Make plans for winter weather

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Winter weather is right around the corner and people across Hanscom are busy making sure the base is ready for it. The following provides information for snow or ice removal in the event of a winter storm.

The base maintenance contractor, IAP Worldwide Services Inc., is responsible for snow and ice removal from base streets, sidewalks and parking areas.

The priorities for snow and ice removal, excluding housing, are divided into four categories.

The first areas to be cleared, category one, consist of major roads, first responder areas, medical facilities and snow-removal equipment staging areas. Category two includes the administration buildings, office building parking areas and school walkways. Category three consists of the remainder of the parking areas. The balance of the common sidewalks on base makes up category four. For details see the 66th Air Base Group Instruction 32-1002, Snow and Ice Control Plan.

HP Communities is responsible for snow removal in areas of base housing.

Family housing's priority orders are streets, parking areas and common area walkways. Housing residents are required to ensure timely (within 24 hours) removal of snow and ice from vehicle parking spaces and walkways within 50 feet of their unit.

Housing Maintenance will perform walk-way clearing of vacant units, community and neighborhood centers and for those residents with spouses on extended temporary duty. Residents should call the HP communities management office to let them know of any special circumstances.

Housing occupants are required to clear an area for trash receptacles. Receptacles will not be permitted to sit on top of snow banks or on streets and drives.

During periods of absence for leave, temporary duty assignments or other occasions, base housing occupants are expected to arrange for their sidewalks, driveways and other areas of responsibility to be cleared of snow and ice. Also, residents should plan ahead and not leave their cars parked on the street during the winter.

HP communities will post signs at the entrances to family housing when snow removal operations are pending. These signs will state, "No On-Street Parking." There will also be a red flashing light at the entry way. During these periods residents are required to park in their designated parking area or an overflow parking lot.

Residents are advised to play it safe and watch the weather forecasts or if they see snow falling, to move their vehicles off the street.

Every storm is unique in the amount and type of precipitation, the temperatures during and after the storm and the day and time of the storm begins. These factors present a real challenge for all involved to provide the most consistent and efficient snow removal for Hanscom.

IAP will also be responsible for removing snow from all of the base sidewalks, including facility entrance sidewalks. Facility entrance walkways will be shoveled for the start of the duty day and as needed to keep accumulation from exceeding one inch during duty hours. Facility managers are asked to ensure that "Handicapped" signs are visible.

All base personnel are asked to plan ahead and use the long term parking lot at Building 1103, the AFRL Library parking lot, if they will be away for temporary duty assignments. Cars left in building parking lots significantly hamper snow removal operations.

If a facility manager is newly assigned, or there is an anticipated change, Linda Kondrat, IAP Real Property Management should be notified at 781-377-3573. This will minimize duplicate taskings and also help to establish accurate priorities for the facility area.

Sand and salt barrels have been placed throughout the base where they are most needed. Markers have also been placed throughout the base to identify openings such as driveways and handicap walks, for plows. HP communities will place sand and salt barrels at strategic locations in parking areas. Markers for curbs, walks, hydrants and other utilities will also be installed to help snow removal operators. Parents are asked to ensure that children keep these markers and their safety caps in place. Parents are also asked for the purpose of safety not to let children play or burrow in the snow piles made by the snow removal contractor.

Be sure to visit the Inclement Weather Information page to learn more about the staggered release plan, inclement weather leave policy and a 24-hour emergency weather phone line, 781-377-COLD (2653), which provides up-to-date information on inclement weather, notice of base closure or delays and the current street conditions.

The COLD line does not dictate the operations of the Hanscom primary and middle schools. Consult Lincoln Public Schools information for Hanscom School updates at www.lincolntown.org/school.htm.

Any issues regarding base snow removal can be addressed by calling 781-377-3383. For housing area snow removal information, call HP Communities at 781-861-5062.