While we got a little early taste of winter in the form of some light snowfall a few weeks ago, the best is yet to come! To make the most out of the winter months and keep your home in good shape, please review and adhere to the reminders below.
CHECKLIST
Ensure Heating is Operational & Winterize Your Yard
1) Change furnace filters (if you have a furnace)
If you do not regularly change your filter, there is no better time to do so than during the winter. One of the most common causes of non-functional heat, is a neglected filter. Contact our maintenance line for instructions on locating your filter (if you have one) and bring your old filter into the Self Help Center for a 1 for 1 exchange. You should check filters monthly and change when you observe excessive dust buildup (at the very least every 90 days).
2) Change thermostat batteries
Many thermostats are powered by batteries. Often times excess heat or no heat calls are the result of dead batteries in the thermostat. Proactively changing them will help ensure this doesn’t become an issue.
3) Put away trampolines (and basketball hoops)
Trampolines are permitted in back yards during the summer months, however they should be put away asap. Snow accumulation in Anchorage can reach many feet and will likely destroy any trampoline left outside. Additionally, should you need to move out in the winter, removing the trampoline will likely not be possible due to snow accumulation. This can result in a charge at move out to remove and dispose of the trampoline in the spring/summer months.
4) Pick up loose items (and dog poo)
Ice and snow will prevent any items left in your yard from being accessible as grounds are frozen and covered by snow for the entirety of winter. Each spring, upon thawing of the ground, hundreds of yards must be cleaned due to dog waste left over from residents who moved out in the winter.
5) Apply hose bibb covers to exterior spigots
Hose bibb covers are available at the Self Help Center; these should be placed over each exterior spigot. This requires removal of any hose attached to the spigot. Hose bibb covers help insulate the faucet and prevent pipes from freezing in the winter and must be placed on all faucets and all homes.
AURORA SERVICES
Self Help Center
Complimentary Ice Melt and Arctic Grip are made available at the Self Help Center starting 1-Nov, although earlier handout may occur should we experience a snow event (2 inches of accumulation or more) prior to this date. The handout schedule this year is as follows:
- Period 1 (Nov to Dec): 1 Bag of Ice Melt, 2 Bags of Arctic Grip
- Period 2 (Jan to April): 1 Bag of Ice Melt, 2 Bags of Arctic Grip
Bag allowances will not roll over into the next period.
Ice Melt should be applied sparingly once shoveling is completed (not before). Over-application is all around bad for the environment. Ice melt prevents grass from growing, burns your adorable pets’ little paws, and eats away at concrete. However, when applied sparingly and correctly (sprinkle, don’t dump) it can provide increased traction.
Arctic Grip should also be applied sparingly once shoveling is completed. Over-application is all around bad for the environment, and it may prevent grass from growing, but it won’t burn puppies paws, and does not damage concrete. When applied sparingly and correctly (sprinkle, don’t dump) it can provide increased traction.
Shovels are available for rent at the Self Help Center for up to 3 days at a time.
Deployed Spouse Program
Is your spouse deployed? The Deployed Spouse Program is designed to assist your family with snow removal. To learn more and apply, visit the link below.
WINTER RESPONSIBILITIES
Parking
After two warnings, all parking violations are escalated to Security Forces as they are authorized to tow vehicles. We request that any abandoned or improperly parked vehicles are reported to both us and Security Forces as they are easier to remove prior to snow fall. Abandoned vehicles can also be reported directly through the JBER Connect App. You should be prepared to remove vehicles from the road while snow removal is in progress (we will post on our blog and Facebook each time the plows are dispatched).
Driveways
Driveways should be cleared of snow and ice within 24 hours. It is your responsibly to ensure driveways are cleared. Please shovel snow into yards, not streets!
Windows, Garages, and Doors
Keep them closed when temperatures are below freezing; open windows or doors can lead to frozen pipes. When the water in pipes expands as it freezes, it can crack the pipe, leading to substantial water damage upon thawing.
Heating Systems
Report no heat to our emergency maintenance line immediately upon discovery. Temperatures can quickly drop in the home. Heat should not be turned off at any point in time in the winter including when going on vacation; it is advised to leave heat set to 65 degrees.
Notice of Absence
You are responsible for your home, even when not there. If planning on leaving for an extended period of time (5 or more days), please complete a notice of absence form and designate someone to check on your home while you are gone.
