Road notifications during inclement weather

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Connor Estes
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  As the holiday season approaches, so does inclement winter weather. It is important to be aware of how road conditions, road delays and road closures are issued on-base and in the adjacent communities.

Road conditions are posted at the gates, on RAF Lakenheath's public Web page http://www.lakenheath.af.mil/ and on the weather line.

The base weather information line is updated every day. If there is a base closure or school closure or delay, the weather line will provide up-to-date information.

To find out the current driving conditions and to check the status of delays or closures, call the weather line at 226-3541 or 01638 523 541. Information will also be broadcast on local radio stations.

In addition to the weather line and radio stations, Lakenheath employees should receive a telephone call at home from their unit or supervisor relaying base and school closure or delay information. This is executed via a telephone recall.

To ensure telephone recalls are effective, service members must ensure contact information is correct and updated regularly on unit recall rosters. Members must keep a copy of the most current version of their unit recall roster readily available at home.

If all else fails, RAF Lakenheath personnel should contact their supervisor directly to confirm weather conditions and base status. Often, weather in one area may be quite different from weather around the bases.

Road condition notifications will fall under these categories:

GREEN:  Unrestricted. Ideal road, visibility and temperature conditions exist.

YELLOW:  Caution, but no restrictions. Road surface is wet or slushy, visibility is restricted and temperatures are low.

RED:  Mission-essential and emergency vehicles only - two-hour delayed reporting for all others (school and work). Road surface is hazardous, visibility is severely restricted and/or temperature is very low.

BLACK:  Road and school closures. Mission-essential and emergency vehicles only. Road surface is very hazardous, visibility is extremely restricted and temperatures are extremely low.

The 48th Security Forces Squadron won't question who is mission essential or turn away personnel during implementation of road conditions.

"Driving in the UK in winter has the same rules as driving in the US," said Tech. Sgt. Scott Richard, 48th Fighter Wing Safety Office ground safety professional. "Drive defensively and be aware of the road conditions at all times and most importantly, keep the speed down." 

Sergeant Richard went on to say people should perform a risk assessment on what to have in your vehicles for inclement winter weather and recommends the following items.

- Cell phone and charger

- Warm clothes, blankets and a pair of boots

- Reflective vests

- Flashlight and first aid kit

- Red triangle and shovel

- Ice scraper and de-icer

- Battery jump leads

-  Food and a warm drink

- Sunglasses to help you see in low winter sun