December 2008 December 2008 Safety BriefingSafety Briefing

Lt Col Larry BrockshusLt Col Larry Brockshus

MN Wg/SEMN Wg/SE

This MonthThis Month

Winter Driving SafetyWinter Driving Safety Christmas Fire HazardsChristmas Fire Hazards Flight Safety OpportunityFlight Safety Opportunity Induction IcingInduction Icing

Winter DrivingWinter Driving Winter is a beautiful time of Winter is a beautiful time of

the year, but can also be a the year, but can also be a very dangerous time of the very dangerous time of the year.year.

If you plan on traveling during If you plan on traveling during the winter, it pays to be the winter, it pays to be prepared for the unexpected. prepared for the unexpected.

Simply following a few simple Simply following a few simple driving habits to insure that driving habits to insure that you make it to your you make it to your destination safely.destination safely.– planning aheadplanning ahead– driving at a safe and legal speeddriving at a safe and legal speed– driving alert and soberdriving alert and sober– buckling up couldbuckling up could

If you must use your car If you must use your car during a storm:during a storm:

Plan your travel, selecting both primary and alternate Plan your travel, selecting both primary and alternate routes. routes.

Check latest weather information on your radio. Check latest weather information on your radio. Try not to travel alone Try not to travel alone Convoy (with another vehicle) if possible. Convoy (with another vehicle) if possible. Drive carefully and defensivelyDrive carefully and defensively Watch for ice patches on bridges and overpasses. Watch for ice patches on bridges and overpasses. Take note of your odometer, exit numbers, or crossroads so Take note of your odometer, exit numbers, or crossroads so

if you crash or slide off the road you'll be able to identify if you crash or slide off the road you'll be able to identify your location your location

If a storm begins to be too much for you to handle, seek If a storm begins to be too much for you to handle, seek refuge immediately. refuge immediately.

If your car should become disabled, stay with the vehicle, If your car should become disabled, stay with the vehicle, running your engine and heater for short intervals.running your engine and heater for short intervals.– ““Crack" a window in the vehicle to avoid carbon monoxide Crack" a window in the vehicle to avoid carbon monoxide

build-up. build-up.

Be courteous to those Be courteous to those awaiting your arrival:awaiting your arrival:

Call ahead to your destination just as you are Call ahead to your destination just as you are leaving. leaving. – Let someone at your destination know the license plate Let someone at your destination know the license plate

number number – Provide the route you'll be traveling Provide the route you'll be traveling – Give a realistic estimate of your travel time Give a realistic estimate of your travel time

If you have a cell phone, give that number to the If you have a cell phone, give that number to the party at your destination. party at your destination.

If you have friends/family at your place of origin, call If you have friends/family at your place of origin, call when you arrive to let them know you have arrived when you arrive to let them know you have arrived safely. safely.

If road conditions, tiredness, etc. delay or postpone a If road conditions, tiredness, etc. delay or postpone a trip, make a phone call. Let people on both ends trip, make a phone call. Let people on both ends know of the delay. know of the delay.

Preparing your vehicle Preparing your vehicle for winter drivingfor winter driving

Reliable transportation is especially important in the winter. Not only Reliable transportation is especially important in the winter. Not only should you keep your vehicle in top operating condition all year round - should you keep your vehicle in top operating condition all year round - for safety and fuel economy, it is especially important to get it for safety and fuel economy, it is especially important to get it winterized to avoid any unpleasant or dangerous situation while winterized to avoid any unpleasant or dangerous situation while traveling in frigid weather. traveling in frigid weather.

Check the following:Check the following:– Ignition system Ignition system – Fuel system Fuel system – Belts Belts – Fluid levels Fluid levels – Brakes Brakes – Exhaust system Exhaust system – Wiper blades and washer fluid Wiper blades and washer fluid – Snow tires Snow tires – Tire tread and pressure Tire tread and pressure – Defroster Defroster – Proper grade oil Proper grade oil – Cooling system Cooling system – Battery Battery – Lights Lights – AntifreezeAntifreeze

Winter DrivingWinter Driving Always fill the gasoline tank before entering open countryAlways fill the gasoline tank before entering open country

– Even for a short distanceEven for a short distance– Fill-up long before the tank begins to run lowFill-up long before the tank begins to run low– Minimizes condensation, and providing the maximum advantage Minimizes condensation, and providing the maximum advantage

in case of trouble. in case of trouble.  A Citizens Band (CB) radio and/or cellular phone can be very A Citizens Band (CB) radio and/or cellular phone can be very

useful useful Clear all windows and lights of frost and snow. Clear all windows and lights of frost and snow. Drive with your headlights on. Drive with your headlights on. Stock your car with basic winter driving equipmentStock your car with basic winter driving equipment

– A scraper and brush, small shovel, jumper cables, tow chain A scraper and brush, small shovel, jumper cables, tow chain and a bag of sand or cat litter for tire traction. and a bag of sand or cat litter for tire traction.

Also include road flares, a blanket, heavy boots, warm Also include road flares, a blanket, heavy boots, warm clothing, and flashlight with batteries. clothing, and flashlight with batteries.

Reverse the batteries in the case to avoid accidental Reverse the batteries in the case to avoid accidental switching, and burnout. Warm the batteries between your switching, and burnout. Warm the batteries between your legs before using them. legs before using them.

Coffee can survival kit Coffee can survival kit A 2 or 3 pound A 2 or 3 pound metalmetal coffee can to heat snow and store survival coffee can to heat snow and store survival

itemsitems– Punch 3 holes around the open top of can, equal distance apartPunch 3 holes around the open top of can, equal distance apart– To suspend the can from the headliner : 60-inch length of heavy To suspend the can from the headliner : 60-inch length of heavy

string, 3 large safety pinsstring, 3 large safety pins– 1 candle 2" diameter (place on lid under suspended can for melting 1 candle 2" diameter (place on lid under suspended can for melting

snow)snow) Additional items to put inside can Additional items to put inside can

– 1 pocket knife1 pocket knife– 3 pieces of bright cloth 2" wide x 36" long (tie to antenna)3 pieces of bright cloth 2" wide x 36" long (tie to antenna)– Several packets of soup, hot chocolate, tea, bouillon cubes, etc. Several packets of soup, hot chocolate, tea, bouillon cubes, etc. – Plastic spoon. Plastic spoon. – 1 small package of peanuts (provides protein) and fruit-flavored 1 small package of peanuts (provides protein) and fruit-flavored

candy (orange slices, jelly beans, etc. - avoid chocolate, it can have a candy (orange slices, jelly beans, etc. - avoid chocolate, it can have a diuretic effect, which could cause you to become dehydrated). diuretic effect, which could cause you to become dehydrated).

– 1 pair of socks and 1 pair of gloves or glove liners, depending on what 1 pair of socks and 1 pair of gloves or glove liners, depending on what will fit in the can (cotton is not recommended because it provides no will fit in the can (cotton is not recommended because it provides no insulation when wet). insulation when wet).

– 2 packages of book matches. 2 packages of book matches.

Coffee can survival kitCoffee can survival kit Additional items to put inside can Additional items to put inside can

– 1 sun shield blanket (to reflect body heat). 1 sun shield blanket (to reflect body heat). – 1 pen light and batteries (keep separate). 1 pen light and batteries (keep separate). – 2 quarters and 2 dimes for telephone calls. 2 quarters and 2 dimes for telephone calls.

When kit is complete, place stocking cap When kit is complete, place stocking cap over kit and carry in passenger over kit and carry in passenger compartment of car in case you go into a compartment of car in case you go into a ditch and can't get to or open the trunk.ditch and can't get to or open the trunk.

Consider adding:Consider adding:– Large plastic garbage bag. Large plastic garbage bag. – Pencil stub and paper. Pencil stub and paper. – Plastic whistle. Plastic whistle.

In case you're stranded In case you're stranded while driving in winterwhile driving in winter

Stay in your vehicleStay in your vehicle.. Walking in a storm can be very dangerous. Walking in a storm can be very dangerous. You can lose your way, wander out of reach, become exhausted, You can lose your way, wander out of reach, become exhausted, collapse and risk your life. Your vehicle itself is a good shelter. collapse and risk your life. Your vehicle itself is a good shelter.

Avoid overexertionAvoid overexertion. . Attempting to push your car, trying to jack it Attempting to push your car, trying to jack it into a new position or shoveling snow takes great effort in storm into a new position or shoveling snow takes great effort in storm conditions. You could risk heart attack or other injury. conditions. You could risk heart attack or other injury.

Calm down and thinkCalm down and think. . The storm will end and you will be found. The storm will end and you will be found. Don't work enough to get hot and sweaty. Wet clothing loses Don't work enough to get hot and sweaty. Wet clothing loses insulation quality making you more susceptible to the effects of insulation quality making you more susceptible to the effects of hypothermia. hypothermia.

Keep fresh air in your vehicleKeep fresh air in your vehicle. . It is much better to be chilly or It is much better to be chilly or cold and awake than to become comfortably warm and slip into cold and awake than to become comfortably warm and slip into unconsciousness. Freezing-wet or wind-driven snow can plug your unconsciousness. Freezing-wet or wind-driven snow can plug your vehicle's exhaust system causing deadly carbon monoxide gas to vehicle's exhaust system causing deadly carbon monoxide gas to enter your vehicle. enter your vehicle.

Don't run the engineDon't run the engine -unless you are certain the exhaust pipe is -unless you are certain the exhaust pipe is free of snow or other objects. Keep the radiator free from snow to free of snow or other objects. Keep the radiator free from snow to prevent the engine from overheating. prevent the engine from overheating.

In case you're stranded In case you're stranded while driving in winterwhile driving in winter

Keep your blood circulating freelyKeep your blood circulating freely by loosening tight by loosening tight clothing, changing positions frequently and moving your arms and clothing, changing positions frequently and moving your arms and legs. Huddle close to one another. Rub your hands together or put legs. Huddle close to one another. Rub your hands together or put them under your armpits or between your legs. Remove your shoes them under your armpits or between your legs. Remove your shoes occasionally and rub your feet. occasionally and rub your feet.

Don't expect to be comfortableDon't expect to be comfortable.. The challenge is to survive The challenge is to survive until you're found. until you're found.

If you have access to a telephoneIf you have access to a telephone, you should , you should dial 911dial 911 to to summon help. In other states you may be able to dial 911 or "0" to summon help. In other states you may be able to dial 911 or "0" to get the operator on the line. When you talk with authorities, be get the operator on the line. When you talk with authorities, be prepared to:prepared to:– Describe the location, condition of your companions and the Describe the location, condition of your companions and the

trouble you are experiencing. trouble you are experiencing. – Listen for questions. Listen for questions. – Follow any instructions. You may be told you should stay where Follow any instructions. You may be told you should stay where

you are to guide rescuers or to return to the scene. you are to guide rescuers or to return to the scene. – Do not hang upDo not hang up until you know who you have spoken with and until you know who you have spoken with and

what will happen next. what will happen next.

FrostbiteFrostbite Exposed skin can freeze within one minute at wind-chill Exposed skin can freeze within one minute at wind-chill

equivalent temperatures below -25 Fahrenheit.equivalent temperatures below -25 Fahrenheit. Frostbite affects the extremities, such as fingers and Frostbite affects the extremities, such as fingers and

toes. toes. If a body part has been frostbitten once, it is more If a body part has been frostbitten once, it is more

susceptible to frostbite again, even in milder conditions. susceptible to frostbite again, even in milder conditions. Redness and a burning sensation are indications Redness and a burning sensation are indications

frostbite will occur unless the extremity is warmed. frostbite will occur unless the extremity is warmed. Numbness is an indication that frostbite has already Numbness is an indication that frostbite has already

taken place. taken place. If frostbite is discovered, hold the affected part tightly If frostbite is discovered, hold the affected part tightly

against the warm skin or another part of the body; (for against the warm skin or another part of the body; (for example place frozen fingers under arm). example place frozen fingers under arm).

When thoroughly warmed, keep covered and make an When thoroughly warmed, keep covered and make an effort to keep area from freezing again. effort to keep area from freezing again.

HypothermiaHypothermia Remember hypothermia (rapid loss of body temperature) can happen to Remember hypothermia (rapid loss of body temperature) can happen to

anyone!  anyone!   Under conditions of prolonged exposure to cold, the body may begin to lose Under conditions of prolonged exposure to cold, the body may begin to lose

heat faster than it can produce it. heat faster than it can produce it. The symptoms become very apparent, and include:The symptoms become very apparent, and include:

– Uncontrollable shivering Uncontrollable shivering – Vague, slow, slurred speech Vague, slow, slurred speech – Memory lapses Memory lapses – Incoherence Incoherence – Immobile, fumbling hands Immobile, fumbling hands – Frequent stumbling Frequent stumbling – Lurching gait Lurching gait – Drowsiness Drowsiness – Apparent exhaustion Apparent exhaustion

If you believe you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important that you If you believe you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important that you make every effort to get warm. make every effort to get warm. 

Avoid hypothermia by staying dry and dressing warmly. If wet, remove wet Avoid hypothermia by staying dry and dressing warmly. If wet, remove wet clothing and get into warm, dry clothes, blankets or a sleeping bag. Stay awake clothing and get into warm, dry clothes, blankets or a sleeping bag. Stay awake and alert. and alert. 

If a hypothermia victim loses consciousness, seek medical attention If a hypothermia victim loses consciousness, seek medical attention immediately.immediately.

A Season for Sharing in Fire A Season for Sharing in Fire SafetySafety

A Factsheet on Holiday Fire A Factsheet on Holiday Fire PreventionPrevention

Each year fires occurring during the Each year fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of over holiday season claim the lives of over 400 Americans,400 Americans,

Injure 1,650 more, and cause over Injure 1,650 more, and cause over $990 million in damage.$990 million in damage.

According to the U. S. Fire According to the U. S. Fire Administration (USFA), there are Administration (USFA), there are simple life-saving steps you can take simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. to ensure a safe and happy holiday.

Preventing Christmas Tree Preventing Christmas Tree FiresFires

A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly gases.gases.

Selecting a Tree for the Holiday Selecting a Tree for the Holiday – Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull

back from the branches, and the needle should not break if back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. the touch.

– Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.

Caring for Your Tree Caring for Your Tree – Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a

fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree ,causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or tree ,causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. sparks.

– Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than longer than twotwo weeksweeks. Keep the tree stand filled with . Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.water at all times.

Preventing Christmas Tree Preventing Christmas Tree FiresFires

Disposing of Your TreeDisposing of Your Tree– Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or woodburning Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or woodburning

stove. stove. – When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. – The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling

center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up servicecenter or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service. . Maintain Your Holiday Lights Maintain Your Holiday Lights Inspect holiday lights each year for Inspect holiday lights each year for

frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.

Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets – Do not link more thanDo not link more than three three light strands, unless the directions light strands, unless the directions

indicate it is safe.indicate it is safe.– Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the

cord in to the outlet. cord in to the outlet. – Periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touchPeriodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch..

Do Not Leave Holiday Lights on UnattendedDo Not Leave Holiday Lights on Unattended

Holiday DecorationsHoliday Decorations Use Only Non-flammable Decorations Use Only Non-flammable Decorations All decorations should All decorations should

be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents. vents.

Never Put Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace Never Put Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace It can result in a It can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers that very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers that may result in a chimney fire.may result in a chimney fire.

Artificial Christmas Trees Artificial Christmas Trees If you are using a metallic or If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant. Candle Care artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant. Candle Care

Avoid Using Lit Candles Avoid Using Lit Candles If you do use them, make sure they If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning. burning.

Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree Do not go near a Christmas Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame - candles, lighters or matches. Finally, tree with an open flame - candles, lighters or matches. Finally, as in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on as in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.escape plan.

Flight SafetyFlight Safety

Flight Safety OpportunityFlight Safety Opportunity "The Pilot and the Chart Maker, VFR Charts from the "The Pilot and the Chart Maker, VFR Charts from the

Expert”Expert”

Topic : Aeronautical charts and products for all. Presented by Topic : Aeronautical charts and products for all. Presented by the Chart Wizard from Washington, D.C, Mr. Richard Neher. the Chart Wizard from Washington, D.C, Mr. Richard Neher.

Date and Time: Monday, January 19, 2009, starting at 7:00 Date and Time: Monday, January 19, 2009, starting at 7:00 pm pm

Brief Description: This dynamic, entertaining and educational Brief Description: This dynamic, entertaining and educational program is presented by the premiere cartographer himself, program is presented by the premiere cartographer himself, Richard Neher, from the Aeronautical Charting Office in Richard Neher, from the Aeronautical Charting Office in Washington, D.C. Whether you use paper charts, GPS, MFD or Washington, D.C. Whether you use paper charts, GPS, MFD or EFB after this program you will look down at the earth in a EFB after this program you will look down at the earth in a whole new way. whole new way.

Location of Event: Location of Event: – Thunderbird AviationThunderbird Aviation

14091 Pioneer Trail14091 Pioneer TrailEden Prairie, MN 55347Eden Prairie, MN 55347

Induction IceInduction Ice Carburetor icingCarburetor icing

consists of ice consists of ice accumulation that accumulation that blocks the carburetor blocks the carburetor venturi venturi

Impact iceImpact ice, a type of , a type of induction icing,  occur induction icing,  occur when temperatures when temperatures are near to, or colder are near to, or colder than, the freezing than, the freezing point of 0° C. Impact point of 0° C. Impact ice can block the air ice can block the air filter. filter.

In severe cases, it can In severe cases, it can reduce intake flow to reduce intake flow to the point that the the point that the engine may stop. engine may stop.

Carburetor icingCarburetor icing

Charles’ and Gay-Lussac’s Law- Temp and pressure are directly proportional

Corrective MeasuresCorrective Measures A fuel injected engine does not prevent impact ice. A fuel injected engine does not prevent impact ice. If you suspect impact ice, activate carb heat or, for If you suspect impact ice, activate carb heat or, for

fuel injected engines, alternate air. fuel injected engines, alternate air. Expect carb icing when relative humidity is high and Expect carb icing when relative humidity is high and

temperatures are between 20°F and 70°F.  temperatures are between 20°F and 70°F.  Indications of carb ice include rough running engine, Indications of carb ice include rough running engine, and loss of RPM (fixed pitch propeller) or loss of and loss of RPM (fixed pitch propeller) or loss of manifold pressure (constant speed propeller). manifold pressure (constant speed propeller).

In general, apply carb heat or alternate air In general, apply carb heat or alternate air immediately if you suspect carb icing.   Be prepared immediately if you suspect carb icing.   Be prepared for an initial additional decrease in engine for an initial additional decrease in engine performance as the ice melts and moves through the performance as the ice melts and moves through the system. system.

AlwaysAlways follow specific manufacturer's follow specific manufacturer's recommendations. recommendations.

Be SafeBe Safe