Winter safety – Avoiding common mishaps this season Published Dec. 29, 2011 By Tech. Sgt. Chad Thompson 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- When it comes to winter one can't help but think of all the hazards - frigid weather, ice, snow and dangerous, slippery conditions - it's no wonder people tread softly this time of year. Osan is no stranger to these winter hazards, and it takes time and care to negotiate any harsh condition, that's where the 51st Fighter Wing Safety office comes in. Staff Sgt. Brian Miles, a ground safety officer here, said one of the best ways to get through a Korean winter is to slow down and be mindful of one's surroundings. "It's slips, trips and falls when it comes to...ice and snow," he said. "Be very mindful of where you're walking." He said curbs are the enemy this time of year because snow can pile up quickly from freshly plowed roads. That snow can sit and become a dangerous mound of ice that anyone could slip on when stepping off the curb. Each building custodian is responsible for the area 50 feet around the building, and they are there to make sure the sidewalks and walkways are free of snow and ice. "If you're taking care of the icicles and the sidewalks it will greatly reduce all types of incidents that concerns snow," Miles said. There are a lot of ways to get injured this time of year but that doesn't mean you can't have fun. He said using good situational awareness can make a huge difference in avoiding mishaps. Dressing in layers and being ready for the cold is an important part of avoiding hypothermia if someone is going to be outside for extended periods, especially children. "If your kids are going to be (outside), make sure they're bundled up," Miles said. Using the appropriate equipment for outdoor winter activities is also important, he said. People shouldn't construct a make-shift sled or snowboard out of other household materials because that's what sleds and snowboards are for. "Don't try to use an old trash can lid for sledding, get a sled," he said. "If you're going to do some snowboarding, get a snowboard." Miles said has witnessed first-hand the painful results of people trying to get creative with equipment, such as using plates on their feet instead of snowboards "I've seen all kinds of things in safety so just make sure that whatever you're doing, you're doing it the right way, safely," he said.