Community Safety – July 2009

With hurricane season and summer vacations upon us, it would be prudent to discuss ways to protect your property and valuables.  Use multiples timers to turn lights on and off in your house to give the appearance you are home.  Make sure all your windows and doors are locked including screened in areas. Shuttering is a highly recommended, as well as turning off water and gas service.  Notify your post office and newspaper circulation departments to hold your mail and newspaper until you return.  If you alert our security personnel that you will be gone, we can keep a watch on your home when we are on our patrols, and an even closer exterior inspection will be made. Forms for this service are available at the gates and you can list any contact information you want us to have in the event we need to contact you concerning conditions at your property. We were blessed with a relatively mild season in 2008 and this season is predicted as “average”.

According to Colorado State University’s most recent recent forcast of June 2, 2008, they are predicting eleven (11) named storms, five (5) hurricanes and two (2) major storms. But as in the real estate profession the mantra here is location! location! and location!!  It only matters to us where the storms hit. If only one storm of strength makes land fall near us, that’s enough and we need to be as prepared as we can.

Wackenhut security at PGA National is fully prepared with a complete site hurricane plan along with volunteers from our staff to man the critical posts and render whatever assistance might be needed. We already know who those volunteers are and they will be right with you and your property, before, during and after the storm. We will be working hand in hand with the individual communities, the POA, and emergency services to get everything back to normal as quickly as possible.

When a storm threatens make sure you gather all the loose items you can i.e.: trash cans, lawn ornaments, wind chimes, bicycles, and anything else that might fly around.  Think of projectiles in strong winds and rain. That will be motivation enough to pick everything up. Remember, a hurricane can hurl a brick right through a piece of ¾ inch plywood in a category 3 or 4 storm!  Tie down anything you can’t bring. Of course you want to have already prepared an emergency supply kit containing a portable radio or TV, flashlights, spare batteries and, of course, your own personal emergency plan.

Whether it’s a short vacation or the hurricane season being considered, planning is required for both. With only a little time and effort a lot of heartache can be avoided. In both instances security and your community are there to help. You only have to ask.

C.A.N. Report – July 2009

STORMS
Yes, I’m bringing it up again and I am not allowed to use the “H” word until after November 30th.    We’ve noticed a few owners have closed their storm shutters and have “headed north” or are on vacation. While the POA rules state that accordion shutters, clear panels, or shutters that are factory finished to match the surface they are attached to, as approved by the POA ARC, can be closed between June 1st  – November 30th, you might want to reconsider.  Closing up your house for weeks or months lets everyone know you are away.  While you may believe the shutters give you an extra level of security, I can tell you if someone wants to get in they will!  Now they are in your house and don’t need to be secretive or worry about the lights – the shutters are closed and your neighbors can’t see in.  I’m sure you understand the concern so please give careful consideration to this before closing up your house for long periods of time.

Along the same lines, whenever you go away it is important that you discontinue the newspaper and you should notify Wackenhut Security.  They provide a property check (upon written request) and will walk around the perimeter of your home to conduct an inspection in addition to their regular street patrol of the community.  You can obtain a form by clicking here.  All owners are encouraged to have someone go inside their home to be sure everything is secure and there are no leaks or other problems.  A simple thing like the air conditioner not working can result in thousands of dollars in mildew restoration to owners who are away for a few months and don’ t know their air is off!

DRAINAGE
Although we are very happy to have the rains, we are now getting calls from owners who “need a boat to get the mail”.  Two things to remember, if you have a large metal storm grate on or near your lot, please be nice enough to take a rake and clear the debris from the surface of the grate after the first rains.  Leaves and other debris wash away with the rain and these items get stuck on the top of the grate.  If you don’t clear the debris, the water can’t flow properly.

In addition, many owners have installed a “yard drain” which looks like a small grate on each side of the driveway.  These are typically tied into a horizontal pipe that runs from house to house then into a storm drain.  They were never designed to be installed and left alone.   They too fill up with leaves and debris and stop working.  If you have NEVER had the drain cleaned out, you might want to consider calling a company who can clear it with a high pressure hose.  Otherwise, you should use your hose with a high pressure nozzle once per month to be sure the line stays clear and, of course, encourage your neighbors to do the same so the whole line remains clean.

ASSESSMENTS
If you haven’t sent your $624.00 payment to PGA POA, it is now late.  Please be sure to get the payment to the office to avoid interest that will begin accruing this month.  The POA Board has worked with residents who are having financial difficulties so please don’t “ignore” the bill.  Give me a call (all info is kept confidential) so you don’t end up with a lot of legal fees and collection costs when you are already having difficulty.  The Board understands what these difficult economic times are doing to everyone and we thank you for your efforts to keep your account current and your property looking great!

SPECIAL EVENTS
In closing, I want to address all you closet artists!  No, not the ones who redecorate their closet every month….those who are wonderful artists and crafters and are easily intimidated or afraid to take the first step.  Just do it!  The POA Special Events Committee is holding the 4th annual Art Festival and Craft Fair on December 12th.  It was intended to get some of PGA’s talented residents showing and selling their items but after speaking with a few people it is evident that some of the best talents are just afraid to take the first step.  Why not take it here with your friends and neighbors?  Take a look at the application (and photos of last year’s event) here on our website.  We hope you will give it a try.  If you don’t want to participate quite yet, stop by and take a look around and maybe we will see you next year?

Have a happy summer!