DLA digs out after Winter Storm Fern

Winter Storm Fern dealt a blow of snow, sleet, ice and frigid temperatures from the Southwest to New England last month, nearly bringing life to a standstill for several days.

While thousands of people struggled to dig out from snow covered in ice, the Defense Logistics Agency also had the responsibility to clear several locations affected by the historic storm.

DLA locations in Philadelphia and Susquehanna, Pennsylvania; Fort Belvoir and Richmond, Virginia; and Columbus, Ohio, were all impacted by the storm, according to the agency's Installation Management team.

The area around DLA Headquarters received 8 inches of snow covered by an inch of ice, according to Davison Army Airfield Weather Operations.

DLA Weapons Support (Columbus), located at Defense Supply Center Columbus, received about a foot of snow without much ice, which still equaled moving about 6.3 million square feet of snow over two days, said Edward Mikula with DLA Installation Management. Crews continued to apply salt and snow-melting products to the sidewalks and parking lots days after the storm ended,

The snow removal team created a group text that allowed everyone with a role in the installation's operating status to stay in close contact when determining whether to delay opening or close the base, Mikula added. The team included the site director, deputy site director, DLA Weapons Support chief of staff, public affairs, leadership from larger tenants, the facilities division and employees who perform snow removal.

The snow removal team will be recognized with a special act group award for their efforts during Winter Storm Fern, he said.

DLA Weapons Support (Richmond), located at the Defense Supply Center Richmond, received several inches of snow and up to a half inch of ice.

"This storm was particularly challenging for the Richmond area since the freezing rain and ice fell on top of several inches of snow," said David Gibson with DLA Installation Management. "The ice made parking lots and roads quite difficult to clear, as temperatures remained below freezing."

DSCR activated the Installation Emergency Operations Center for coordinating and communicating status and installation conditions.

A team of 18 facility personnel, with assistance from contracted ground maintenance workers from Ability One, used 50 tons of sand and 25 tons of salt and ice melt to clear snow and ice from roads, parking lots, sidewalks, steps and over 600 acres at DSCR.

The safety of the people helping to clear the snow was paramount, Gibson said.

"Employees sometimes stay overnight on the installation so that they aren't caught driving in the storm, and to ensure they are ready to work the snow clearing operations at optimal times - as soon as practical," he said.

The workers were provided with reflective winter jackets, gloves and given breaks for safety, he added.

Defense Distribution Center Susquehanna received about 12 inches of snow, with a mix of sleet as the storm ended. A water main broke near the installation's main gate entrance, said Amy Snyder, deputy site director for DLA Installation Management at Susquehanna.

"Our water supply was not impacted on the installation, but the water from the break flowed to our main entrance and made entering the installation during the morning commute sloppy and slushy," Snyder said.

Facilities and equipment maintenance employees reported to the installation several hours after the storm started to maintain priority roadways and locations so security and emergency services workers could continue 24/7 operations, she said.

DLA Troop Support saw 9.3 inches of snow at its headquarters. Located on a Naval Support Activity base, the host pre-treated roads and prepared the base for employees to return, but clearing local roads remained a challenge for the city, said Brian McWatters, site director for DLA Installation Management Philadelphia.

The cold weather that's expected to last beyond the storm means little snow and ice will melt during the day. To avoid slips, trips and falls in icy conditions, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends clearing walking surfaces as quickly as possible after a storm, using de-icer, wearing insulated footwear with good traction, taking short steps and walking at a slower pace.

Employees at DLA Headquarters who have safety concerns can email at the DLA Installation Management Safety Office or call 571-767-4445.