BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Whether stationed in Denver for a short time or if you’re a life-long resident of Colorado, you probably knew that Buckley Space Force Base is prone to winter storms. Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. Winter storms, including blizzards, can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds.
Winter storms can last a few hours to several days. They can also cut off heat, power, water and communications. Previous winter storms in Colorado have dropped over 31 inches of snow in Denver and over 82 in the foothills in under three days. Also, snow drifts across the city have been recorded as high as 10 feet due to blowing winds.
Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups. Gather supplies ahead of time in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Remember the needs of your pets. Have extra batteries for radios, flashlights and your cell phone.
Be prepared for winter weather not just at home, but also at work and in your car. Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water and non-perishable snacks. Keep a full tank of gas when storms are forecasted in your area.
The National Weather Service produces specific products for forecasted severe winter conditions:
- Winter Storm Warning. Issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring. Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin.
- Winter Storm Watch. Alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Winter Storm Watches are usually issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a Winter Storm.
- Winter Weather Advisory. Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet which will cause significant inconveniences and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations.
Know your risk for winter storms. Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms. You can sign up for urgent text alerts right to your phone, and for your specific county in Colorado by reviewing the list here at: https://dhsem.colorado.gov/emergencyalert and follow the directions provided. Don’t forget to sign up for your work center and your home if you don’t live near the base.
The AF Connect App hosts Buckley Space Force Base specific resources, to include an Emergency Preparedness section. The section is full of tools to prepare and inform you and your family during any disaster and has Colorado specific resources. The app can be downloaded from your default app store on your phone.
Buckley Space Force Base also utilizes a Snow Line 720-847-SNOW (7669) which is a great resource to get the latest info on base reporting status. This line is updated anytime delayed-reporting or early-release procedures are implemented. Normally this line is updated by 5 a.m. on inclement weather days.
The SBD 2 Public Affairs team provides information via the Buckley Space Force Base Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BuckleySpaceForceBase/. There you can find regular updates on delayed-reporting or early-release when winter storms arrive, and other winter storm related info as needed.
It’s also important to keep your contact info updated with your supervisors, Commanders Support Staff, and in At Hoc. Talk to your CSS or Unit EM rep for more details.
Lastly, below are a few internet resources that can help you prepare for the worst:
- https://www.beready.af.mil/
- https://www.ready.gov/
- https://www.weather.gov/bou/
- https://www.redcross.org/get-help.html
If you have additional questions about Winter Storm Preparedness, please contact the 460th Civil Engineer Squadron, Emergency Management Fight at DSN 847-6722.