Winter preparations and snow removal Published Nov. 19, 2010 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Last winter was one for the record books, so here are some tips to get you and your family through the holidays and cold weather. As you will quickly discover, the weather here in the Eifel area is very unpredictable during the snow season. The 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron is responsible for snow and ice removal on base, which includes the streets in Spangdahlem and Bitburg housing in accordance with the Spangdahlem Air Base snow removal plan. The first priority for snow removal is the runway and taxiways, then the flight line, followed by priority roads and finally secondary roads, including those in the housing areas. Since the streets in the housing areas are narrow, people should use only designated parking areas and allow for the potential use of snow equipment when parking. Parking at the end of a cul-de-sac during wintertime is not recommended, since snow may pile up from snow removal. Residents are responsible for removing snow and ice from entrances, walkways and sidewalks to their building. Contact building or stairwell leaders for the snow removal plan. Supplies are available at the self-help store, in the rear of building 454, or call DSN 452-7163. In Binsfeld and Speicher government leased housing, residents are responsible for keeping entrances, walkways and sidewalks cleared of snow and ice. Contact block or area leaders for the snow removal plan. Clearing the common-use sidewalks, secondary roads and connecting walkways is the responsibility of the maintenance contractor or Hausmeister. Clearing the streets in Binsfeld and Speicher GLH falls under the snow removal plan of each individual town. Usually only priority roads are cleared. The Eifel area is subject to severe winter weather and temperatures. You can prevent unnecessary damage by following these procedures: 1. Remove water hoses from outside faucets when the outside temperature is expected to fall below 35 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Secure all items in the yard that high winds could lash against the house. 3. Close rolladens during high winds. 4. If you have power or heating problems in your quarters, immediately inform housing maintenance or your Hausmeister. Holiday decorations Decorations must be appropriate, safe and not offensive to others. Decorations of any type placed in a stairwell area shall be coordinated with each resident in that respective stairwell. If any resident does not concur, the decoration cannot be placed in the stairwell. Members may decorate their individual yards and balconies without their neighbor's consent. For special events or holidays, decorations may not be displayed earlier than four weeks prior to the holiday and must be removed within two weeks after the occasion. Electric-powered or glowing decorations are permitted at night from 6 -10 p.m. All stairwell decorations must be coordinated with area leaders upon full concurrence. Nails, permanent attaching devices or anything that damages the outside plaster are not permitted. All Christmas decorations must be removed by Jan. 10. We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season with family and friends.