ANSBACH, Germany -- Winter months in Ansbach often see temperatures plummeting into the single digits and sub-zero temperatures, and for residents of U.S. Army Garrisons in Bavaria, particularly for those who may hail from warmer the states not used to icy weather, those temperatures can prove disagreeable -- even problematic.
Though independent heating units indoors might seem an adequate solution, Army housing regulations and clearly written policies set by Installation Management Command Europe prohibit their use.
The U.S. Ansbach Garrison (USAG Ansbach) Director of Public Works, Walter Mattil,
recently conducted a study and snap-inspection throughout various housing areas in the Ansbach community and found some startling -- and hazardous - use of space heaters by community residents.
"The practice is extremely dangerous. Our local Ansbach housing policy, as well as IMCOM Europe policy spells out clearly that it's prohibited." said Mattil. "It's also incredibly expensive to the U.S. Army and wastes a lot of energy. Just don't do it."
The policy Mattil cites is in AR 420-1, section 2: The operation of portable heating and cooling devices is prohibited where the intent is to circumvent the heating and cooling standards outlined in the above (sections).
The policy goes on to list the rare instances where such devices are authorized, namely by written DPW approval, by special exception, and in buildings where only a few people occupy a portion of a large space, where heating is only required in a small section of a facility.
"Also, the local Ansbach agreement that Soldiers sign prior to moving into government housing states that 'Ovens will not be used for space heating purposes and portable electric (or any type of) space heater is not permitted or authorized in Government quarters.' That means no space heaters allowed anywhere in the house -- including the garage area." Mattil said. "Residents can call their building coordinator if they have specific questions about the use of heaters, but first and foremost they should really not be using them at all."
"Those residents who do not take the policy seriously and are identified in our current study, as well as future inspections, and their respective street coordinators, will be held rightly accountable." said Mattil. "I can't say it enough, residents should be proactive and take necessary measures now. Stop using space heaters in government quarters. In Ansbach we are very serious about safety, energy waste and expense."
REFERENCES:
USAREUR AR 420-1 (Nov. 20, 2008)
COMPLIANCE: Failure to comply with housing regulation and policies, and flagrant violations of accepted standards by the sponsor, family members or guests may be considered cause for expulsion from the command or cause for termination of family housing.
TENANT RESPONSIBILITY: Family Housing residents are expected to care for military housing and property as any prudent homeowner would. They must ensure that property assigned to and or used by them is maintained in a clean and orderly condition. Residents are also expected to cooperate with other residents to provide safe, sanitary, and desirable areas of living. Sponsors will take every reasonable action to limit the extent of damage to the building, apartment, and furnishings resulting from failures. Sponsors acknowledge that they may be held responsible for any damages to the property during their residence.
Specifically In re. SPACE HEATERS: Neither electric space heaters nor any other supplemental heating devices will be used in military housing.
ENERGY CONSERVATION: Every family housing resident is charged with the task of conserving energy. All residents, stairwell, building coordinators and area coordinators will take action to reduce energy consumption, where possible, without reducing the quality of life. "By executive order of the President of the United States, all Army Garrisons are required to reduce both water and electricity consumption by 2% and 2.5% respectively. Running portable heaters in residences or garages all night long is not a good use of our limited resources, and it will not help our Garrison meet our goal."
NFPA REPORT ON SPACE HEATERS: According to the U.S. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), space heaters caused approximately one-third of all winter house fires and 80 percent of all winter heating fire deaths, with combustible materials placed too close to a heating unit accounting for more than half of all home heating fire deaths in the U.S. in 2016. Space heaters also account for more than 70 percent of all winter fire injuries and half of all property damage caused in heating fires according to reports the NFPA publishes annually on its website.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ARMY HOUSING POLICIES IN GERMANY AND WORLDWIDE:
https://www.housing.army.mil
Related Links:
U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach Homepage
U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach Legal Assistance Office on Facebook
Social Sharing