Summer Advice

These stop a window opening too far so accidents can be avoided. If they’re missing or broken in your upstairs rooms, contact the National Service Centre to arrange for them to be fitted or fixed.

• Ask a trusted friend or neighbour to keep your keys and check your home.
• Turn off the water at the stopcock (usually under the sink) to stop pipes bursting.
• Unplug electricals to save energy and lower fire risk.

Overgrown lawns, litter, food and pet waste can increase the chance of pests in or near your home.

Make sure your BBQ is on a flat surface away from any shed, trees and bushes.

Hundreds of military families move over the summer. If you’re moving, make sure you book this as early as possible to get an appointment that works for you.

• Bird nesting season is March to August. During this time, some work on homes can’t be done.
• Before the season starts, teams cut hedges and trees.
• Still report any tree safety problems so they can keep your family safe. Photos help VIVO and Amey will understand the issue.
• Some problems, like nests in chimneys, will be fixed after nesting season, unless they are dangerous.

• If bees are swarming outside, stay away – they usually move on in a few hours.
• If you find a wasp nest inside or outside, call the National Service Centre.
• Outside nests: fixed within 12 working days.
• Inside nests: fixed within 48 hours.
• If there’s a bee nest inside, call the National Service Centre — they will deal with it within 48 hours.
• VIVO and Amey cannot attend outdoor bee issues unless they are dangerous, in which case they will arrange a specialist.

• Most problems can be fixed with shop-bought sprays or powders.
• If you find an active nest inside your home, call the National Service Centre. Ant nests are usually dealt with within 12 working days.

• When hosepipes have been sitting in direct sunlight, run the water through before using them. Water trapped inside can become extremely hot and may cause burns.
• Avoid drinking from hosepipes. Standing water inside can harbour bacteria and isn’t safe for consumption.
• Before filling paddling pools or using spray attachments, flush the hose for 2–3 minutes to clear stagnant water. This flushed water is still fine to use on plants and grass.
• Store hoses out of direct sunlight when not in use, and drain and disconnect them from the tap at the end of summer to help reduce bacterial growth.