Mold
The Italian construction uses solid concrete which is porous and absorbs moisture. This construction is very durable and will last forever but has some drawbacks, one of which is the tendency to promote mold growth. This problem is not limited to the dorms. Most Italian homes have this issue which is why you'll frequently see Italians open their windows, air out their bedding, etc. They even use de-humidifiers in their homes, especially the older ones. I have this problem in my apartment which was built in 2006. I used to live in an older home and it was particularly susceptible to mold issues, so I've learned some tips on how to handle it.
You're not going to have an enormous amount of mold growth overnight. It will take time for it to get really bad. So if your room is really bad that means either you were gone for a long period of time, or you just let it get to that point by not taking care of it.
You will find the problem during all seasons, but the summer is particularly bad due to the high humidity and the fact that the central heating system is not on, which acts as a dehumidifier during the winter.
Here are some things you can do to correct/prevent the problem:
1. Air out your room frequently. Open the window on clear days and open your closet and bathroom doors to allow the air to circulate. If you have a fan, use that to help the circulation.
2. The second you see any mold growth, spray it with a household cleaner which contains bleach or make your own bleach/water solution. This should kill the mold within minutes.
3. Invest in some moisture absorbers. These are especially useful in closets and dressers. You can get them locally in the BX or just type in "moisture absorbers" in amazon and you'll get a bunch of hits.
4. In extreme cases, we might need to open a work order. This could happen in the event of a water leak or some other circumstance beyond your control. If this is the case, be sure to contact your dorm manager to resolve the problem.
5. For more information, see the EPA guide on Mold under the Pubs, Standards, and Policies section.
Networking
There are many of you who share the same common interests like hiking, sports and activities, gaming, etc. Get to know each other through those common interests and you'll also gain valuable contacts around the wing that might come in handy if you need something from another office.
Reporting Violations
It is everyone's responsibility to report violations of military standards. If you see something or someone in violation of our Air Force standards, report it to Dorm Management, Security Forces, or your chain of command immediately. Once you are a witness, you are involved and can be held liable if you did not report a violation. It's your career so do what's right, even in the face of adversity.
Security
Keep your room and valuables secure at all times.
Traveling
- Always have plenty of cash in small denominations on you when you travel. Many places still do not take credit cards.
- Make sure your phone is charged and has time loaded on it.
- Have emergency numbers programmed in your phone in case of an emergency.
- Always let someone know where you're going and follow your flight's policies on local travel.
- Make sure your car is in good working condition and can make the trip.
- Know that your AFI license is only valid within Italy. To drive outside of Italy you need an international license or an Italian driver's license.
- Have a well stocked emergency kit in your vehicle. Supplies like blankets, flashlights, vehicle fluids, water, duct tape, and a general tool kit are great to have at all times.