JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
An arctic air mass is projected to arrive Thursday afternoon, Dec. 22, bringing a prolonged period of freezing temperatures to the area. No winter precipitation is forecasted with this event.
Low Friday morning temperatures will range between 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. High Friday temperatures will remain below freezing for a large portion of the area.
Facility managers should take precautions and take the following steps:
1. If your facility suffered an impact during the fiscal year 2021 freeze, conduct a walk-around of your facility/facilities before and after the storm and evaluate any impact from this extremely cold weather. Call the 502nd Civil Engineer Squadron if you detect any damage. The numbers are 210-671-5555 for the JBSA-Lackland call center, 210-466-5555 for the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston call center, and 210-652-5555 for the JBSA-Randolph call center.
2. Conduct a walk around of your facility before the storm and pick up small items that could easily be blown around by high winds.
3. To prevent freezing pipes, drip hot water in every floor (a couple of rooms per floor). For your outside faucets, disconnect any hoses, and winterize your pipes.
4. Ensure your windows and outside doors are closed to maintain the building within the operational temperature range.
5. Once the severe weather has passed, use extreme care in assessing the outside of your facility and areas in case electrical lines have been blown down.
6. If you or your personnel see a downed power line, STAY AWAY and immediately call the Fire Department due to the dangers of electrocution and fire potential.
7. Report any damages, trees down, large limbs, or roof/facility leaks.
Some additional information resources are linked below for your review. It's a good time to check your shelter-in-place and evacuation procedures, at work and at home.
Remember to secure outdoor items that may blow away in strong winds, stay out of low-water crossings (turn around - don't drown) and know where your shelter-in-place location is in case a tornado is spawned by this storm.
Call your Emergency Management Office at 210-671-2260 if you have any concerns or questions. As always, be safe.
Winter Storms and Extreme Cold
https://www.beready.af.mil/Disasters-Emergencies/Natural-Disasters/Winter-Storm-and-Extreme-Cold/
Thunderstorms and Lightning
http://www.beready.af.mil/Disasters-Emergencies/Natural-Disasters/Thunderstorms-Lightning/
Flooding
http://www.beready.af.mil/Disasters-Emergencies/Natural-Disasters/Floods/
Tornado
http://www.beready.af.mil/Disasters-Emergencies/Natural-Disasters/Tornadoes/