Traffic creeps through the main gate of Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., on Oct. 4, 2012, after the area was hit with the first snowfall of the 2012 winter season. Base residents were expecting additional snow and heavy winds throughout the day. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Amanda N. Grabiec)
A winter survival kit sits on display for others to see and use as a visual guide Nov. 14, 2012, at the 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office on Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. The kit includes a fully-charged prepaid cell phone, a multi-tool and a portable GPS device that could be used to see road patterns such as curves during times of low visibility caused by thick fog or snow. It can also be used to determine your approximate distance and position from locations such as landmarks, cities or roads. For more information about building a winter survival kit, call the 319th ABW Safety Office at (701) 747-3364. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Luis Loza Gutierrez)
by Airman 1st Class Zachiah Roberson
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
11/15/2012 - GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The weather is getting colder and it's about that time for everyone to prepare their vehicles for the inevitable winter conditions North Dakota is notorious for.
"People who have been here for a while know the winters here can be harsh, but that doesn't mean only newcomers should be setting themselves up for success in the event of an emergency," said Staff Sgt. Radelle Jennett, 319th Air Base Wing Safety Grounds craftsman.
Aside from slick roads and stalling, vehicles here also face the potential for car failure. If this does happen, the proper reaction for this situation is to stay in your car.
Another good tip was provided by Andrew Swenson, 319th Air Base Wing Safety
Office's ground safety manager.
"How many of us don't have an old cell phone lying around somewhere," asked Swenson during a safety presentation earlier this year. "I highly encourage folks to take that old phone, charge up the battery, drop it in your glove compartment and leave it there because any working cell phone can still be used to call 911 even if the phone doesn't have service."
Swenson recommends keeping an old cell phone handy because it's always possible to forget personal items at home, such as your primary cell phone.
"Trust me -- a cell phone may be the single most important item in your kit," said Swenson.
Everyone should also have an emergency kit in their car at all times, for short and long trips.
An emergency winter survival kit should include the items listed below:
Tire wrench and jack
Tire chains
Shovel
Booster (jumper cables)
Tow rope
Sunglasses
Flashlight and batteries
Candles
Antifreeze for gasoline
50 feet of nylon cord
2 coffee cans
Compass
Bright red or orange cloth
Small ax
Can Opener
Sleeping bag or blankets
First aid kit
Good spare tire kit
Flares and reflectors
Pencil and paper
Sanitary supplies (tissues, medications)
Fire extinguisher (dry chemical type)
Windshield scraper with brush
Matches (in a waterproof container)
Extra coat, socks, and boots
Mittens are preferred over gloves
Garbage bags to keep dry
Water and high energy food for each person
