Winter is here Published Dec. 13, 2010 By Airman Samuel Anderson 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- On Nov. 29, the base housing office received a call about a flooded house which had gone unnoticed for almost a week. The flooding occurred when a pipe froze and burst due to cold temperatures, blowing out a portion of a wall and collapsing the ceiling, damaging the linoleum and carpet flooring. The estimated damages totaled more than $5,000 and the Airman, his family, and personal belongings were relocated to a nearby house. Cold temperatures in Idaho have caused multiple frozen pipes and floods on MHAFB. Here are a few tips on how to prevent bursting pipes within your home: · Disconnect your hose · Set the temperature in between 58-62 degree range · File an out of town letter with the housing office · Put someone in charge to watch your house Airmen should remember to remind those assigned to watch their house to check on it daily and report any problems to the housing office, maintenance or security forces in extreme cases. "You should get somebody that you work for rather than somebody you work with to watch your house," said Carlos Gonzalez, 366th Civil Engineer Squadron housing inspector. "Typically your supervisor or somebody who is more responsible will come check on your house." Last year, housing reported two houses that floods with damages valued at more than $90,000. This cost was reported only for damage to the house and not the personal belongings. "We recommend Airmen get renters insurance because that will help cover some of their expenses for their personal belongings," Mary Dunn, 366th Civil Engineer Squadron housing facilities chief. According to base housing officials insurance may vary between seven and ten dollars depending on which company you choose. For additional tips and information on how to prepare your house for cold temperatures, call the base housing office at 828-2781.