Balfour Beatty sends support to Altus Published Feb. 4, 2010 By Roylene Quintero Balfour Beatty Community Office SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Sheppard base housing residents might have seen a dip in service this week, but it certainly wasn't because of a lack of want by Balfour Beatty Community employees. The majority of BBC maintenance technicians were sent to Altus Air Force Base, Okla., to help with clean up from the winter ice storm Jan. 28 that put between 1-1 ½ inches of ice on trees and powerlines. The heavy ice caused power lines to sag and, eventually, the poles to snap. Hundreds of Southern Oklahomans were without power for days following the storm, and many continue to be without power. Because of a decreased number of personnel available, technicians will respond to emergency work orders first, followed by the urgent calls. The routine calls will be handled next week. BBC's remaining two technicians on base have been able to handle the calls this week. If any issues do occur, BBC will pull back staff members as needed. Sheppard was very fortunate last week. Pictures of the damages of utility poles, trees and limbs that fell during the ice storm are all over the web. Altus AFB still does not have electricity due to the utility poles and lines that are down. Because BBC offers renters insurance free of charge, the residents will be able to claim food spoilage, meal and hotel expenses. A $250 deductable does apply. Next week, BBC plans to send two resident specialists to help residents with the claim process. Sheppard AFB and Tinker AF, have each sent approximately eight technicians to help with the clean-up effort. Because of the massive assist by several Air Force bases and BBC personnel, clean-up efforts should be complete in about four days.