90th CES snow removal crews welcome winter Published Oct. 14, 2010 By Gerald Evans 90th Civil Engineer Squadron chief of heavy repair F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. -- Air Force Global Strike Command's 90th Civil Engineer Squadron snow removal teams work around-the-clock to ensure all main access roads, parking lots and missile sites are kept clear of snow and ice. With a crew of 38 working through the day and night, there still are not enough operators to clear all the areas at the same time. So, priorities have to be made. Each year in September, the snow and ice control committee meet to determine these priorities. The committee consists of unit commanders or their representatives; together they decide which areas and in which order they will be cleared. A few safety items to keep in mind when dealing with the large snowplows and sanders is that they are not able to stop as quickly as cars do. Even through they are larger and heavier than your family vehicle, the ability to stop is generally the same or slower than your vehicle. They also have blind spots, which may prevent them from seeing other drivers; they therefore have beacon lights and signs warning to stay back 100 feet. Housing occupants are urged to keep vehicles off the street when snow removal is warranted. The streets in base housing are very narrow leaving little room for snow removal equipment to operate. Please observe the snow removal route signs posted along the streets, and park on the opposite side of the snow route side. This allows the plows to plow in a way that will reduce the amount of drifting. Whether the wing's priorities are life-support or mission support, 90th CES's efforts are diligent. Life-support refers to keeping the roads passable for emergency people and equipment. Mission support refers to keeping the roads clear for agencies such as the 37th Helicopter Squadron and missile operations. One of the main improvement efforts by the snow removal crews was the introduction 12 years ago of a new de-icer spray, which melts snow and ice on contact. It is generally sprayed between six to 12 hours prior to a storm. Doing this allows the 90th CES to be proactive in its efforts to maintain the roads. The pretreatment keeps the snow and ice from accumulating. This effort works on as much as four inches of snowfall and can last on the road for nearly two weeks. The de-icer is environmentally safe and 280 percent less corrosive than salt, therefore less wear and tear occurs on equipment and landscaping. This application is effective for snowfall up to four inches and temperatures of -15 degrees. If temperatures drop below -15, a granular de-icer is applied. The program uses less manpower and equipment since using the de-icer. The reduction in the number of personnel on a shift went from 15 people to eight. When a delayed reporting notice to base non-essential personnel has been issued, it means employees should not report to work before the designated time in the delayed reporting notice. This is to allow snow crews to clear roads and parking lots with less vehicles impeding progress. Thanks from the 90th CES to all base occupants and employees for the continued support and awareness throughout the winter.