Mongoose RM™ Best Practices Update: Winter Storm Advisory.

Jan 26, 2026

Storm Fern continues to significantly impact transportation and energy-related operations across the country. Heavy snow, ice accumulation, and prolonged extreme cold are creating hazardous travel conditions and operational challenges.

Required Safety Actions & Best Practices:

  • Eliminate Driving Distractions
    • All distractions are strictly prohibited while vehicles are in motion, including mobile devices, in-cab technology, eating, and any non-driving activities.
    • GPS, route planning, and vehicle controls must be set prior to departure.
  • Safe Driving Practices
    • Disable cruise control.
    • Increase following distance to 12–15 seconds.
    • Continuously scan 15 seconds ahead to anticipate changing road and traffic conditions.
  • Equipment & Rigging Guidance
    • Suspend or limit crane and lifting operations when wind conditions present safety concerns.
    • Account for frozen ground instability and cold-related brittleness of equipment and rigging when planning operations.
  • Operational Readiness
    • Dispatchers should reroute trips to avoid severe icing conditions whenever possible.
    • All vehicles must remain equipped with fully stocked emergency winter kits.

 Advisory for Fuel Distributors:

  • System & Equipment Access Safety
    • Ensure fill pipes, vent pipes, and heating system exhaust/intake piping remain clear of snow and ice.
    • Advise customers to clear driveways, walkways, and delivery paths to maintain safe access for personnel and vehicles
  • Delivery & Service Prioritization
    • Prioritize automatic-delivery and contract customers.
    • Proactively schedule and confirm deliveries before tanks reach critical levels.
    • Give priority to emergency no-heat calls and freeze-up prevention service requests.
  • Customer Communication
    • Provide clear delivery windows and proactively communicate delays caused by hazardous road conditions.
    • Encourage customers—especially non-automatic delivery accounts—to closely monitor tank levels and report low levels early.

Claim Reporting Reminder:

All new claims should be reported immediately and directly to eMaxx for all accidents regardless of perceived liability. Members are encouraged to include their brokers when reporting claims so that they are made aware of the incident; however, it is crucial that eMaxx receives claims immediately to avoid any delay in handling.

eLive Connect Trainings:

Winter weather safety, distracted driving prevention, and emergency response trainings are available in eLive Connect. All applicable personnel should ensure required trainings are current and completed in a timely manner. The trainings reinforce critical expectations during severe weather events.