Housing

Furnishings
Housing management may provide loaner furniture until your household goods arrive. Call (907) 377-2244 for more information. Family services will loan small household items such as dishes, pots, pans, etc. You can reach them at (907) 377-2242. Regarding personal furnishings, most furniture can be moved into quarters. However some items, such as large cabinets, oversized couches, exceptionally large king-size bedroom sets, etc., may not fit through doors or hallways. You may want to consider storing such furniture.

Household Goods
Once you arrive, the Traffic Management Office (TMO) should be one of your first stops. It's located in Amber Hall, building 3112. When your property arrives, the staff will make arrangements to deliver it to your residence or place it in storage. If you opt to have it placed in storage, your delivery may be delayed and due to extra handling your property will be subject to greater risk of damage.

On Base Housing
Eielson has 1,176 family housing units; however the number of available units fluctuates. An extensive renovation program will increase square footage and modernize units to accommodate present-day lifestyles. To learn more about housing at Eielson surf to www.eielson.af.mil. Each unit is equipped with a refrigerator, stove, washer, dryer, dishwasher and garbage disposal. Some have trash compactors. Wait time depends on rank, date of rank, time in service, family composition and report date.

Unaccompanied Quarters
Eielson has dormitories for enlisted and apartments for unaccompanied officers (UOQ). Call housing management if you have questions concerning availability of UOQ space. Call Consolidated Dormitory Management (CDM) at (907) 377-2727 for dormitory space. Unaccompanied members in grades E-1 through E-4 are required to live on base unless occupancy rate is 90 percent or more.

With the exception of the UOQ, all facilities have a recreation room equipped with a pool table, ping-pong table, foosball table and cable television. Washers and dryers are also provided.

All dormitory rooms are equipped with refrigerators and microwave; UOQ's are equipped with a stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer and dryer. Residents may use coffee makers and popcorn poppers in dorm rooms as long as the appliances meet base fire regulation standards.

Dormitory residents are provided a storage area in the facility they occupy. Storage will accommodate items such as winter gear, packing boxes, etc. Space is not available for large items, such as furniture. Dormitory rooms are furnished.

The legal drinking age in Alaska is 21. Alcohol is permitted in the dorms and UOQ for occupants 21 or older.

Off-Base Housing
Off-base housing is available, but is limited. The following rent examples do not include utilities. A one-bedroom rental averages $950; two-bedroom $1,250; three-bedroom $1,500; four- and five-bedroom rental units are virtually nonexistent. Utilities average $100 to $2,750 per month. Utility deposit waivers may be obtained with appropriate documentation. Call housing management flight for details at (907) 377-1840.

The first month you can expect to pay in excess of $1,000, including utilities, to establish residency in a two-bedroom rental.

Off-base residents must have a dependable automobile. Nearby communities include Moose Creek and North Pole; however some members commute from Fairbanks, 26 miles from the base. The highway is usually clear. For more information, call the family housing office at (907) 377-1840.

Pets
There are some things to consider when bringing pets to Alaska. Housetraining and daily walks take on a whole new perspective when temperatures are below zero.

First, make sure the animal's health certificate is current. You'll need it for traveling the Canadian portion of the Alaska Highway. If flying, check with the airlines for their rules.

Some people may want to consider leaving their pet behind with friends or relatives while getting settled at Eielson. Pets are allowed in the temporary living facility, but space is limited. Boarding facilities in this area are also limited and expensive. They require distemper and rabies, in addition to other vaccines. Dogs must be checked for kennel cough and corona, and cats must be checked for leukemia and FIP. Fecal, flea and tick checks are also required.

Rental agreements spell out rules regarding pet ownership. Most landlords will not allow pets. If you find someone willing to rent their house, apartment, or cabin, make sure you understand all deposits and penalties before signing a lease. Ask the landlord if there is a limit on the number and size of pets.

As mentioned earlier, winter weather requires special consideration especially if the animal is small. In weather of 20 degrees below zero, small pets shouldn't be left outside for more than a few minutes. This confines the pet to the house for long periods of time.

Special dog houses can be built for animals that will be left out in the extreme cold, and even then, owners should limit exposure time. Before buying or building a dog house, ask housing which types are allowed on base and provide the best protection.

All animals, including cats, must be on a chain or leash when outside. Base regulations don't allow animals to run free or to be left unattended in vehicles.

No more than two pets per family are allowed in base housing. Small, caged pets, such as hamsters, are an exception to the twopet limit. Dormitory residents can have pets too - fish, caged birds, hamsters, gerbils or caged lizards (not exceeding 12 inches in length).  read more...