Seasonal Reminders Cont. Extended Leave or Vacation from your home When leaving your home for an extended period of time (more than two (2) weeks), a Vacation and Extended Absence Form must be completed and given to your District Office. This form can be picked up at any of our District Offices. Before you leave your home, we strongly recommend that you: 1. Stop mail and newspaper delivery. 2. Leave pets with friends or at a kennel (pets are not allowed to stay in your home during your absence. 3. Unplug all unnecessary appliances such as a TV, coffee maker, or computers. 4. Lock and secure all doors and windows. 5. Turn off water supply line to washing machine.
During winter months: Please call our Customer Service line at 253.912.3500 for special “cold weather” instructions to prevent frozen / broken pipes.
Pet Responsibilities Pet droppings are odorous, unsightly, and a nuisance. More importantly, they can be a health hazard, especially for children. Therefore, pets must be kept under control so they do not defecate on parade fields, playgrounds, troop formation areas, sidewalks/walkways, common areas, miniature playgrounds of the housing areas, and neighbors' yards. You will immediately clean up droppings when your pet defecates outside of your residence yard. Droppings in your residence, including your yard, will be removed daily. Pet owners are responsible for disposing of their pet's waste, whether the pet is on a leash or in a fenced area. A pet owner who does not properly dispose of his/her pet's waste will be subject to a fine of $25 for each offense plus $5 per day that the violation persists. With the fall season comes heavy rain, wind and chilly weather. If you have a pet that spends time in the fenced yard, make sure you are taking the best care possible of your four legged family member. * Make sure your pet has shelter from the elements * Make sure your pet has food and water. * Bring your pet in when the weather is extreme. Remember if its too cold for you, its too cold for your pet. Be kind, bring them inside. Lewis-McChord Communities
Winter Weather Tips For Your Home / Ice and Snow Winter Weather Tips For Your Home:
With the changing weather, we could experience extreme temperature drops, snow and ice. When this kind of weather hits the Northwest, there is the possibility of pipes freezing and bursting in your home. You can help to prevent this by taking some simple steps. Disconnect all garden hoses from the exterior faucets. Keep your house temperature set at 55 or higher, even if you’re leaving the house for an extended period of time. Do not turn off the heating system, this can cause significant damage in your home due to broken water pipes. Open cabinet doors below sinks to allow heat from the home to circulate in these enclosed spaces. During extended periods of freezing temperatures set your inside faucets on a low drip to circulate water in the pipes and help prevent the lines from freezing.
Ice and Snow:
With snow and ice accumulations typically spanning short periods of time in the Pacific Northwest your Lewis McChord Communities teams will focus on hills, major roads and major intersections in and out of our communities. Lewis McChord Communities does not shovel or lay down ice/snow melt in walkways or driveways around the homes. During these times we ask you to use caution while moving in and around JBLM and other communities surrounding the installation, including major freeways and roadways. Follow the guidance provided by local officials and be safe when making a decision to travel away from your home. HAVE A SAFE WINTER
Tips for Holiday Travel Remember to contact your District Office if you and your family are on travel for more than 7 days. One Week Prior to Vacation: • • • •
Check the weather before your trip and modify any changes needed. Begin packing and leave room for “day of extras”. Also, overpacking a bit for the kids can help ward off any unexpected trips to your local store. If taking any animals pack their travel bag; don’t forget their favorite toy! Check under all sinks, around toilets and outdoor spigots for leaks, if you notice any leaks please call Lincoln at Your Service at 1-888578-4141 to have the leak repaired before your vacation.
The day or evening before your Vacation: • • • • • •
Double check all bags for any possible forgotten items. To assist in unwanted delays at security double check with the airlines regarding what cannot be in your carry-on. Throw away any foods that will spoil while gone. Take out any trash and unplug all non-essential appliances. Place timers on a few lights inside and lock all doors and windows. Lower your thermostat to a minimum of 68 degrees (in the colder months). If you live in an area that can freeze over night leave your sink cabinets open and leave your faucet valves with a slow drip. Resource Guide 5
