Fairchild winter safety tips Published Nov. 6, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Sam Fogleman 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Many members who have been stationed at Fairchild for a while may tell you the weather here this time of year can be unpredictable and, often, dangerous. The snow and ice the Spokane area encounters can add problems to someone's day in a hurry. It's best to be prepared. There are precautions that people, particularly base residents, can take to lessen the risks of mishaps, such as keeping driveways and sidewalks shoveled, and keeping a disaster preparedness kit complete with food, water and medication. Balfour Beatty advises that residents of base housing must notify their Resident Specialist in writing if they are leaving for a substantial period during the winter months with the following information: the departure and return date, the name and contact information of someone designated by you to have access to your home, and contact information in case of an emergency. Balfour Beatty also asks that vehicles be parked in the garage or driveway during snowfall so that full snow removal service can be provided to the neighborhood. "Be sure to clean your windshields and headlights," said James Prather, 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron engineering equipment work leader, regarding how the snow can interfere with vehicle operation. "Also, be aware of our snow equipment, and keep your distance." According to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing Safety office, you should get your car ready by using the following tips to winterize your vehicle: · Get winter tires and consider having tire chains on hand. · Inspect tire pressure, treads and sidewalls. · Inspect your air filter, rubber hoses and drive belts. Safety information will also be disseminated periodically throughout the season in the base newspaper, website, Facebook and Twitter pages, and on the Snow Line. Families associated with Michael Anderson Elementary School need to be aware of procedures for snowy days. "There is an all-call system where parents are notified on their primary contact number regarding delays or closures," said Kim Nowalk, Michael Anderson Elementary secretary. "That information is also generally reported on local television stations by 6 a.m. on the days it occurs." Nowalk also advised that on snowy days, students must be wearing heavy coats, scarves and boots, as well as snow pants to play in the snow specifically. For help with emergency snow removal on base, call 92nd CES customer service at 509-247-2302. For winter weather issues with Balfour Beatty base housing, call their facility maintenance line at 509-244-5643. For current information on base reporting instructions, call the Snow Line at 509-247-5100. For more information on Michael Anderson Elementary's snow safety policy, call the school at 509-565-3600.