RESOURCES FOR WINTER WEATHER INFORMATION With winter weather in Kansas expected to arrive any time now, please stay vigilant and get prepared. If you are looking for information regarding Fort Riley weather conditions, post closures/delays and area school closings during the inclement weather, included in this binder is a list of local news and radio stations that carry that information.

You can also: Sign up for the AtHOC text alerts (information flyer follows)

Call 785-239-3700 or 1-866-562-7319 for weather advisories, road conditions/closures and early releases or late

arrivals

Check out the 1ID website http://riley.army.mil/and click on Advisories (Road Closings and Post Delays) Attached flyers in order are: Winter Weather Communications: Local TV and Radio Stations which carry the weather reports for Fort Riley

and the surrounding areas and a list of Winter Storm Warning Terms AtHoc Text Alerts: Instructions for signing up for text messaging (non CAC holders can now sign up on their

own!) Road Condition Information: break down of what each road condition (Red, Amber, Green) means for vehicles

operating on Fort Riley, including POVs Situational Awareness Map for counties surrounding Fort Riley Ready Army Winter Storm Prep: How to prepare before, what to expect during and what to do after a winter

storm, plus resources to find additional information Fort Riley Safety Bulletin: Vehicle Prep for Winter Weather Fort Riley’s Ready Army Prepare For All Weather Brochure: includes a list of severe weather shelters as well as

tips for other severe weather known to affect the Fort Riley area

New options available for text alert sign up Story by: Staff Writer Dena O'Dell 1st Infantry Division, PAO

Non-Common Access Card holders now have more options to sign up for severe weather alerts and emergency notifications via text messaging through the AtHoc Notification System.

Spouses, dependants and retirees no longer have to have a CAC sponsor to sign up for the notification system, when signing up on any one of five laptop KIOSKS available at several locations on post, according to Tom Mitchell, plans officer for the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security.

The five locations for sign up include: The Garrison Replacement Company, Building 208, Soldier Inprocessing Facility, Building 210, or the ID Card Center, Building 212, all on Custer Ave. on Main Post; and Army Community Service, Building 7264, or Soldier Readiness Processing, Building 7673, both on Normandy Drive on Custer Hill.

Additionally, Family members can sign up at their unit's Family Readiness Group offices or at their sponsor's unit on any local area network computer. A CAC cardholder can sign up a spouse or dependant by clicking on the purple globe at the bottom right-hand side of his or her computer screen on any LAN computer.

The AtHoc notification system, adopted by Fort Riley in 2005, allows post officials to notify individuals about severe weather and other life-threatening events through Desktop pop-ups, e-mail or telephone notifications and text messages.

Fort Riley was the first Army customer for AtHoc, Mitchell said, which has since allowed for pop-up notifications to reach partner on-post and non-military organizations, including Irwin Army Community Hospital and Unified School District 475, as well as deployed units.

This ensures commonality and consistent communications, Mitchell added.

"We can target organizations, users and delivery systems in seconds to ensure the right people get the right information, right away," he said. "Additionally, our commanders saw how valuable AtHoc was here and applied it to help protect the force of our deployed Soldiers."

In 2005, the system's initial reach was about 50 percent of on-post computer users, according to Ward Philips, chief of Plans and Emergency Management for DPTMS. A 2009 expansion allowed for capabilities to reach 95 percent of onpost computer users, as well as the ability to send e-mail, text and voice alerts.

The AtHoc notification system's expansion was beneficial in many ways, Philips said, because it allowed Fort Riley officials to reach a larger majority of the on-post population than previously, which is critical in the event of severe weather or a disaster.

"The biggest advantage for us is the ability to send SMS text messages to our population in the event of severe weather," he said.

Fort Riley has comprehensive outdoor mass notification voice towers and tornado sirens, which are effective warning systems, but they are not designed to be heard inside buildings, Philips said.

"We are much more comfortable now with our ability to reach all of our population in the event that a fast moving tornado is threatening the installation," he said. "The most important benefit is safety. This system lets us reach Family members inside their quarters in the event of a crisis."

Currently, the AtHoc Notification System services about 14,000 accounts throughout the garrison, 1st Infantry Division, Medical Activity, Corps of Engineers and USD 475, Philips said. Additionally, about 1,700 people have signed up for AtHoc's text alerts.

When signing up, individuals are asked for zip code and housing area information. This information allows officials to target messages to those in an affected area in the event of a smaller localized problem.

Fort Riley officials encourage anyone who lives or works on post to sign up for the text messaging service.

Those who already have a CAC card and an account on the Fort Riley, 1st Inf. Div., MEDDAC or Corps of Engineers LAN, already have an AtHoc account and can receive pop-up and e-mail alerts. To check AtHoc notifications, right click on the "purple globe" in the system tray and select "Access Self Service."

 

JEWELL 

MITCHELL 

LINCOLN 

ELLSWORTH 

RICE  MCPHERSON MARION

CHASE

MORRIS

LYON

WABAUNSEE

DICKINSONSALINE 

OTTAWA 

CLAY

GEARY

RILEY

CLOUD 

REPUBLIC 

WASHINGTON MARSHALL  NEMAHA

POTTAWATOMIE

HARVEY

 

Keep this map next to your Emergency Weather Radio.                                                                          You can track severe weather and hazards affecting you and your surrounding area.                   

NOAA Weather Radio‐All Hazards                                                                                                                          For the most up to date information on NOAA/All Hazard Radio                                                                 visit:  http://www.nws.gov/nwr/stations.php?State=KS 

For assistance with programming your weather radio                                                                                    visit: http://www.weather.gov/nwr/nwrrcvr.htm 

 

         Situational Awareness Map for Counties Surrounding Fort Riley 

 

 

 

 

RENO  BUTLER GREENWOOD

JACKSON 

SHAWNEE 

OSAGE 

 COFFEY 

 

General Winter Weather               Track 

Spring and Summer Severe Weather Generally tracks SW to NE 

WINTER STORM The extreme cold and heavy snowfall that accompany winter storms can be debilitating and dangerous. Winter storms can affect everyone, even those who usually experience mild winters. Heavy snowfall can be blinding for drivers and dangerous for those it traps indoors. Winter storms may also include high winds, sleet, freezing rain, frozen roads, power outages and dangerously cold temperatures. How to Prepare for a Winter Storm • Be aware of the risk for severe winter weather in your area. • Stay informed and know winter storm terminology:

○ Freezing rain—Rain that freezes when it hits the ground. Ice may coat roads, walkways, trees and power lines.

○ Sleet—Rain that freezes into ice pellets before it reaches the ground. Sleet can cause moisture on roads and walkways to freeze.

○ Winter storm watch—Weather conditions are favorable for development of a winter storm. Stay tuned to radio or TV for more information and instructions.

○ Winter storm warning—A winter storm is occurring or will occur soon. ○ Blizzard warning—Considerable amounts of snow with sustained winds or frequent gusts

up to 35 mph are expected to prevail for at least three hours. Visibility is reduced to less than a quarter mile.

○ Frost/freeze warning—Below-freezing temperatures are expected. • Make sure your home is properly insulated. • Caulk and weather strip doors and windows to keep out cold air. • Insulate pipes to prevent freezing. • Consider what to use for emergency heat in case the electricity goes out:

○ Fireplace with ample supply of wood ○ Small, well-vented camp stove with fuel ○ Portable space or kerosene heater (check with your fire department first)

• Understand the heating system in your home. Be aware that the most destructive home fires happen during winter weather due to improper use of heating devices.

• To prevent water damage from burst pipes, keep your home’s temperature above freezing, even if you are away.

• Keep your car’s gas tank full to keep the fuel line from freezing and for emergency use. • Make sure you have an adequate amount of winter clothing and blankets for your family. • Get an emergency supply kit that includes rock salt, sand, snow shovels and other snow-

removal equipment, adequate winter clothing and batteries for radio and flashlights. • To slow the accumulation of snow and ice on your driveway and outside steps, pretreat these

surfaces by spreading a small amount of rock salt.

What to Do If There Is a Winter Storm • Stay inside and monitor the radio or TV for more information or instructions. • Eat regularly and drink plenty of fluids. • Practice fire safety, check the batteries in your smoke alarms and make sure there is plenty of

ventilation if you are using a heat source that can produce hazardous smoke or fumes. • Dress in several layers of warm clothing. • If you are outside:

○ Do not overexert yourself in snow shoveling or any other physical activity. ○ When shoveling, do not try to move large amounts of snow each time. Lift with your legs to

help prevent serious back injury. ○ Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from the extremely cold air. ○ Keep dry and change any wet clothing as soon as possible.

• Watch for signs of frostbite: loss of feeling or pale appearance in extremities. • Travel only if you must, during the day and on main roads. • If you are trapped in your car by a blizzard:

○ Pull to the side of the road and put the hazard lights on. ○ Remain in the vehicle, where rescuers are most likely to find you. ○ Run the engine for 10 minutes every hour to keep warm. ○ Exercise to maintain body heat, but do not overexert yourself. ○ Drink fluids to avoid dehydration. ○ At night, take turns sleeping and turn the inside light on. ○ Be careful not to waste battery power. ○ If you are stranded in a remote area, stomp large block letters in an open area that spell

“HELP” or “SOS.” ○ Leave the car on foot only if absolutely necessary and the blizzard has passed.

• Watch for signs of hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, slurred speech and drowsiness.

• If signs of hypothermia are detected, keep victims warm by removing all wet clothing, warm the center of their bodies first and seek medical attention immediately.

What to Do After a Winter Storm • Stay tuned to radio or TV for more information or instructions. • Be aware of the possibility of flooding after a winter storm. • Seek medical attention immediately if needed. • Be very careful driving, as roads may still be wet or frozen. • Once you are in a safe place, report to your command if you are military or government civilian

personnel or a member of the selective reserves. Where to Find Additional Information • Ready Army—www.ready.army.mil • American Red Cross—www.redcross.org • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/ • Department of Homeland Security (Ready.gov)—

www.ready.gov./america/beinformed/winter.html • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)—www.fema.gov/hazard/winter/index.shtm It’s up to you. Prepare strong. Get an emergency supply kit with enough supplies for at least three

days, make an emergency plan with your family and be informed about what might happen.

SAFETY BULLETIN

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SB01: Winter, Your Car, and You. No Time to Chill, Be Prepared!

October 2009 At the beginning of the winter season, it's a good idea to make sure your car is in top running condition to reduce your chances of getting stranded. Ice and snow storms, high winds and blizzards are all regular occurrences during winter months. These weather situations have the potential to disrupt power to your home, community and environment as the ice storm did in 2007 knocking out power to 8,000 residents of Fort Riley. It only takes a little time to inspect the essential maintenance items on your vehicle. It's a crucial step many of us let go and regret later. And if the task is overwhelming or something more complicated than your expertise, have a reputable expert do it for you. The Garrison Safety Office has a basic checklist to guide you if you give your car a check-up yourself. Your Vehicle's Must-Haves for Winter Driving: At all times, it is important to keep a properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack, tool kit and jumper cables in your car. If possible, a tow, tire chains and a bag of salt or cat litter (to use for weight and to help you remove a stuck vehicle) are a good idea too.

Keep your tank full of gas at all times. Check brakes, wiring, hoses, adjusting spark plugs and fan belts. Air, fuel and emission filters. Inspect the battery for corroded connectors or low electrolyte levels. Inspect tires for proper air pressure, wear and tread depth. Keep fluid levels full, proper antifreeze protection and wiper fluids.

Your Must-Haves for Driving in Snow and Cold: This is already used above “must haves for winter driving” Why repeat??? Winter driving and driving on ice /snow is the same thing! In case you get stranded, there are essential items that you should have in your car to help until you get out. Make sure to replenish and restock your supplies, keeping things up-to-date. A good winter driving survival kit should include:

Warm clothing and canned food in waterproof storage bags. Blanket, pair of gloves, a hat and socks. Matches and candle (in a waterproof container). Flashlight, radio, and extra batteries. Bottled water, hard candy, dried fruit, a small supply of high energy items Small shovel and cat litter or sand for traction if you get stuck on ice. Brightly colored cloth, reflective triangles, and/or flares. First aid kit. Ice scraper, window brush, and window cleaner. Why do you need window cleaner? Scissors and Rope or string (for what?) explain the purpose.

For more information go to the Fort Riley Ready Army web site @ http://www.riley.army.mil/UnitPage.aspx?unit=ReadyArmy and the National Safety Council @ http://www.nsc.org

2008 Tornado Chapman, KS

Winter WeatherIce and snow storms, high winds and blizzards are all regular occurrences during winter months. These weather situations have the potential to disrupt

Get a Kit

p ppower to your home and local community. Provide contact numbers to your Deployed Soldier so they can get updated status information concerning the families through the Chain of Command.

**If you see any downed power lines, do not touch th t ll 239 3739 ff t ll l l

Fort Riley Severe Weather SheltersDuring Severe Weather Warnings (High Winds, Tornadoes, or Hail), personnel typically have no more than 10 minutes to seek shelter.

Get a Kit

Make a Plan

Be InformedGET A KIT Y h ld h kit f b th

them– on post call 239-3739, off post call you local power company.

Additional Vehicle Preparation is critical during the Winter:• Get vehicle tuned up and test antifreeze• Keep a full tank of gas

1. If in a building, immediately take shelter in the designated tornado shelter, basement or a first floor interior room with no windows.2. If caught outside during the duty day, seek shelter in any nearby occupied building. 3 If outside during non-duty hours shelter

GET A KIT: You should have an emergency kit for both your home and privately owned auto.

MAKE A PLAN: Ensure your family has an emergency action plan and the plan is rehearsed.

BE INFORMED: Know who to call for information. Post emergency contact information for quick reference.

Keep a full tank of gas• Be sure all lights, heaters and defrosters work• Check windshield wipers and washer fluid level • Have brakes inspected• Check tire pressure and tread depth• Cell Phone Charger• Prepare a vehicle Kit : 3. If outside during non duty hours, shelter

locations are identified in five separate areas of the installation; these locations are open 24 hours a day and allow people caught outside (walking, jogging, driving) to seek shelter during High Wind, Tornado, or Hail warnings. The areas are: Custer Hill, Camp Funston, Main Post, Marshal Army Airfield, and

emergency contact information for quick reference.

Learn more about Ready Army by visiting:http://www.riley.army.mil/UnitPage.aspx?unit=ReadyArmy

• Warm clothing• Blankets• Small metal can with candle and matches• Flashlight• Food and beverages• Shovel (especially if driving in isolated areas)

Camp Whitside.

Designated 24/7 shelter buildings (Aug 2011) are:Custer Hill: Buildings 8614, 7834, 7232 and 7636Camp Funston: concrete shelters vicinity 4th Street

and I StreetMain Post: Building 219(Police Station)

• Clear snow off vehicle before driving – especially the windshield, headlights, and tail lights.

• Allow extra time for travel• Reduce speed• Increase following distance• Avoid sudden braking, or accelerating on icy Main Post: Building 219(Police Station)

Airfield: Building 804 Camp Whitside: Building 600 (Irwin Army Hospital)

Avoid sudden braking, or accelerating on icy roads

• If you must drive in snow or icy conditions and end up stuck, remain in the vehicle. This will prevent you from getting lost, offer some protection from the elements, and make it easier for emergency services to locate you.

Nov 2005 Tornado

Fort Riley, KSDPTMS Emergency ManagementBldg. 500, Huebner Rd, Rm 305

Phone: (785) 239-6395

Garrison Safety OfficeBldg. 500, Huebner Rd, Rm 16 (basement)

Phone: (785) 239-2514

• If you are traveling more than four hours, ensure you advise someone of your destination, intended route, and expected arrival time. Accountability saves lives! 2007 Ice Storm

Fort Riley, KS

Phone: (785) 239 6395

Version 3.5; April 2012

Severe Weather Get a home emergency kit:• Weather ALERT radio with fresh batteries• Flashlight with fresh batteries

C dl d t h

Flooding• The Fort Riley area has experienced significant

flooding several times in the last 100 years, the most recent being in the summer of 1993.L l fl h fl di l ti

TornadoWhen a TORNADO has been sighted, stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Protect yourself from flying debris. Take cover i di t l• Candles and matches

• Cell phone with car charger• First aid kit• Drinking water (3 gallons per person)• 3-day supply of non-perishable food• Propane for gas grills• Blankets hats change of clothes and shoes

• Local flash flooding occurs several times a year• Find out if the place where you work or live is in a

flood plain or subject to localized flash flooding. • When a flood threatens, the priority is to save

lives first and then property. If you have time, move valuable possessions, important records and keepsakes to the upper floors Fill the

immediately. • In a house or small building, go to the basement

or storm cellar. If there is no basement, go to an interior part of the structure on the lower level (closet, interior hallways).

• In a school, nursing home, hospital, factory or shopping center go to the interior hallways on theBlankets, hats, change of clothes and shoes

• Cash (power loss disrupts electronic transactions)• Pack in bag or box to take in your car if you leave

home for shelter or travel during bad weatherMake a plan: • Identify three emergency contacts for Family

Members. Post contact numbers by each phone.

and keepsakes to the upper floors. Fill the bathtubs and sinks with fresh water.

• If you have to leave:, turn off all electrical power at the main switch and also turn off water and natural gas at the main shut-off valves. Teach all Family Members how to turn off the utilities. Move pesticides and other toxic chemicals where they

shopping center, go to the interior hallways on the lowest level possible.

• In a vehicle, trailer, or mobile home, get out immediately and go to a more suitable structure (ditch, culvert or sturdy building).

• Do not attempt to flee from a tornado in a car; cars are no match for the swift erratic movement Members. Post contact numbers by each phone.

• Inspect fire alarms and fire extinguishers.• Conduct a walkthrough of your home to identify

hazards and correct them. • Ensure children know how to contact emergency

services. • Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as

will not be touched by floodwaters. • Follow emergency broadcast instructions about

protecting your house with sandbags. • Listen to your weather radio, local TV or local

radio for emergency instructions. If ordered to evacuate, do so right away. Delay will risk your life and the lives of people who may have to

of these storms.• Be alert to fire and shock hazards such as broken

electrical wires, damaged electrical equipment, gas/oil leaks, or smoldering piles of debris.

• If your home is badly damaged, contact your unit for information on temporary quarters. Do not touch downed power lines call the powerfireplaces, small well-vented wood or coal stoves

and portable space heaters. • Identify Shelter location in home, have plan for

Shelter if not at home• Contact Unit, FRG, Supervisors and family to

report status and/or ask for help• Units and organizations update contact rosters

life and the lives of people who may have to rescue you.

• Make sure you know several different routes of escape from your neighborhood. Ensure to take the route recommended by emergency authorities; a shortcut could get you caught in the flood.

• Do not touch downed power lines, call the power company or 239-3739 on post.

**After a tornado, keep tuned to local radio or TV station to get an “all clear” before leaving your shelter. Fort Riley will announce the “all clear” over Giant Voice.

• Units and organizations update contact rosters**Every Family Member needs to practice the plan. People often become confused and disoriented when stressed. Be informed:• Fort Riley AtHoc Text Messaging

W th Al t R di

flood. • Do not try to drive through flood waters. If your

vehicle stalls in water, abandon it right away and walk to higher ground.

How will you know to take Shelter?

• Weather Alert Radio warnings are triggered by the National Weather Service

• Communities have Tornado Sirens that are set off by local Emergency Managers

Sign up for AtHoc Text Messaging Severe Weather Alerts

• Weather Alert Radio• Tornado Sirens/Giant Voice Towers• Local Radio Stations:

Clay Center: FM 100.9Junction City: AM 1420, FM 97.5, 103.5Manhattan: AM 1350, FM 101.5, 104.7, 95.3Topeka: AM 580

by local Emergency Managers• Tornado Sirens, Giant Voice and AtHoc text alerts

are initiated by the Operations Center when Fort Riley has a Tornado Warning

• Outdoor alert systems are not designed to be heard indoors . If you hear a siren, tune into local radio and TV to get more information

• At your work PC (on post only)• Any DOD PC with dual CAC card readers • Laptop Kiosks located at:

• Army Community Service (ACS), Bldg 7264• Replacement Company, Bldg 208• In-processing, Bldg 210Topeka: AM 580

Salina: AM 1150Abilene: FM 98.5, 102.5

• Riley TV (Allegiance Cable Channel 2)• Fort Riley Advisories Web Page• Local TV stations

g*** Fort Riley meteorologists may declare a Tornado

Warning before the National Weather service does. Fort Riley needs more time to react than our neighbors to protect equipment and Soldiers in the field.

• ID Card Center, Bldg 212• SRP site, Bldg 7671C

• Account set up DOES NOT require a CAC card. • Use a Kiosk (see above)• Use your sponsor’s work PC