JBER SAFETY AND SECURITY

AMH encourages all residents to have a safety plan and to practice their evacuation drills in the home (EDITH). Always keep fire escape routes free of trip hazards, i.e.: debris, litter, snow, ice and other obstructions.

The Installation Commander is responsible for the control and safeguarding of all base property. Routine patrolling of AMH areas is accomplished by Security Forces. Incidents, complaints and inquiries concerning law enforcement should be directed to Security Forces.

ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY

Mold and Mildew

Mold spores are found in every breath of air you breathe, however mold becomes a problem when it begins growing out of control on surfaces. Mold requires moisture, spores, and a substate to attach itself to.

Mold and Mildew Precautions:

• Perform regular and frequent cleaning and removal of excess moisture from windows or surfaces.
• Minimize use of humidifiers.
• Promoting air circulation through the opening of blinds, curtains and the use of fans and exhaust vents during and after showers or cooking.
• Report leaks, smells of mildew or areas of suspected water intrusion to our maintenance team immediately.

Asbestos

• Asbestos is a family of minerals that forms harmful fibers when broken. It was used in various applications such as fireproofing, acoustical, and thermal insulation.
• Asbestos only becomes a health hazard when fibers are released into the air, usually through the destruction of the matrix holding the asbestos in place.
• Inhalation of asbestos fibers is the major exposure route of concern.
• JBER family housing was constructed during a time when asbestos-containing materials were commonly used.
• Asbestos does not present a significant health concern to housing residents unless disturbed.
• During maintenance or renovation, such as when repairing heating systems or replacing flooring, asbestos-containing materials are usually removed or encapsulated.

Asbestos Precautions:

• Do not hang anything from insulated pipes and do not drill holes or hammer nails in walls or ceilings.
• Avoiding scraping floor tiles, walls, or ductwork when moving furniture.

Lead Based Paint

Please review the EPA Guidelines on Lead in the Home that was provided to you at Move In.

Storm Water

• Storm water runoff from JBER goes untreated, unlike water that enters the sanitary sewer system.
• Pollutants such as oils, antifreeze, detergents, pesticides, pet waste, grass clippings, and other pollutants get washed into storm drains or ditches.
• The drains and ditches direct storm water to swales leading to Ship Creek, wetlands, or Cook Inlet.

Preventing Storm Water Contamination

• Keeping your vehicle free of leaks and spills.
• Practicing safe lawn and garden habits.
• Properly disposing of hazardous materials and waste.
• Cleaning up after your pet.
• Reporting all hazardous material and waste spills.

Water Safety

Maintenance of the JBER water system is shared between JBER, AMH, and additional government partners.

• JBER Bioenvironmental Engineering and Civil Engineering are responsible for testing and maintaining drinking water. Annual reports are posted on our blog.
• In some cases, AMH or the Government may perform maintenance on water lines. If certain criteria are met, a precautionary boil water advisory is typically issued. During a boil water advisory, water must be boiled prior to consumption. Should this occur, you will receive a flyer and email detailing the proper precautions. Boil water advisory are precautionary and are lifted after testing is completed that verifies the safety of water.

FIREARMS

All firearms must be registered with Security Forces.

• There are specific policies regarding firearms on Military Installations. BB guns, Air guns, and even Bow and Arrows are considered Firearms.
• Discharging of firearms in AMH housing is prohibited. Firearms must be kept unloaded in locked gun safes.
• Use extreme care when handling/cleaning firearms. For information on firearms on JBER, contact the NCOIC Security Forces Armory or Plans and Programs Superintendent at 907-552-3668.
• Prior to storage of gunpowder and primers in AMH housing, contact the Fire Protection Section at 907-552-2620 for specific instructions. Place a dry chemical type fire extinguisher (minimum 5 pounds) close to the powder storage area.

FIRE PREVENTION

If A Fire Occurs

If a fire occurs in your home, get everyone out and call 911 immediately; always inform the operator that you are on JBER.

Safety Devices

Homes on JBER contain various fire safety resources.

Fire extinguishers are provided in all AMH units, typically in the kitchen area of the unit. Please ensure all family members know the location and how to use the extinguisher.

Residents are responsible for monthly checks of the extinguisher. This should include: inspecting the physical appearance, verifying gauge shows full and turning extinguisher upside down, shaking, and tapping the bottom. When the date is one year beyond the date listed on the tag bring extinguisher into Self Help Center for re-certification or possible replacement.

Fire hydrants within AMH community may be used by the fire department.

• AMH removes snow from fire hydrants located in the common areas.
• Marker flags are installed on hydrants to make them easier to find during winter months. Ensure children do not play with or remove the flags.
• Report missing or damaged marker flags or damage to fire hydrants to AMH at 907-753-1023.

Fire Suppression or sprinkler systems are installed in some homes.

• Please do not hang or attach items on or within eighteen inches; do not obstruct or tamper with, paint, or knock, hit or bump the sprinkler heads or piping.
• Pipes in sprinkler systems primarily run through ceilings; do not hammer or drill into ceilings or floors.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors are in all homes. Smoke Detectors are in bedrooms, and Smoke/CO combination detectors are in halls.

• You are responsible for performing a monthly serviceability check on all household warning devices within the home. This includes inspecting the physical appearance of the detectors or warning devices for evidence of damage, abuse, or tampering, and for dead batteries.
• Note that smoke detector batteries can be picked up at the Self Help Center at no cost to you.
• Report any malfunction or beeping to AMH Maintenance at 907-753-1023.

Fire Prevention Best Practices

The following is a non-exhaustive list of fire prevention requirements.

Extension cords must be rated for the capacity of the equipment being served and be UL approved.

• Cords shall not be connected in series to extend the length nor may multiple loads be served by one cord with more than one outlet.
• Do not nail or staple cords to interior building surfaces, run cords through doorways, windows, and holes in walls, or under rugs, or carpets.
• Cords used for the exterior installation of items such as holiday lights or vehicle plug-in heaters shall be weatherproof and attached using devices specifically designed for that purpose.
• Do not run cords across driveways or across sidewalks where damage to the cords or trip hazards could occur.

Never leave the Stove or Oven unattended especially when cooking with grease or anything that produces its own grease.

• Should a grease fire occur, cover the burning pan with a lid, turn off the burner, and use the fire extinguisher immediately, then call 911. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. Most importantly, do not attempt to move the pan. Some grease fires can occur due to excessive buildup of grease. Keep your stove, burners, hood, and walls clean of grease to avoid such fires.
• Hot plates and other burner type cookers are not allowed for use in AMH units.

Good housekeeping and cleanliness promotes fire safety and prevention.

• Dispose of trash and combustibles regularly.
• Keep storage to a minimum and keep exit routes clear.

Space heaters are not allowed in AMH units unless issued by AMH for emergency no-heat issues.

• AMH issues only electric, oil filled heaters with automatic shut off.
• Decorative fireplaces or other like items that produce heat are prohibited in AMH units.

Clothes dryers present an elevated fire risk if used improperly.

• Annually remove the 4-inch vent hose from the back of the dryer and remove any accumulated lint or residue.
• Never place plastic articles in dryer.
• You must clean lint traps after each use and wash the screen with a small brush often.
• Do not overload the dryer.

Candles are a leading cause of house fires.

• Do not place lighted candles in areas where they could contact flammable items and do not leave candles unattended

Smoking can also lead to house fires. Take care to ensure that lit cigarettes, cigars, etc are not placed into contact with combustible surfaces.

The storage of gasoline or other flammable liquids must be in approved containers and is limited to three gallons per dwelling.

• Flammables may not be stored within living areas or in areas frequented by playing children.
• Containers can be stored in the garage storage area if there are proper ventilation openings. Ensure they are placed at least five feet from the heater or hot water heater.
• Do not refuel lawn mowers, edgers, snow blowers, and other motor driven types of equipment while the motor is running. Turn motors off and allow at least ten minutes to cool before refueling.
• Never store gas powered equipment in the living areas of your unit.

Grills, Smokers, Chimineas, Fire Pits must be used a minimum of 10 feet from any combustible fixture, such as a fence or the side of the home.

• They cannot be used on any wooden or other combustible surface nor can they be used inside the garage.
• Grills, chimineas, and fire pits must be completely cooled, fuel tanks closed, and all ash material removed prior to storage nearer than 10 feet to housing unit.

Fireworks are prohibited on JBER.

Welders, decorative fireplaces, hot plates, and other like items that produce heat are prohibited in AMH housing units.

PEST CONTROL

Pest control is a resident responsibility. Our maintenance team consists of pest control specialists who are able to provide guidance and support to your family should you encounter pests in the home.

WILDLIFE

JBER has an abundance of bear, moose and other wild animals that are seen frequently in family housing areas.

Always call Security Forces at 907-552-3421 if wild animals present a danger in your housing area.

WILDLIFE POLICIES

• Alaska State Law prohibits feeding bears or causing a wildlife nuisance.
• Storing pet food or garbage on the back porch, in the back of a pick-up, or leaving food remains on barbecues is construed as feeding the bears and can cause bears to become a nuisance.
• Always keep roll carts inside except on trash or recycling pick up days.
• Bird Feeders are not permitted between 1 April and 31 October.
• Photographing or approaching animals, even if they do not appear to be a threat can put you in harms way.
• Hunting and game processing can only occur in the garage or a resident owned shed and cannot occur outside, in sight of neighbors. Floors must be scrubbed down immediately.

NATURAL GAS

All homes on JBER are heated with natural gas provided by ENSTAR. Natural gas runs in flexible lines and is delivered directly to your home. If you smell natural gas, always exit the home immediately and call ENSTAR at 907-277-5551. ENSTAR will dispatch a technician and contact AMH.

• Natural gas is naturally odorless, but is infused with a chemical to make it sell like sulfur so leaks can be identified.
• CO detectors in homes can detect carbon monoxide, not natural gas.
• Natural gas lines are buried relatively close to the surface; digging, installing posts, or performing any other activity that disturbs the ground on JBER (without a dig permit) can put potentially rupture a line.

HELMETS

Everyone who rides bicycles, skateboards ebikes, hoverboards, or roller-blades on JBER must wear a helmet approved by the American National Standards Institute.