Fort Drum winter safety courses continue through mid-March

Fort Drum’s Safety Office is offering its annual Winter Driving and Snow Blower Operation courses through mid-March to help Soldiers, Department of the Army civilians and family members prepare for winter conditions in Northern New York.

The Winter Driving course covers vehicle preparation, winter hazards, emergency supplies and driving on snow- and ice-covered roads. The Snow Blower Operation course covers safe starting and operation, checking for debris, directing snow, handling wet snow and ice, basic maintenance, protective clothing and ways to avoid accidents and equipment damage.

Fort Drum Safety Office acting director John Rebelo said the courses are intended to reduce accidents on the installation linked to unsafe behavior. He also advised drivers to check local forecasts before leaving because conditions can change quickly, including when lake-effect snow develops along roads near Lake Ontario.

The Army has said the Tug Hill region averages more than 300 inches of snow annually, although snowfall varies by location. Drivers are encouraged to increase following distance, reduce speed when conditions are poor and prepare vehicles with winter-ready tires, fluids, batteries and windshield wipers.

Suggested emergency supplies include extra cold-weather clothing, blankets, a small snow shovel, reflective triangles, kitty litter or sand for traction, a flashlight and a charged phone with a charger. Fort Drum also directs community members to use the 511 NY website and app for road conditions and traffic cameras, and the My Army Post app for Fort Drum alerts and on-post driving information.

The courses began in early October and continue through mid-March. Fort Drum’s Safety Office is at Building 4884 on Jones Street and lists hours of 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. More information is available through the Fort Drum Safety Office.