Aviano receives MIHA-Security benefit

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Austin Harvill
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --   

 
Team Aviano members can now take advantage of a new move-in housing allowance for installations of certain home security upgrades for their residences.

The MIHA-Security benefit is also retroactive for members in the community who meet the criteria.

"MIHA-Security is designed to reduce costs associated with protecting a civilian residence," said Antonio Saponaro, 31st Civil Engineer Squadron Housing manager. "The intent is to add a little security, but not to make a fortress."

The 31st CES housing office will approve the following upgrades if not already installed:
· Front door "peephole" if no nearby window is available
· Deadbolt locks on all exterior doors
· Outdoor lighting at all points of entry
· Rolling or standard window shutters
· External basement window grates

"All of these measures must first be approved by the housing office," said Saponaro. "The approval process is very simple, assuming the resident has done what is required."

Residents must take photos of the unprotected areas and work with their landlords to receive a cost quote for installation of the appropriate items. Residents must then bring the photos and cost quote to the housing office. Electronic copies are not accepted.

Following 31st CES approval, residents must inform their landlords. After the work is completed, the receipt is brought to the housing for reimbursement.

Just like MIHA-Paint, only one member per household is entitled to MIHA-Security of up to two month's rent.

"If two members live in one household, they decide who gets the entitlement," said Saponaro. "There is no benefit or penalty for whoever receives the entitlement - it's simply a preventative measure."

Saponaro asks all potential customers to be patient with the housing office as they will not have additional manning to handle these requests.

"We hope everyone who can receive this benefit will take advantage of it," said Saponaro. "We encourage patience and flexibility - we're sure we can get to everybody if they work with us."

For more information, contact the 31st CES Housing Office at 31fw.housing@us.af.mil or 632-2272. For a MIHA-Security approval, email a complete package to 31CES.CEIH.AvianoMIHASecurity@us.af.mil.