Fort Drum Safety Office prepares community for North Country winter

FORT DRUM, N.Y. (Oct. 21, 2026) — Winters in the North Country can be both a snow-capped wonderland and a test of personal fortitude.To ensure Soldier… FORT DRUM, N.Y. (Oct. 21, 2026) — Winters in the North Country can be both a snow-capped wonderland and a test of personal fortitude. To ensure Soldiers, civilian employees, and their families are fully prepared for the elements, the Fort Drum Safety Office is hosting its annual Winter Driving and Snow Blower Operation safety courses. The winter driving class offers guidance on vehicle preparation, hazard awareness, and the realities of driving in Upstate New York. John Rebelo, Fort Drum Safety Office acting director, said the courses began early in October to give community members ample time to get ready for the season ahead.

“The primary purpose of the course is to reduce the number of accidents on the installation due to unsafe behavior,” he said. “Some Soldiers and family members arrive here having never driven on icy or snow-covered roads before. We try to educate them on the basic skills to keep them on the road and keep them safe.” For newcomers unfamiliar with upstate winters, the geography around Lake Ontario can present distinct challenges. Cold fronts passing over warmer lake waters can trigger intense lake-effect bands that average more than 300 inches of