Old Man Winter Brrrr! Published Oct. 28, 2011 By Staff Sgt. Joseph McKee 914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, NY. -- Although many Air Force bases are located in mild climates, the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station is not. During the winter months with the shorter days we travel to work in the dark and return home in the dark, through snow, ice and other road hazards. Having a car prepared for winter can take the anxiety out of getting to your destination. Here are a few things you should consider checking before this winter season begins. · Tire pressure and wear of traction · Engine coolant levels · Ensuring your battery is in condition · Windshield and wiper treatment · Keep an emergency kit inside the vehicle Most importantly; having an emergency kit in the car would be very handy on a roadside breakdown. Auto supply stores sell pre-assembled kits but it is also recommended to include a flashlight, batteries, blankets, warm clothes, and for longer trips consider food and water. Airmen who drive pickup trucks should put sandbags in the bed above the rear axles for additional traction. Be aware that if the weight is incorrectly placed behind the axle, it will lighten the front end and make traction worse instead of better Using sandbags is the safest way to add weight to a truck bed for traction. Cement blocks or buckets, for example, can become flying hazards in case of a collision. They can also damage the bed of the pick-up. No matter the temperature, you should always have your vehicle inspected on a regular basis by a professional or an auto shop. For more information on vehicle up-keep, visit your local auto shop. Not just a winter hazard but with the shorter days Airman need to pay attention to deer crossing signs. While you should always be aware of your surroundings, be on the lookout during the drive to and from work, dawn and dusk. These are the periods of time when deer crossings occur most often. Cold weather safety should be a concern for any Airman living or visiting in a cold climate. These tips will give you the upper hand when Old Man Winter tries to put a chill on your winter travels.