FIREWORKS Oh Look At That

It’s summer, and who doesn’t think of sunshine, picnics, swimming, cookouts, and FIREWORKS???!!! Of course, these days, there are fireworks stands selling for New Year’s and several other holidays, but the Fourth of July still seems the biggest time for home-based firework displays. Each year we get complaints regarding someone’s neighborhood fireworks. Most of the complaints involve Florida-illegal fireworks, i.e. the kinds that shoot off into the air. After the impressive display, the still-hot and burning shell falls back to earth…..usually not in the yard of the person shooting off the bottle rocket. At the very least, there will be debris. More seriously, hot shells damage screen enclosures, car paint, or roof shingles. Worse, if landscaping or property is very dry, a still burning shell can start a fire. And, of course, worst case scenario is that a resident or pet can be burned if the shell falls on them. If you want to have a fireworks display at home this year, please use only legal fireworks, the ones that can be purchased here in Florida. And please, pick up the spent fireworks after your celebration. Living in a neighborhood with other homes close by entails a responsibility to your neighbors’ safety and peace of mind. Please take this responsibility seriously.

In Florida we also have some pretty impressive displays of natural FIREWORKS during the summer months! The weathercasters constantly remind us we are in “the lightning capital of the USA.” Almost every summer one or more homes in Bent Oak suffers a pretty direct hit, taking out appliances, phones, garage door openers, small electronics. Although nothing can guarantee that your property will not be damaged by a direct lightning hit, surge protection on the whole house and on individual appliances can give your home an advantage. Most electrical contracting companies will be happy to explain surge protection. Progress Energy offers a surge protection service as well. We all know trees are an easy target for lightning. The electricity can travel through the tree roots into your home, causing plumbing leaks as well as electrical damage. Moreover, the tree is often irreversibly damaged and can become a hazard in itself. Again, worst case scenario is that people or pets can be hurt or killed. Personal safety tips are pretty obvious: turn off televisions, radios, etc., stay off the phone, stay indoors and away from water, windows, even concrete walls, which may be reinforced with metal rods. Be sure everyone knows to get out of the pool and come inside when the thunder starts, no matter how far away it seems. Don’t forget your pets. If they are outdoors, be sure they have a safe shelter.

A third kind of “FIREWORKS” are the ones that go off in my head when I see some of the flagrant violations of our Covenants and Restrictions!#!?#! ***PLEASE KEEP YOUR BOATS AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES BEHIND YOUR FENCE OR IN YOUR GARAGE, NOT IN YOUR DRIVEWAY OR ON THE STREET. **** PLEASE COMPLY WITH THE REGULATIONS FOR YARD WASTE SO THAT IT WILL BE PICKED UP AND DO NOT PUT IT OUT UNTIL TUESDAY EVENING. ****PLEASE BE SURE THAT YOUR SIDEWALKS ARE NOT SLICK FROM MILDEW GROWTH OR COVERED WITH LEAVES, DEBRIS OR TOYS.

“Summertime, and the living is easy….” Stay safe, be responsible and enjoy!

I would like to add, that with it being so dry, please, PLEASE, be carefull with the Fireworks, all it takes is one Spark and off the fire goes!!!!!!!

IT TAKES TWO

Remember - It Takes Two

It has been estimated that 50% or more of the water used goes on lawns and landscaping. On March 1, 2006, the St. Johns River Water Management District initiated the Water Conservation Rule that states irrigation can occur only up to two days per week. If your property has an even-numbered address or is a common area, you may irrigate on Thursday and Sunday. If your property has an odd-numbered address, you may irrigate on Wednesday and Saturday.

You should never water your lawn or landscaping between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. This is the hottest part of the day, and the majority of the water will evaporate. Remember to check your irrigation system regularly to ensure it is working efficiently and that water is not being distributed on paved surfaces. You should check that your rain sensor is also functioning appropriately, and be sure to insert a fresh battery in your irrigation timer when necessary. During the rainy season, turn off your sprinkler system; your lawn will continue to look lush and green.

Here is a good web site to look at concerning our water... http://www.sjrwmd.com/