weather. "Ultimately you are responsible for you and your family's safety. Make good decisions. "In this environment, it's vital to take time and drive safely. If you don't, the outcome could be tragic." However, during ROADCON red and black, wing leadership still requires some Airmen report to duty, he said. Unit commanders make the decision on which Airmen are considered mission-essential. The selection may change depending on how severely weather affects the mission. "As an Airman, you should know your status," Calisti said. "When you know, the reporting instructions are very clear. However, if you have any doubts, contact your supervision." For Airmen assigned to one of Spangdahlem's geographically-separated units, the road-condition category is an indication of the homestation's service availability. The GSU's own leadership will determine their category. Wing leadership has also incorporated the category announcements with Department of Defense Dependant Schools - Europe principals. If the base experiences a shutdown, so, too, will the school systems. "Our goal is to inform our community as best we can," the colonel said. "This winter, we have to keep our Airmen informed so they can keep their families safe." For base service availability and the latest road-condition category, Airmen and their families can visit http://www.spangdahlem.af.mil and click on the Road Conditions and Reporting Instructions tab on the right side of the page; or, they can call DSN 452-2677 or 06565-61-2677. Also, the Armed Forces Network broadcasts updated information via their radio station at FM 105.1. For information on DoDDS school delays, call DSN 452-9287 or 06565-61-9287.