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ROK gets first taste of snow for 2006

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Michael O'Connor
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The first measurable snowstorm of the season -- a powerful punch, doubling the average December snowfall for Osan -- blanketed most of the Republic of Korea, grounding flights and delaying ground transportation, triggering people to take to the hillsides with sleds in-hand.

Osan received 6.25 inches of snow in a 12- hour span beginning late Saturday night, said Capt. Michael Buchanan, 51st Operations Support Squadron meteorologist. Reports of 12-plus inches were reported in the central parts of the ROK prompting Korean weather agencies to issue snow advisories.

At Osan, 51st Fighter Wing leadership kept the base in Road Condition Red for most of Sunday restricting motorized transportation to emergency response and mission critical vehicles only while the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron snow removal team worked to keep the wing mission capable.

While a portion of the 48-person snow removal crew was out clearing snow, many base residents took to the snow to enjoy the season's first snow arriving four days before winter officially began Thursday. Some base residents built snowmen and participated in snowball fights while others took turns sledding down the nearest hill.

Injuries

More than a dozen people were treated at the emergency room here for ice-related, slip-andfall injuries following the snow storm, said Master Sgt. Bruce McKenzie, 51st Medical Operations Squadron. To help reduce these types of injuries, base residents are encouraged to take their time when walking and stepping on icy, slick surfaces. Residents should also be familiar with their surroundings and know the hidden dangers beneath the snow before they go sledding down a hillside or taking shortcuts across a snow-covered area not frequently traveled.

Snow removal

Safety first: People using machines, shovels or vehicles to clean snow should always practice safety precautions. This is especially important for those shoveling snow. To help reduce injuries to the lower back, be sure to use similar techniques to lifting a heavy package and scoopup small versus large heaping mounds of snow.

Roadway: The snow removal team's primary responsibility is clearing the flightline area first, the major thoroughfare roads, secondary roads and then the parking lots on base.

Sidewalk: Facility managers are responsible for the 50-feet area surrounding their facilities. They can purchase ice melt and snow shovels at the GSA store. It is everyone's responsibility to take care of the sidewalks, hillsides and common area steps around their respective living quarters. All Osan residents are encouraged to utilize the 19 yellow and brown-colored sand boxes located throughout the base. Anyone who uses a snow shovel from one of these boxes should return it to the box for future use. The shovels are for community use and not to be stored inside a place of residence or vehicle.

Weather/road conditions

For up-to-date weather and road conditions, base residents should tune in to Mustang Radio at 88.5 or T.V. Channels 12 and 13, or the Giant Voice System.