Spring 2014 | Wingfield Springs Community Association Newsletter
R
esidents of the Wingfield Springs Community, well here we are entering the spring season. That signals to your management teams massive preparation for a hopefully very nice summer. Of high priority: • Implementation of the Singing Hills construction completion project which includes landscaping for the unfinished portion of Old Waverly, and adding the columns plus landscape for the entrances off Wingfield Hills at both Old Waverly and Singing Hills. • Irrigation water management. As you all are aware we have a drought situation at least at the time of this writing. Anticipating the situation persists through to the summer we must prepare ourselves to tighten the belt with water usage. The Board is working with Red Hawk (our irrigation water provider) and Reno Green (landscape maintenance partner) to take the necessary steps to strike a balance between preserving our landscaping while conserving on water. One result is that we will hold the start of watering at least until May 1st or later and we will shut down in October as early as possible. We will use slow greening chemicals for grass thus reducing the need for large amounts of water. We have other steps we can get to as needed. We are also working contingency strategies to preserve overall plant health. The bottom line is WISE consumption while maintaining healthy landscape. • Implementation of an advanced security capability to complement the excellent performance already delivered by our partner ESI.
Good news: As you know we had one Board Director open position at the end of the standard election process. We are happy to announce that the Board subsequently received an application from Richard (Rick) Jones. After diligent review we unanimously agreed to appoint Mr. Jones to the position. Rick will be formerly appointed at the Board meeting to be held on April 24. Congratulations and welcome to the team. Rick brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this community. Make sure and
come to the Board meeting to shake his hand and listen to him give his verbal short bio. An ongoing issue in this community: dog management. The Board invested a significant amount of energy in the last 2 months leading to a large contents inside this newsletter AND in the Board meeting agenda with regards to dogs barking out of control and the potential health implications of dog feces left behind in the open on mow strips, walk paths, sidewalks, park areas. We fully intend to take these problems to resolution. So let it be clear: if you are a dog owner and this is something you intend to ignore therefore showing disrespect to your fellow residents of this community, we will find you and we will fine you. We are committed to make Wingfield Springs the model of best living on the valley floor so all of us need to help out with dog management. We encourage ALL of you affected by inconsiderate neighbors to come to our April 24 Board meeting; our guest speakers will be Barry Brode, Washoe County Director of Animal Services, and the owner of OnCommand, a very successful and Sparks based dog training and boarding business. We will educate both negatively affected residents and also those realizing as dog owners they have an issue and how to go about mitigating it. Last, make sure to register on our new official website, www. wingfieldspringshoa.org; many useful apps planned in the near future but we need to reach critical mass number of users to make a difference. I wish you all a great springtime. The Board and all our partners will work diligently to make the season an enjoyable and safe 3 months. See you at the April Board meeting.
“We will educate both negatively affected
residents and also those realizing as dog owners they have an issue
and how to go about mitigating it.”
Bob Denis
PRESIDENT, WINGFIELD SPRINGS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Wingfield SpringS...the model of beSt living on the valley floor
Photo by Chad Kunder
Community
manager’s report
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t the January 23, 2014 Board of Directors meeting, Sparks Chief of Police, Brian Allen, provided a brief presentation on the duties and programs in the Sparks Police Department. Please see the information below on how to get involved in helping your community:
Wingfield Springs
Community Association Newsletter WSCA Board of Directors PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER DIRECTOR
Bob Denis, calraisin1@outlook.com Lou Dauria, eplus@aol.com Marilyn Brainard, mebrain@att.net Ray Case, rcase3349@charter.net Richard Jones, rijonesjr@juno.com (pending formal appointment at April Board Meeting)
Handy Phone Numbers & Information ASSOCIA SIERRA NORTH Telephone: (775) 626-7333 Facsimile: (775) 626-7374 Website: www.wingfieldspringshoa.org Email: wfsservice@associasn.com Office Hours: 8 am–5 pm Monday through Friday; the phone lines shut down at 4 pm on Friday. WINgFIElD SPRINgS COmmUNITY PATROl (775) 722-6270 Please call immediately for water related issues. Call 911 for emergency services; ambulance, fire, police. Red Hawk Swim & Fitness Center Wingfield Springs Realty David’s grill at Red Hawk Red Hawk golf Club Sparks/Washoe County Animal Services
(775) 626-8699 (775) 626-4700 (775) 626-1000 (775) 626-4599 (775) 322-3647
Please note: Views expressed in HawkTalk are not necessarily the opinions of WSCA, its board members or Associa Sierra North. The editor reserves the right to edit submitted articles for content and space constraints. Advertising in HawkTalk is paid for by the individual advertisers. WSCA does not necessarily endorse or support any of the advertisers. Advertising monies collected are used to offset the printing costs of each HawkTalk. HawkTalk is supported in whole by advertising. Newsletter published by: Kathy Hess, Just Imagine Marketing and Design (775) 746-4138 | kathy@justimaginemktg.com
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The Sparks Police Department has an active and productive volunteer program. They are always looking to expand and add these valuable citizens to our police force. Volunteers work in many areas such as: • Handicap Parking Enforcement • Crime Prevention Programs • Special Events • Abandoned Vehicles • High Visibility Patrol • Records Section Support • Document Imaging & management • Neighborhood Watch • Parking Violations Uniforms are issued to volunteers which are a collared shirt with the Department logo, matching pants, belt and a jacket. Volunteers are equipped with radios, vehicles at times, as well as other equipment necessary to their particular assignment. If you want to be part of our team and need more information, please call or email Officer Dennis Rodrigue at: (775) 353-2229 or drodrigue@cityofsparks.us. The Association has noticed that there are several fences in the community that have fallen into disrepair. If your fence has broken/ missing panels or top rails, please ensure this is repaired immediately! It is the goal of the Association to maintain the aesthetic value of the community. Repairing and regularly maintaining your property will ensure the aesthetic standards are kept up to par. Fences will be inspected on May 1, 2014. At the January 23, 2014 Board of Directors meeting, a snow removal resolution was approved in which the Association will proceed with clearing sidewalks on priority 1 and 2 streets (all cul de sacs excluded) for storms creating at least 2 inches of snow. Please contact Associa Sierra North for a copy of the full snow removal resolution. The snow removal resolution will take affect on May 1, 2014. A holiday lighting resolution was also approved at the January Board of Directors meeting which allows holiday lighting to be installed November 15th but not illuminated until Thanksgiving week. Holiday lighting is required to be taken down by February 1st of each year. Please contact Associa Sierra North for a copy of the full holiday lighting resolution. The holiday lighting resolution will take affect on May 1, 2014. Sincerely, Associa Sierra North An Associa® Member Company
Melissa Robertson, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® Senior Manager Nevada Certified Supervising Community Manager
HawkTalk | Spring 2014
Wingfield SpringS Community ASSoCiAtion Home Sales Home Buyers Short Sales Specialist Rentals • Probate Foreclosure Management
2014 meeting Calendar April 17th • 3 PM
Agenda Workshop in Mayor’s Room
April 17th • 5 PM
Executive Sessions/Hearings in Mayor’s Room
April 24th • 6 PM
Board Meeting in Member’s Lounge
July 17th • 3 PM
Agenda Workshop in Mayor’s Room
July 17th • 5 PM
Executive Sessions/Hearings in Mayor’s Room
July 24th • 6 PM
Board Meeting in Member’s Lounge
Oct. 16th • 3 PM
Agenda/Budget Workshop in Mayor’s Room
Oct. 16th • 5 PM
Executive Sessions/Hearings in Mayor’s Room
Oct. 23rd • 6 PM
Board Meeting in Member’s Lounge
Nov. 20th • 6 PM
Annual Meeting in Member’s Lounge
Workshops will be held to review the agenda items of the next scheduled board meeting. Homeowners are welcome to attend workshops. No action (vote) will be taken by the Board on any matter discussed or reviewed at a workshop. All dates, times and venues are subject to change. If Mayor’s Room at David’s is not available, the hearing, workshop or executive board session will be held at Associa Sierra North (ASN) at 10509 Professional Circle, Ste. 200, Reno, NV 89521. Workshop and meeting notices will be published in each HawkTalk newsletter. HawkTalk will be mailed at least ten (10) days before each board meeting. Board meeting agendas will be posted on the Association’s website the Friday before each board meeting. You may also obtain an agenda copy by calling ASN at (775) 626-7333. HawkTalk newsletter articles and suggestions are due to ASN at least four (4) weeks before each Board of Directors meeting.
importAnt notiCe of AgendA item for April 24 meeting
t
he Agenda for the April 24 meeting will be posted in accordance with our normal posting. However, in accordance with NRS 116.3115(9) and Sections 1.16 and 6.8 of the CC&Rs, please take notice that the April 24 meeting will include an agenda item (Capital Improvement Assessment) for the Board to take action to impose a special assessment on the Singing Hills Owners for the construction and installation of additional improvements in the common area and to approve such construction and installation of additional improvements in the common area. If you have any questions or would like to review any materials in connection with this agenda item, please contact Melissa Robertson at (775) 626-7333.
Felisa Cusimano-Martin Realtor, SFR, CDPE C 775-250-8033 O 775-284-4400 fmartin@dicksonrealty.com www.DicksonRealtyNV.com
David Martin
Property Management O 775-284-4401 David@DicksonINFO.com See available rentals at www.DicksonINFO.com
4870 Vista Blvd., Sparks | DicksonRealtyNV.com
“
“A Sea Symphony” is Vaughan Williams’ most American work: its ample texts are from poems by Walt Whitman... a metaphoric journey, hinting at man’s quest for fulfillment and meaning. ” n ~ The New York TImes
Classix Six Season Finale
The Reno Philharmonic Orchestra with Laura Jackson, Music Director
Sunday, April 6, 2014 4:00 PM ~ and ~
Tuesday, April 8, 2014 7:30 PM Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts • 100 S. Virginia St., Reno
Season Finale
Featuring the Reno Philharmonic Chorus and the Carson Chamber Singers HAYDN: Symphony No. 104 in D major “London” VAUGHAN WILLIAMS: Symphony No. 1 “A Sea Symphony”
Tickets and Group Sales: Reno Philharmonic Box Office
(775) 323-6393 | RENOPHIL.COM Tickets also available through the Pioneer Center Box Office M-F 11-6 (775) 686-6600 or pioneercenter.com
HawkTalk | Spring 2014
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Dog Barking On Command Dog Training
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ust as we humans need to speak, dogs need to bark. Occasionally barking can turn into howling or even whining and unfortunately, it’s an unrealistic task to teach a dog to completely stop barking. However, you, your neighbors and your dog will all be much happier if the barking is under control. Dogs who are socially isolated or confined for long periods without supervised exercise need some outlet for their pent-up energy. Through unintentional associations, dogs have learned that barking gets them the attention they’re looking for. When they were younger, they may bark at the back door and were let out to potty, and then bark to come back in. The dog then realized that their barking can potentially control their owners and solicits their undivided attention. And ultimately, all dogs ever want is 100% of our attention. Breaking a barking habit can be done in a number of different ways. Because every dog has a different temperament, the options available to curb the barking may be different. The concept remains the same though; we must show the dog that the barking is unwanted. Below are common methods used by owners and trainers to teach dogs that barking is not allowed.
Obedience Training
Obedience training provides a solid foundation of manners and establishes a vocabulary between you and your dog. It helps owners relay information to their dog by either encouraging good behavior or correcting bad behavior. Obedience also builds respect between your dog and you, or other members of the family, as they learn to do what is asked of them. In a basic obedience class, you will begin to enforce the word “No” as a valuable word in your dog’s vocabulary. Most importantly, obedience classes allow owners to challenge their dogs mentally and require them to think about what words and hand signals mean. While a dog can physically play all day, mental stimulation is equally an effective way to tire your dog out, without all the leg work. A tired dog is a happy dog.
Outdoor Ultrasonic Bark Control
Whenever your dog—or your neighbor’s dog—barks, they will hear a safe, high-pitched sound (inaudible to most humans) that will cue them to stop the annoying habit. These units are modeled to look like birdhouses, eggs, or garden decorations and are battery-operated. They come in different frequency levels with multiple settings. These ultrasonic units can work on all dogs within hearing range and project in a cone shape of about 180 degrees. Please take into consideration your neighbor’s dogs, who may not bark, and would be exposed to the ultrasonic sounds.
Collars
PREVENTION
Citronella Spray Collar
When your dog barks, a burst of citronella-scented spray is emitted, which dogs find unpleasant. While not harmful, it deters excessive barking. These collars generally come with a citronella refill can and a user’s manual. They are battery operated, water proof, and can fit dogs of all sizes.
Bark Collars
As your dog barks, these collars receive a safe but annoying static correction on the dog’s neck. The bark collar begins with low corrections, and if barking continues the correction intensity increases. When used correctly, the bark collar reduces (and in most cases eliminates) nuisance barking. Your dog will quickly learn the association and stop the unwanted behavior. These collars are battery operated and generally rechargeable. They come in a range of static correction levels and are adjustable to your dog’s temperament. Some collars also come with a vibration feature that acts as a warning to your dog before the static correction is emitted.
Electronic Collars (E-Collars)
These collars are similar to the Bark Collars, but do require an operator to remotely control the collar. At the push of a button, the remote sends a signal, activating your dog’s receiver collar and delivering a static correction. Ideally, when introducing this collar to your dog, owners are encouraged to use the verbal correction of “No” in unison with the static correction. Your dog will quickly learn the association between their behavior and the correction. These collars can also come with a vibration/ toner feature to be used as a warning and are versatile, but do rely on an owner’s presence. They can also be used for advanced, off-leash training that is both enjoyable for the dog and their owners.
De-Barking (Bark Softening)
This process is a surgical procedure to reduce tissue in the vocal chords. Some vets use a punch to remove tissue. Other surgeons make cuts of varying sizes or use a laser. The goal of the surgery is to lower the volume of the dog’s bark and the ability of the bark to carry over a wide area. Dogs who have undergone this procedure will still be capable of barking, however their bark will not carry great distances. This must be done by a vet and is considered a last resort option.
Courtney Kollasch Lead Dog Trainer courtney@oncommanddogs.com Oncommanddogs.com (775) 825-DO 825-DOg gS
A sometimes quicker, more effective way to deter your dog from barking can include the use of a bark deterring collar. These collars can be worn during the day when you’re away and your dog is at play. With a proper introduction of what the collar means, they can be a very reliable and valuable tools in the battle against barking.
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HawkTalk | Spring 2014
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Dog barking – You the affected residents can and must take a stand Courtesy of Bob Denis
I
touched base on this subject in the January publication. Many of you expressed their support to help abating this very annoying and disrespectful nuisance. In an effort to further assist those fed up with this, the Board initiated research to better understand what an affected owner can do as well as what tools a dog owner has at his disposal to significantly or permanently mitigate the issue. In a first step we met with the County Animal Services (ACS) management team in Reno. After a good hour of candid dialogue three facts became clear: 1. A robust reporting and escalation process does exist for affected residents to invoke for help with this problem. 2. The process requires the complainer to complete essential steps. In other words simply calling the number and stating “the dog barks all day” is insufficient. However the process is very effective once proper information is captured and provided. 3. Although I have received numerous verbal and written complaints about this problem, after reviewing the statistics in the ACS database very few formal calls came from our community in the last two years. There may have been complaints, but few concrete steps were initiated.
Washoe County Code Section 55.125 states: “It is unlawful for any person to keep, harbor or own any animal which by making loud and frequent noises causes annoyance to the neighborhood or to any persons in the vicinity.” THIS CODE IS IN EFFECT 24 HOURS PER DAY. This reads quite clear that loud and frequent dog barking is in direct violation of this County code. ACS is THE agency responsible to oversee and regulate variances for ALL of Washoe County code 55 sections. The complaint process summarized: • Complainer captures date and from/to time periods when the loud noise annoyance occurs. It is recommended that 2-3 weeks of such occurrences be recorded. • Call Animal Services at 775 322 3647 (DOGS), report the case and supply the captured information. • You will be asked to continue capturing information as the issue persists and the escalation process advances. You may also be asked to appear in hearings involving the dog owner. The complaint escalation and related penalties: 1. Dog owner receives a courtesy letter stating violation of section 55.125 of the Washoe County Code. ACS waits 10 days and checks again with complainer. Proceed to next step within 5 days if problem persists. 2. Dog owner receives a citation for $100 lowered to $50 if paid within 30 days 3. Dog owner receives a citation for $200 lowered to $100 if paid within 30 days
4. Dog owner receives a citation for $400 lowered to $200 if paid within 30 days 5. Dog owner is cited with a misdemeanor charge; this involves a County Court appearance Escalation process notes: • ALL unpaid fines go to collection after 61 days. Of course this affects credit rating of the dog owner. • A misdemeanor charge can result in jail time. It will likely affect your credit rating, employment application especially for government related work, most likely anything one does requiring background checks. The courtesy letter in step 1 of the escalation contains useful owner information as follows: While dog barking is a normal behavior for dogs; most people find listening to frequent or extended periods of barking to be very disturbing. The more excitable breeds of dogs have a greater tendency to bark persistently. A dog that barks excessively can create problems for its owner and often time there is no simple solution. There are three main reasons that cause dogs to bark: 1. To protest isolation; the puppy or dog vocalizes when left alone. 2. To gain response from other animals, objects or people. 3. Alarm at unidentified sounds, movements, objects, or odors. Some options: 1. For sight activated barking, move your dog to a new location in the yard or obstruct its view of activity by solid fencing or slats put into open space 2. For sound activated barking, a new location might be helpful, or try covering up the noises by leaving a radio on at reduced volume in the dog’s area. 3. Anti-bark collars are the most common solution. They are readily available in a wide variety where pet accessories are sold. 4. Debarking is an option for a permanent long term solution. See your veterinarian for further details. 5. Consult with a professional dog trainer for other potential options. The bottom line For the affected neighbor: Washoe County code 55 section 125 covers this issue very well. The Animal Services process is rigid and very professionally managed. However you must “stand your ground” and work with the ACS agency through the process to get the issue resolved. For the dog owner with the issue: The first code is the etiquette of respect for your surrounding neighbors. Knowing your dog barks annoyingly and ignoring the situation is simply irresponsible. The fines escalation for violating Washoe County code section 55.125 is more expensive on the end than investing in prevention. Should you let the process run its toll, it will lead to a misdemeanor charge. This comes with many obvious and some hidden negative effects; certainly worth avoiding in favor of harmonious living with your neighbors by directly addressing the barking issue. If this message is relevant to you, we suggest you retain it to share in the future, if the situation calls for a reminder or further action.
Loss Assessment Coverage By Ron Wright, Mike Menath Insurance
W
hen I talk to HOA boards and managers about insurance we usually talk about insurance that individual homeowners should purchase to best protect themselves against losses that might not be covered by the HOA’s insurance policy. It doesn’t take long for the topic of Loss Assessment coverage to come up. Loss Assessment coverage is an endorsement that is added to a homeowner’s policy not the HOA policy. The homeowner is the insured. If the HOA experiences a loss that is only partially covered by the HOA insurance, the board may assess some or all homeowners to pay the portion of the loss not paid. If the homeowner has Loss Assessment coverage that homeowner can submit the assessment as a claim to their personal insurance company. Loss assessment coverage applies only under certain circumstances. The assessment must be a result of a covered insurance loss, not routine maintenance. Loss assessment coverage will pay for assessments from roof replacement if the roof was damaged by fire, but not to replace a roof that is simply worn out. The assessment must come from the homeowner’s association, not a government entity, and the assessment must occur during the insurance policy period. All insurance companies offer different loss assessment limits and at different prices. You need to talk to your personal insurance agent to see what your company will offer. The industry standard carries $1,000 as automatic coverage with your policy. Typically you can purchase up to $50,000 for under $20 additional premium per year. This is a very good value that all homeowners should add to their personal insurance policy. Page 6
HawkTalk | Spring 2014
Wingfield SpringS Community ASSoCiAtion
Community Spring garage Sale
B
e sure to mark your calendars for the weekend of May 17th & 18th. Residents may set up in your yard and/or driveway from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. The Association will post one Community Garage Sale sign at the entrance of the Community and will also place an ad in the “Neighborhoods” section of the Reno Gazette Journal. This year, the Association is allowing individual signs to be placed at intersections and in front yards beginning Saturday morning. The signs can go up at 7:00 am on Saturday and should be removed no later than 7:00 pm on Sunday.
maintenance upkeep reminder uNiNteNded CONse seQQueNC se NCes... NC
t
only a pet owner can prevent
aking your dog for a walk and having them relieving themselves is a natural thing. What is not so natural is dog excrement left on walkways, pavements and thoroughfares where other people enjoy the outdoors. A few diseases that can spread from dogs to HUMANS via their feces are E. coli, Salmonella, Yersinia, Giardia, Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, Tapeworms and Roundworms (the larva migrate through the human body and can cause damage to the brain, lungs, liver, kidneys and heart. The larva can also lodge in the eye and case blindness). Diseases that can be transmitted from dog to dog via their feces are Parvo and internal parasites. Leaving your dog feces for someone else to pick up or deteriorate is a concern for both humans and their canine companions. We don’t want children getting dog feces on themselves! Bringing small particles of feces back into your own home on your shoes is also a possibility. Please be aware of people using the same area for enjoyment and pick up after your dog. It’s the nice thing to do!
“please be aware
of people using the
same area for enjoyment
Heuer Insurance Agency
and pick up after your
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dog. it’s the nice thing
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The above information has been provided by Dr. Burnett, Veterinarian and Elizabeth Stanton Operations Manager for the SPCA of Northern Nevada. The SPCA founded in 1998 is Reno’s original no kill animal shelter. Our mission is to be an innovative regional leader in responsible treatment of homeless cats and dogs, primarily through their rescue and placement in forever loving homes and by promoting spaying and neutering to control pet overpopulation. We accomplish our mission with dedication to our core values and a lifetime commitment to our animals. HawkTalk | Spring 2014
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s mentioned in the 2013–2014 Winter Hawk Talk, the Association has received complaints pertaining to overgrown shrubbery and vegetation protruding onto walking paths and sidewalks throughout the community. Please be reminded that the overgrown shrubbery and vegetation is your responsibility to maintain and ensure it receives proper trimming. Also mentioned in the last issue of the Hawk Talk, on April 1, 2014, HOA representatives will conduct an inspection of the affected areas to ensure that all owners complied. If you fail to comply by this date, the violation process will commence and you may be subject to future fines.
• • • • • • •
Auto Insurance Homeowners Insurance Life Insurance RVs/Boats Competitive Business Pkgs. Workers’ Compensation Employee Benefits Bonds
775-358-5554 www.heuerinsurance.com info@heuerinsurance.com
5050 Vista Blvd., Suite 101 Sparks, NV 89436 Serving Our Community Since 1929 Page 7
Wingfield Springs Community Association
PRSRT STD U. S. POSTAGE PAID Reno, NV Permit No. 379
c/o Associa Sierra North 10509 Professional Circle, Ste. 200 Reno, NV 89521
y
our ESI Security Team of Professionals is very proud to be a part of your community. Our officers are dedicated to keeping your neighborhood as safe as possible. Your Board of Directors along with ESI Security Services and Associa Sierra North have made significant upgrades using advanced technology to improve security throughout the community. Using security devices with remote viewing capabilities, along with smart phone technology, our officers can place themselves in a much more proactive position when security situations arise. Efficiency, accountability and improved communication are just a few of the benefits this technology has created. Your ESI team of officers are on the job!
Please take a few moments to learn some basic safety tips for all homeowners. HEDgE WISElY: Now is the time to beautify your property and create a deterrent for criminals by planting prickly evergreens beneath your first-floor windows. If you already have a hedge, prune it before the growing season begins to create optimal health. Trim back existing bushes to keep them full yet compact; unruly plants can provide a hiding place for opportunistic criminals. Check overhanging trees to make sure they could not help someone climb into a window or over a fence. FENCES: Harsh winter conditions can lead to splitting, rotting and rusting. Take the time now to repair broken or weakened areas of your fence and make sure that latches and locks are working properly. lOCK UP: It may sound obvious but the most common point of entry for criminals is the front door. Even if your door is locked, a standard soft-wood doorjamb can be easily kicked in. Invest in a deadbolt lock with a heavy duty strike plate. Make sure your mounting screws are at least 3 inches long. A few simple hardware changes can help protect your family. USE YOUR lIgHTS: If the thought of keeping lights on all night long seems inefficient, save some energy by replacing your outdoor lights with compact florescent bulbs. They come in a variety of shapes and strengths— from motion-detector flood lights to low-voltage pathway lights— so you can save on energy without sacrificing on security.
ClEAR THE WAY: Weeds and overgrowth are often the first signs of spring. Make sure your walkways and paths are clear and well lit so that you can see anyone approaching your home. Use pre-emergent weedkiller where you think excessive growth could cause a hazard. ADDRESS NUmbERS: The next time you pull into your driveway at night, check to see if your house numbers are clearly visible. In the case of an emergency, would an ambulance or policeman know which house was yours? Reflective house numbers are available at any home improvement store and can help emergency responders find your house quickly. Be sure the numbers are on your home, not on the curb, as advised by the fire department. TAKE INVENTORY: While you are spring cleaning this year, snap pictures of your most valuable items. Record the make, model and serial numbers of all your valuable electronics. You can use the video recorder on your phone as well. This information can be used for filing insurance claims and might also come in handy when attempting to track or trace stolen goods. lOOK INTO HOmE AlARmS: Do-it-yourself projects can go a long way in home security, but many homeowners simply do not feel safe without a home alarm system. We recommend you do some research on security alarm systems. You may be surprised at how many options now exist to suit your budget and lifestyle. If you do invest, make sure you choose a reputable brand that will be properly installed and monitored by a respected local business.
esi house Watch Program Whenever you are leaving your home for more than a short time please call ESI Security at 775-722-6270 and ask to have your home put on our house watch list. Please also complete our house watch form to provide contact information in your absence. While you’re away our Security team will keep an eye on your home. our officers and dispatchers will get you set up in no time.