Be Prepared for a Risky Winter Season

The winter season will be here soon; have you prepared for it? Risk management is vital to keeping you, your loved ones, and teammates safe on and off duty.

According to the National Climate Assessment, evidence shows that storm frequency and intensity increase during the cold season, with storm tracks shifting slightly toward the poles since the 1950s. Severe storms across the country wreak havoc, from whiteout blizzards, sleet, and ice storms, to tornadoes and hurricanes.

No matter where you live, storms are inevitable. The keys to safely weathering them are planning and preparation. One way to prepare is by building an emergency plan for your family and practicing it often. Identify responsibilities for each household member, and work together as a team to be familiar with natural disaster risks. Ensure you are familiar with and receive all the ways your local area may send out emergency notification alerts, whether via cell phones or television or radio broadcasts. Another way to stay informed is to check the National Weather Service website regularly.

In 2024, according to the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters and USAID, 393 natural disasters occurred around the globe and impacted 167.2 million people and resulted in 16,753 fatalities.

With this knowledge, building an emergency kit based on your region, with at least a three-day supply for evacuation and a two-week supply for home, will prepare you for the unexpected.

At a minimum, the kit should include:

• Water: one gallon per person per day.
• Food: easy-to-prepare nonperishables—also include a manual can opener.
• Flashlight: include extra batteries.
• Medical: prescription medication and medical items (seven- to fourteen-day supply), with medication lists, pertinent medical information, and a first aid kit.
• Legal documents: proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth and marriage certificates, identification cards, and insurance policies.
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio: include extra batteries as needed.
• Extra cash.
• Cell phones with chargers.
• Maps of the area.
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items.
• Emergency blanket.
• Pet supplies (as needed): collar, leash, food, bowl, carrier, and identification and other records.
• Baby supplies (as needed): diapers, wipes, clothing, formula, and baby food.

Another challenge during the winter season is traveling during the holidays. Whether driving or flying, it can become stressful if you do not prepare beforehand. Maintaining your vehicle year-round should keep it running smoothly if you decide to travel. Stay prepared for inclement weather by having blankets, jackets, and warm clothing already packed in your vehicle, and do not forget the emergency kit:

• First aid kit (bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes/ointment, adhesive tape, scissors, pain relievers, tweezers).
• Jumper cables.
• Flashlight with extra batteries.
• Flares or reflective triangles.
• Spare tire with a jack and lug wrench.
• Tire inflator.
• Cell phone charger.
• Basic tool kit (multitool, screwdrivers, pliers, and a knife, at a minimum).
• Water and snacks.

Get plenty of rest before embarking on a road trip. If you start to feel tired or sleepy when driving, pull over to a safe location and rest or get a hotel room.

If you decide to fly instead, purchasing your tickets early is more cost-effective. Arrive at the airport two to three hours before your departure; the more time you have, the less stress you will feel. Pack a few items of clothing, a toothbrush, a comb or brush, medications with an empty refillable water bottle, and snacks in your carry-ons for unforeseen delays due to the weather or other situations. Also consider games, books, tablets, and chargers to help pass the time for yourself or any children in your care.

The cold winter months often make us more tired. Sleep deprivation or fatigue when working or traveling can be detrimental. Not sleeping enough or not getting quality sleep are both means of sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation can cause difficulty in thinking logically, slower reaction times, and mood changes. Sleep deprivation or fatigue can result in injuries, or worse, death, if you are too tired to perform your duties correctly. A missed tool in an aircraft intake or falling asleep at the wheel while on patrol or traveling to visit family can all cause catastrophic damage or death.

For many adventurous souls, the winter season calls to them.

Remember to do a risk assessment before venturing out to experience the many different winter activities. Make sure you have the proper skill level and gear that fits correctly.

Stretch before participating in activities to warm up your muscles. These steps can prevent injuries and make your activities easier. Share your plans and locations with someone, or better yet, take a buddy with you.

The U.S. Department of the Air Force lost forty-two Airmen and Guardians to preventable accidents between December and the first of March of fiscal years 2020 to 2025. Of those fatalities, thirty-two involved motor vehicle accidents, and twenty-three of those accidents involved speeding and alcohol. One teammate lost to a preventable mishap is one too many!

William “Bill” Walkowiak, chief of Occupational Safety, Air Force Safety Center, reminds everyone to embrace the slower pace of winter and enjoy their time off.

“Whether you’re hitting the slopes or relaxing with family, take the opportunity to unwind,” he said. “Above all, prioritize safety so you can return refreshed and ready to serve.”

For more information, visit https://www.safety.af.mil/Divisions/Occupational-Safety-Division/Winter-Safety/.