Spring 2013 | Wingfield Springs Community Association Newsletter
W
e have now just entered the most beautiful season of the year in my humble opinion. Mother Nature is in bloom everywhere we look. It is time owners and tenants refresh their property inside and outside. Just a note to remember when undertaking these projects: if you are changing the color scheme of the exterior of your house, you must submit it to the Design Review Committee (DRC) for review and approval. The same is true for any significant change in your landscape design, front or back of the property. As well, ensure you are familiar and comply with the fence styles and seal/paint regulations. In brief, any significant change to the exterior of your property needs to be approved by the DRC. Doing so will eliminate potential headaches and related costs later should we find you are out of compliance. LAWN CARE: We do have regulations that make owners and tenants responsible for the good appearance of the grounds on your property. Simply stated, that means the lawn is kept green, mowed, and free of weed growth. The trees, shrubs and plants are healthy and trimmed. Trees that overhang the sidewalks and obstruct walkers must be cut back. Failure to comply with these common sense rules will trigger the violation process and potentially result in fines. We will be more aggressive with appearance violations this year. PETS: Great time of year to go out on long walks with the family dog(s). Be respectful to your surrounding ... pick up after your dogs, no matter where they do their business. It is a basic and important courtesy to the community. Also keep your dog leashed ... some dogs are aggressive with other dogs and some with humans. This will avoid potential issues of liability should situations arise. DRIVING: More children will be out taking advantage of the nice weather. All streets in this community are 25 MPH limit, set for the safety of our children and pedestrians in general. Drive within the speed limit and stay alert to avoid a regrettable accident. Enough said about being a responsible resident of our community. COMMON AREA NEWS: With our new landscape maintenance partner (Reno Green), we are also undertaking a refresh of many aspects of our common areas. The water system is charged up and in need of significant repairs; predictable since it is 15 plus years old. These will take place in early April and should be ready for the irrigation season with full pressure, no later than first week of May. Under the direction of directors Lou Dauria and Ray Case, a series of projects are in the pipe, some already started. The initial focus is a face lift of the two main entrances off Vista ... Wingfield Hills and Wingfield Springs Parkway (windmill). From a maintenance perspective, the mow strip aeration is completed and fertilizing will take place in the next month or so. COMMUNITY COMMUNICATIONS: One new and important project began in March: we will be converting many aspects of communication to electronic. In this day and age, email is the main communication means for a plethora of good reasons: speed, accuracy, ability to filter ... just to name a few. We encourage all owners to register your preferred email address online at our website; another method is to fill out the form inserted in this issue of Hawk Talk. We will protect your privacy, meaning your email address will not be distributed nor used outside our normal Home Owners Association (HOA) affairs. We are looking into some exciting applications for your safety and expediency of community news. Note that all legal HOA correspondence will continue via postal service. HOA LAW CHANGES: As you all know, the legislature is in session. NRS116 is the primary governing chapter for Community Association affairs. Substantial changes are in front of our law makers, some good and others potentially harmful to our quality of life. We are fortunate to have director Marilyn Brainard who is spending much time on that front to protect our best interests. Please read her summary herein of what transpired to date. In closing, quite a bit is going on with a very active Board. We are working hard to make our community the best and safest on the Valley floor. Help us achieve this goal by treating our environment and residents with the utmost respect using the Rules and Regulations as our guide. Catch you later on the trails or on the golf course.
Bob Denis
PRESIDENT, WINGFIELD SPRINGS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Community
manager’s report
L Wingfield Springs
Community Association Newsletter WSCA Board of Directors PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER DIRECTOR
Bob Denis, calraisin@yahoo.com Denny Jensen, craynut@att.net Lou Dauria, eplus@aol.com Ray Case, rcase3349@charter.net Marilyn Brainard, mebrain@att.net
Handy Phone Numbers & Information ASSOCIA SIERRA NORTH Telephone: (775) 626-7333 Facsimile: (775) 626-7374 Website: www.associasn.com 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 Control
(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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ate last year, I mentioned that the Association will be implementing a formal HOA email program. This will allow the HOA to offer better communications with the community while still keeping down costs. By Nevada law, the HOA must have your signed authorization form on file in order to send you certain information via email in lieu of US Mail. Please note that correspondence regarding your individual account will still be sent by US Mail, but general correspondence, updates and notices will be sent via email. The board encourages as much participation as possible in this program. Please complete the Owner Information and Email Authorization Form on page 5 and return it to Associa Sierra North if you wish to participate in this program. Please note: Even if you do not wish to participate in the email program, this is a great opportunity to update your contact information, tenant information and emergency contact information with the Association. Please mail, fax or email to: WSCA C/O Associa Sierra North (ASN) 10509 Professional Circle, #200, Reno, NV 89521 Fax: 775-626-7374; Email: wfsservice@associasn.com Sincerely,
Melissa Robertson, CMCA®, AMS®
Nevada Certified Supervising Community Manager Associa Sierra North, An Associa® Member Company
Free Help When You Need it Most
W
ashoe County provides citizens a special “perk” when relationships take a negative turn. Surviving budget cuts is a contractual program that has helped many people by offering voluntary mediation services. The Neighborhood Mediation Center [a 501 (c)(3) organization], located in Reno, is funded mainly through court filing fees. This volunteer-driven center has been assisting residents since 1999. Basically it offers a confidential process where the parties work together with a trained mediator to clarify the key issues, explore possible options, devise a solution that works for everyone to improve their relationships. In a community association like ours, NMC helps neighbors agree on a way to make living more pleasant for everyone concerned, beyond even immediate participants when others are impacted. The WSCA Board of Directors and our Management Company partners, may provide a way to resolve an issue with the governing documents or rules and regulations, but they are not equipped to engage in alternative dispute resolution between two households who may live side-by-side. That is why NMC is such a valuable resource for those people willing to try to agree on a way to solve a problem. Trained mediators from NMC are often present in Small Claims Court where the presiding judge welcomes their assistance. The process does not give answers nor seek a compromise; experience has shown that parties are more likely to follow through when each one takes responsibility for his own actions. You can learn more by calling 788-2127 or going to the website @ www.mediatenmc.org. Suggested by Board Director, Marilyn Brainard, who attended an educational workshop given by NMC Executive Director, Lance Allen. HawkTalk | Spring 2013
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Marriage & Family Therapist Intern National Certified Counselor Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor Intern 505 S. Arlington Ave., Suite 212-D, Reno 775-742-7764 | www.tracykellytherapy.com
Family is why we do it all. Laurie Brazier Ins Agcy Inc Laurie Brazier, Agent Bus: 775-626-1897 Fax: 775-626-1898 laurie.brazier.g9g3@statefarm.com www.lauriebrazier.com
0907504
HawkTalk | Spring 2013
We all feel the same commitment to care for our families. Helping you meet your insurance needs is part of my commitment to you. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® CALL ME TODAY.
Cariann E. Champagne, D.D.S. Pediatric Dental Specialist Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
State Farm, Bloomington, IL
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The following information is a summary of the activities of the community patrol for the period of December 27–March 13, 2013. 66 2 5 1
House watches Sparks Fire Department on site Sparks Police Department on site Animal Control on site COMPLAINTS 15 Complaints of dogs barking 2 Complaints of packages being stolen 2 Resident complained that his yard was being flooded 1 Complaint of a vehicle being stickered with no reason 6 Complaints of vehicles being parked in front of homes 1 Complaint of loud music 1 Complaint of never receiving house watch form 1 Complaint of two vehicles not stopping at stop sign every day 1 Complaint of trailer parked on the sidewalk (trailer not in violation) 1 Complaint of vehicle running for 30+ minutes every morning 1 Complaint of juveniles sitting on a residential fence 1 Complaint of a couch in a residence’s front yard 1 Complaint of a resident harassing another resident 1 Complaint of a group of teenagers walking around the Red Hawk Golf Course 1 Complaint of a loud vehicle 1 Complaint of teenagers ringing a door bell and yelling at the resident when he opens the door
MAINTENANCE ISSUES 1 Report of officer finding an electrical pole knocked down 1 Reported street light out 1 Report of residential light out 3 Reports of a main breaking 1 Report of a tree being blown over
Reported suspicious vehicles Report of a large group of juveniles fighting Report of a large group of teenagers acting suspiciously 2 Reports of lights on and doors open in vacant homes 1 Report of juveniles placing objects in the road in front of cars 1 Report of teenagers flashing a laser into a driver’s eyes as he drives by in his car VIOLATIONS 1 Report of door bell ditching X Violations of RVs/motorhomes (RV parked in the 1 Report of residential burglary alarm driveway/ RV parked in the street) 4 Violations of trailers MISCELLANEOUS 3 Open garage doors 2 Reports of loose dogs found in the area 33 Violations of vehicles 1 Report of confrontation between neighbors 1 Moving vehicle on site (informational only) 15 Trash cans out 1 Request for an officer to drive by home and place any packages out of sight VANDALISM 1 Report of young children playing on the frozen pond 6 Reports of graffiti 1 Resident phone call to warn ESI of her mentally 1 Report of vehicle being covered in toilet paper unstable brother 1 Report of children throwing trash into a yard 3 Reports of flyers being posted on mailboxes 1 Report of a vehicle collision 1 Report of a young boy crying by a stop sign 1 Report of juveniles stringing trash bags across the streets 1 Report of residential fire alarm 1 Resident requested an officer call her regarding packages sent to her home SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY 5 Reports of suspicious persons
Dog Obedience By Bob Denis
I
n our walks with Rocco (our dog), we often come across other dog walkers that seem to have an issue with controlling their dog. Two common observations: the most common is that the dog(s) is walking the human. The other experience is when dog walkers meet in the sidewalk or walk path, the dogs go after each other aggressively because of lack of socializing your dogs. To address these top level misbehaviors, the City of Sparks offers dog obedience classes.
Dog Obedience
Curb your dog’s bad habits and establish good conduct during this six-week class. Learn how to teach your pet to sit, stand, heel and master other commands. Professional dog trainer, Guy Yeaman, has trained 30,000 dogs during his career and has plenty of knowledge to share. • For all dogs 4 months and older • Cost of $82 for Sparks residents for the 6 days is very reasonable • Mondays (class will meet on holidays unless otherwise noted) • Planned sessions: June 3 to July 15, July 22 to September 16, September 23 to October 28 • Call (775) 265 4530 for more information Investing in your dog is rewarded many times over. During walks, the most bonding activity between the pet and the human, both the owner and the dog can relax and simply enjoy the activity. The dog feels the human is in control thus passes the alpha role and simply enjoys being a dog. The walks become tension free on the leash to the joy of both the human and the dog. The dog remains instinctively a guardian of his owners yet will obey to control commands. For those of you needing a better walk partner, I hope you will consider this class.
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Wingfield Springs Semi-Annual Community Spring Garage Sale Be sure to mark your calendars for the weekend of May 18th & 19th. 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 small individual signs to be placed at intersections and in front yards beginning Saturday morning. The signs can go up at 7:00 am Saturday and should be removed no later than 7:00 pm on Sunday.
Have a great spring season and enjoy those long walks. Page 4
HawkTalk | Spring 2013
Wingfield Springs Community Owners’ Association
Professionally Managed By: Associa Sierra North (Formerly Associated Management, Inc.) 10509 Professional Circle, Ste. 200, Reno, NV 89521 | 775-626-7333 P | 775-626-7374 F | Email: wfsservice@associasn.com OWNER INFORMATION & EMAIL AUTHORIZATION - please print legibly Information provided is for the exclusive use of the Association and will not be given away, shared or sold for any other purpose. Date:__________________ Account No.: __________________________________ Lot No.: _______________________________________ Owner(s) Name: ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ Property Physical Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Billing/Mailing Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Secondary Mailing Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phones Numbers:
Home: _________________ Work: _________________ Cell: _________________ Other: _________________
Rental Agent and/or Tenant Information (use an additional sheet of paper if space is needed): Owners are responsible to update the management office with current tenant information. This is for informational purposes only. Correspondence will be sent to the owner’s mailing address above. Agent and/or Tenant Name ____________________________________________________________ Agent /Tenant Phone No’s ____________________________________________________________ Emergency Contact Name: ___________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________________________ EMAIL AUTHORIZATION: To enhance timely and effective communication between the Association and the unit owners, you have the option to receive correspondence via email in lieu of US Mail. The law requires authorization to do this. Please complete below if you would like to receive email communications.
and its agents to notify me (us), as the owner of the above mentioned property in Wingfield Springs HOA by electronic mail format for all Association notifications as required or permitted by the Nevada Revised Statutes in lieu of the US Mail.
Email Address: ___________________________________ Homeowner’s Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ___________________________________ Additional Email Address(es): ___________________________________ ___________________________________ For Management Office Use Only: Initial Date Owner Info Entered
______
______
Comments ________________________
YES, I (We) hereby authorize the Wingfield Springs Homeowners’ Association
775-358-5554 HawkTalk | Spring 2013
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Wingfield Springs Community Association
2013 Meeting Calendar
Date April 18th April 18th April 25th July 18th July 18th July 25th October 17th October 17th October 24th November 21st
Meeting Agenda Workshop Executive Sessions/Hearings Board Meeting Agenda Workshop Executive Sessions/Hearings Board Meeting Agenda/Budget Workshop Executive Sessions/Hearings Board Meeting Annual Meeting
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 the Red Hawk Board Room 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
Time
Location
3:00 P.M. 5:00 P.M. 6:00 P.M. 3:00 P.M. 5:00 P.M. 6:00 P.M. 3:00 P.M. 5:00 P.M. 6:00 P.M. 6:00 P.M.
Board Room Board Room Event Center Board Room Board Room Event Center Board Room Board Rom Event Center Event Center
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.
WHO IS THIS BILL GOING TO HURT? Make Your Opinion Count
T
he 77th NV Legislative session is underway in Carson City; much that we value as homeowners here in Wingfield Springs is once again in jeopardy! Not only are volunteer, elected board members targeted, but also each homeowner, because some proposed bills may end up raising assessments. An example of one unnecessary piece of legislation is when a WSCA Board candidate can demand every owner be sent a separate campaign flyer at no cost to the candidate. This is ridiculous since the candidate information statement is mailed along with the ballot, as we have always done here in Wingfield Springs. A demand can also be made for each owner’s name and address [again for free] when that information is public knowledge from the county assessor’s office. While this bill is “frivolous” by some standards, others are downright scary. Again, the list of bills is long. Each of us must affirm that we live in Wingfield Springs because we have standards we like; please permit us to manage our own affairs. The good news is there are easy ways to contact those who need to hear from you. Legislators are influenced when they hear from their constituents! Our distracters turn out large numbers of disgruntled activists, primarily in Clark County, where there are 2500+ associations. Let’s show that we, as owners, care too! Community Associations Institute [CAI] is sponsoring a program to help you make that online connection smoothly and easily. You sign-up and are sent e-mail alerts when bills are being heard. You are given 3–4 talking points to mention about the bill, if you care to use them, and are alerted that the bill is “Favorable” or “Not Favorable” to our interests. Here is the link: www.cai-nevada.org/ eform_detail.asp?id=13; you can just indicate that preference. The Legislative Action Committee for our NV Chapter carefully reviews each bill for its positive or negative content. In addition, the NV State Legislative website offers a way to say “yea or nay” on a piece of legislation, but you have to do your homework and know the number of the bill and its content. Here is that link: www.leg.state.nv.us/App/Opinions/77th2013/A/ Please take a few minutes to help make a difference for all our interests! Call me if you have any questions @ 626-1775. Submitted by Marilyn Brainard, Member WINGFIELD SPRINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS CAI NV Chapter Legislative Action Committee Page 6
HawkTalk | Spring 2013
penalty. The money collected must be paid by the clerk of the court to the finance department on or before the 5th day of each month for credit to the graffiti reward and abatement fund.
C. In the case of a minor violating SMC 9.55.030 (unlawfully applying Lately we have had incidences of graffiti in our neighborhood. Graffiti effects us all. It devalues our neighborhood and houses. The following is the City of Sparks code on graffiti. The HOA will assist the City in prosecuting the offenders to the maximum penalty. (ORD. 2199, ADD, 11/24/2003)
Section 9.55.080—Criminal penalties; administrative assessment; parental liability for fine, administrative assessment and restitution.
A.
A person who violates a provision of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided in SMC 1.12.010 and this section.
graffiti) or 9.55.040 (possessing graffiti materials), each parent, legal guardian or person having custody and control of the minor shall be jointly and severally liable with the minor for payment of all fines and administrative assessments. In accordance with NRS 206.330, the Court may also suspend the driver’s license of an adult violating SMC 9.55.030 or 9.55.050
D. In addition to any punishment specified in this Section, the court shall order any violator of SMC 9.55.030, 9.55.040 or 9.55.050 to make restitution to the victim for damages or loss caused directly or indirectly by the violator’s offense in the amount or manner determined by the court. In the case of a minor, each parent, legal guardian or person having custody or control of the minor are jointly and severally liable with the minor to make the restitution.
B. If a defendant pleads or is found guilty of violating SMC 9.55.030 E. In lieu of, or as part of, the penalties specified in this section, a minor (unlawfully applying graffiti), the court shall include an administrative assessment of $250 for each violation in addition to any other fine or
or responsible adult may be required to perform community service as determined by the court consistent with NRS 206.330.
SAME-DAY APPOIN MENTS Right in your neighborhood. Renown Medical Group has 14 locations – with two serving the Sparks area – all offering same-day appointments. Whatever you need, from Urgent Care to X-rays and lab work, you’ll find it right where you live, right when you need it. 910 Vista Blvd. – family care, Urgent Care, Lab Services and X-ray & Imaging services 202 Los Altos Pkwy. – family care, Urgent Care, Lab Services and X-ray & Imaging services Renown Medical Group is now offering expanded Urgent Care hours: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 7 pm • Saturday and Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm For an appointment, call 982-5000 or to find locations in Reno, Sparks, Fernley, Fallon or Silver Springs, visit renown.org/medicalgroup. SKILL. EXPERTISE. TECHNOLOGY.
HawkTalk | Spring 2013
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Wingfield Springs Community Association
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID RENO, NV PERMIT NO. 200
c/o Associa Sierra North 10509 Professional Circle, Ste. 200 Reno, NV 89521
Basic safety tips by ESI Security Services
A
ssocia Sierra North and ESI Security Services have put together a few basic safety tips for your community. Please take a few minutes to read this material. Taking a few basic precautions today may save you time, money and hassle in the future. Our mission is to provide a safe and secure environment to live, work and play for your community. We provide this community with well trained officers, innovative technology and superior services. Together we can make a difference.
Home Burglary By far, the most common threat to our home is burglary. By definition, the crime of burglary is a non-confrontational property crime that occurs when we are not at home. However, becoming a burglary victim can leave a family feeling vulnerable and violated. To avoid becoming a burglary victim, it is important to first gain an understanding of who commits them and why. The majority of home burglaries occur during the daytime when most people are away at work or school. The summer months of July and August have the most burglaries with February having the fewest crimes. Burglaries are committed most often by young males under 25 years of age looking for items that are small, expensive and can easily be converted to cash. Favorite items are cash, jewelry, guns, watches, laptop computers, blu-ray, video players, ipod/ipads and other small electronic devices are high on the list. Quick cash is needed for living expenses and drugs. Statistics tell us that 70% of the burglars use some amount of force to enter a dwelling, but their preference is to gain easy access through an open door or window. Ordinary household tools like screwdrivers, channel-lock pliers, small pry bars and small hammers are most often used by burglars. Although home burglaries may seem random in occurrence, they actually involve a selection process. The burglar’s selection process is simple. Choose an unoccupied home with the easiest access, the greatest amount of cover and with the best escape routes. What follows is a list of suggestions to minimize your risk by making your home unattractive to potential burglars.
Sliding-Glass Patio Doors Sliding glass doors are the easiest way for a burglar to enter your home. Sliding glass doors are secured by latches not locks. They are vulnerable to being forced open from the outside because of these inherently defective latch mechanisms. This can be easily be prevented by inserting a wooden dowel or stick into the track thus preventing or limiting movement.
Windows Windows are left unlocked and open at a much higher rate than doors. An open window, visible from the street or alley, may be the sole reason for your home to be selected by a burglar. Ground floor windows are more susceptible to break-ins for obvious reasons. Upper floor windows become attractive if they can be accessed from a stairway, tree, fence or by climbing on balconies. Windows have latches, not locks and therefore should have secondary blocking devices to prevent sliding them open from the outside. Inexpensive wooden dowels and sticks work well for horizontal sliding windows and through-the-frame pins work well for vertical sliding windows. For ventilation, block the window open no more than six inches
and make sure you can’t reach in from the outside and remove the blocking device or reach through and unlock the door. In sleeping rooms, these window blocking devices should be capable of being removed easily from the inside to comply with fire codes. Like sliding glass doors, anti-lift devices are necessary for ground level and accessible aluminum windows that slide horizontally. 3 Secure all accessible windows with secondary blocking devices 3 Block accessible windows open no more than 6 inches for ventilation 3 Make sure someone cannot reach through an open window and unlock the door 3 Make sure someone cannot reach inside the window and remove the blocking device.
ESI House Watch Program Each time you and your family plan to be away from your home for any length of time we recommend contacting ESI Security. While you are away, ESI Security will stop by your home and check on your property several times a day until you return. Just call 775-722-6270 and notify the dispatcher that you would like to enroll in the house watch program.
Be a Good Neighbor Good neighbors should look out for each other. Get to know your neighbors. Invite them into your home, communicate often, and establish trust. Good neighbors will watch out for your home when you are away, if you ask them. They can report suspicious activity to the police or community patrol while you are away. Good neighbors can pick up your mail, newspapers, and can inspect the outside or inside of your home periodically to see that all is well. Allowing a neighbor to have a key solves the problem of hiding a key outside the door. Experienced burglars know to look for hidden keys in planter boxes, under doormats and above the ledge.
Valuables Identification This is a program supported by most police agencies. They recommend that you engrave your driver’s license, not your social security number, on televisions, stereos, computers, and small electronic appliances. They suggest this so they can identify and locate you if your stolen items are recovered. I suggest that you go way beyond this step I recommend that you photograph your valuables in their locations around your home and make a list of the make, model and serial numbers. This is very important for proof when filing insurance claims. You should keep this list in a safety deposit box or with a relative for safe keeping. Keep receipts of the larger items in case you need to prove the value of the items for insurance purposes. Beyond that, I recommend that you photocopy important documents and the contents of your wallet. You will be thankful that you took these steps in case your home is ever destroyed by fire or flood, is ransacked, or if your wallet is lost or stolen. 3 Identify your valuables by engraving your driver’s license number 3 Photograph and record the serial numbers of all valuables 3 Photocopy the contents of your wallet and other documents 3 Store the copies in a safe deposit box or with a relative