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These guidelines are primarily for occupants of married quarters - these could apply equally if you are in your own home

Faults & Repairs

The Garrison Works Alliance operates in Germany to help you maintain your quarter to the appropriate standard.  If you have any query concerning work that needs doing on your quarter, then the Estate Warden responsible for your area or the GWA are your first points of call. If, however, you cannot contact them, then ask the staff at your Unit Welfare Office (UWO) for guidance.

If you are going away, even for just a couple of days, make sure you give your contact details to your UWO.  It is a good idea to let your Trusted Friend and neighbours know that you are going away, so that they can keep an eye on your house and perhaps water any plants, turn lights on/off for you or feed any pets.  Some other things to think about when going away are:

• If your property is protected by a burglar alarm, let your Trusted Friend and / or UWO know how to arm /disarm it.

• Remove any portable items from your garden to stop a thief from taking them.

• Close and lock all windows and doors. 

• Check all fire and smoke alarms are working properly.

• Remove electrical plugs from wall sockets, except for those on fridges and freezers and any security lighting, to reduce the risk of fire.

• Make sure that your Trusted Friend has your spare house keys.  If they are not around, then leave a set with your UWO who will be able to gain access if a neighbour reports an unusual situation e.g. a flood or lights on.

Before you get an emergency make sure you know the location of:

• Mains Switch – Electricity

• Stop Cock – Water Supply

• Main Valve – Gas Supply

• Main Stop Valve – Oil Storage Tanks

• Electrical Cut off – Oil Fuel Supply

These are examples of emergencies:

1. Gas leaks which turning off the mains supply cannot rectify.

2. Blocked sewage or drains causing immediate health hazard.

3.  Water from a burst pipe, which cannot be stopped by switching off water mains.

4.  Complete loss of hot water, heating or cooking facilities, but only if young children are living in the quarter (under 5 yrs old), and the weather is inclement.

SERVICE FAMILIES ACCOMODATION

Whilst your partner is away, you will become responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of your married quarter (MQ).  Do not be daunted by this as there are many people and agencies around who will be happy to help.  There are some things you can do to ensure that things go smoothly:

• Emergency – imminent danger to health, life or buildings if immediate action is not taken – response within 3 hours.

• Urgent – response within one week.

• Routine – response within 8 weeks.

During normal working hours any emergency repair should be reported to the Garrison Works Alliance. If an emergency occurs outside working hours or at the weekend you should contact the Duty Officer via the guardroom.  The Duty Officer will then appraise the situation and initiate emergency call out procedures as the situation dictates.

As if the turmoil of separation is not enough to think about, we must still consider and be aware of personal Security.  Although the current threat from terrorist organisations is not high, they are not likely to disappear completely while the Brigade is on an operational tour.  We must all take sensible precautions regarding our security.  Some helpful hints are listed below.

• Avoid drinking in bars that are frequented by Service personnel.

• If you work, avoid setting patterns. Vary your route and timings whenever possible.

• If you do go out for a drink, don't advertise the fact that your partner is in the Army.

• Park your car in a garage (if you have one).

• If you leave your car unattended, check it thoroughly before getting in.

• Do not leave bags of rubbish lying around outside your home.

• Do not leave MFO/packing boxes lying around with your spouse’s details on them.

• Check who is at the door before you open it.

• Be vigilant at all times. 

Report any suspicious persons, vehicles or activity to the RMP, Guardroom or Civilian Police. Overreacting?  On the contrary, they will be happy to help and check the information out, you should be aware that the most likely targets for burglaries are empty or unoccupied flats or houses, and as a result you are unlikely to come into direct contact with an intruder. 

Listed below are a few do’s and don'ts which may help to make a burglars access as difficult as possible:

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Always ensure that your car is in good working order, especially before departing on a long journey. Listed below are some helpful tips:

• Make sure you have enough money for petrol for both journeys.

• When driving and when parked, keep the car doors locked and all valuables (especially handbags, navigation systems etc.) out of sight.

• Remove the stereo when not in use.

• NEVER pick up hitch-hikers.

• Park in a well lit area and look around for anyone suspicious before opening your door.

• If you break down, try and find a telephone in a well lit area. On motorways the emergency telephones are free. If you are alone or with children, tell the operator, as this will give you "priority" service.

If you receive any type of malicious, threatening or obscene telephone call, HANG UP IMMEDIATELY.  If these continue, contact your local Police and the operator. Also, let the Welfare Office know of any such incidents as we will be able to help if further action is required.

Advice for TA or those living out alone.

Home security is vital to your piece of mind.  You will need to find someone to keep the property in a lived-in state.  If the property is uninhabited for a period of up to 6 months in any 12 and is also unfurnished you can reclaim council tax.  Your local authority should be able to advise you on the conditions and on application for a waiver of fees.  If left unattended for a period of time, you should put lights on timer switches to give the impression of occupancy.  Have you got a neighbour or would you have to pay a firm to maintain you garden etc for the period you are away?  You should obtain a quote for this, as it may also be a consideration for Reservist Standard & Reservist Hardship Awards (RSA/RHA) claims.  Have you got a neighbour you could ask to park on your drive?  Remember to cancel papers and milk deliveries.

You should make provision for adequate heating and airing of your property and leave finances available to cover any maintenance or improvement work required by services such as gas, electricity and water.  Leaving your usual plumber’s and electrician’s details with your nominated friend is also a good idea.