WELFARE – HOUSING
PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY AND HOME THIS WINTER
We have put together this quick reference guide on some common issues which might affect your home in the colder months .
Dealing with winter damage can be a stressful time for families , which is made worse if valuable items and personal possessions are also affected .
There are some easy steps you can take to protect your SFA from the winter elements .
Outside
Stop your outside tap from freezing by isolating it in cold weather . Check your guttering and roof for signs of damage and make sure any overflow pipes are not trickling water .
Lofts
For safety reasons , and to keep loft insulation in good condition , lofts should not be used to store personal possessions .
Insurance
You need to arrange your own home liability insurance cover of at least £ 20,000 . The Service Insurance and Investment Advisory Panel ( SIIAP ) provides details of insurance providers who can ensure that you have the necessary ‘ Licence to Occupy ’ SFA cover .
Ventilation
Improve ventilation and avoid mould building up on ceilings and walls by opening window vents for a short time each day and try to keep radiators clear of very damp clothes to avoid excessive moisture build up that will contribute to the build-up of mould . Try to keep your home warm and draughts to a minimum .
Heating
In line with fuel economy requirements , keep your house at a low consistent temperature rather than heating your home up quickly and letting it cool down , and keep your radiator valves turned on .
Boiler / Stopcock Repairs
Who is responsible for your home ?
It is important to check your heating is working correctly before the cold weather sets in . Make sure you know where the stopcock is located so you can turn the water off in an emergency . Referring to your boiler instructions / manual may really help if you need to just re-set your boiler .
Going Away
Ask a trusted friend or neighbour to look after your house keys when you are away so they can make checks on your home . You can always return the favour another time . If cold weather is forecasted when you are planning to be away , leave your heating on the lowest frost setting . This will prevent your pipes from freezing and the subsequent defrosted water causing significant damage to your home .
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation ( DIO ) is part of the Ministry of Defence ( MOD ) and has overall responsibility for providing service families with homes .
They have given Pinnacle a contract to run the National Service Centre , which is where you call regarding any issues with your home , or about home allocations . We are also responsible for the Housing Officers who visit you in your home .
The DIO also have contracts with Amey and VIVO to carry out any repair and maintenance issues in your home , including bringing properties to the required standard before a new family moves in . When you call the National Service Centre we will allocate these jobs to appointments given to us by Amey and VIVO .
Pinnacle run the National Service Centre . Amey and VIVO carry out the repairs and maintenance service . Decisions about upgrade or refurbishment works are made by DIO .
28 WINTER 2022-23 the imjin Imjin Station Community