Summer is now upon us and that ol' song is running around in my brain ... ♫Summertime, and the livin' is easy♫ well that may be true for some however I believe the majority would substitute the word easy for 'hot' or even 'boring' depending how old you are ... nevertheless, it is time for me to remind you of some thoughts for summer ...
The snowbirds have gone home, there's parking everywhere, it's hot-hot-hot and the kids are out of school.
Things really slow down when schools close for the summer. Vacations start, kids go to camp or the beach, etc.; however... not everyone can get away. Boredom can set in quickly when there's little to do and no money to do it with ..... which reminds me of a quote I've cited previously "If the Devil finds a man idle, he'll set him at work - J. Kelly - Scottish Proverbs 1721.
Don't be a victim - Keep Alert !!! and keep your garage door closed or at least only open enough so that no one can get under it, especially a small unattended child. Considering that heat rises, there may be no significant benefit in keeping your garage door open anyway. You'd be better off installing a vent higher over the existing vent(s) in your garage to allow a better flow of air, getting an attic fan, a whole house fan or maybe a garage air conditioner.
Watering tip to save money, save water and make your landscape drought resistant: Water once in the morning, a good soak so the water goes deep and the roots will follow. Watering 3-5 times a day, might make you think you're being nice to your landscape but a lot of water hits the sidewalk and gutter 3-5 times a day taking your money with it. There's also 3-5 times as much evaporation, especially at the hotter times of day - wasted water and money; and finally, the roots remain close to the surface where they are subject to higher temperatures and if subjected to severe conditions or a REAL drought came, they have no chance. If your water is one 3-5 times a day, it's probably because your Gardener has never changed it since the last overseeding ... Mother nature says "For shame" ... Additionally, consider a smart irrigation controller from CVWD.
As always ... Keep the faith !!!
Friday, June 29, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Garage door security - How much thought have you given it?
Here's a few suggestions that could help you feel safer in your home or sleep better at night when you're away
1) Installing a switch in the house to control the electrical outlet for your garage door controller(s). Should you need to leave your house for an extended period, all electrical power for the garage door(s) is shut off by the new switch; and when you return home ... a flip of the switch returns the operation to normal.
2) If your garage door(s) do not already have them, manual slide bar(s) can be installed for additional security. These are installed and slide into one of the door(s) track slot openings. If worried about damaging your door(s) when these are installed, you can paint them red as a reminder to disengage prior to opening when you return to your home.
3) Padlocking the referenced manual slide bars could be an additional precaution of preventing the garage being used as an exit way and/or removing any furniture, golf carts or vehicles.
4) Install a peep-hole viewer in the door from the house into your garage just like the front door. If you are in the habit of leaving your garage door open for convenience or venting while your car cools down, even if you think you don't leave it open enough for someone to get in - be careful... and finally
5) Always look and listen before you open the door to the garage and then turn on the lights inside the garage before you open the door and look and listen again before opening. If you do not have a switch for the interior garage lights inside the door within reach of your view from teh newly-installed peephole, call an electricial and install one or move the existing one closer.
1) Installing a switch in the house to control the electrical outlet for your garage door controller(s). Should you need to leave your house for an extended period, all electrical power for the garage door(s) is shut off by the new switch; and when you return home ... a flip of the switch returns the operation to normal.
2) If your garage door(s) do not already have them, manual slide bar(s) can be installed for additional security. These are installed and slide into one of the door(s) track slot openings. If worried about damaging your door(s) when these are installed, you can paint them red as a reminder to disengage prior to opening when you return to your home.
3) Padlocking the referenced manual slide bars could be an additional precaution of preventing the garage being used as an exit way and/or removing any furniture, golf carts or vehicles.
4) Install a peep-hole viewer in the door from the house into your garage just like the front door. If you are in the habit of leaving your garage door open for convenience or venting while your car cools down, even if you think you don't leave it open enough for someone to get in - be careful... and finally
5) Always look and listen before you open the door to the garage and then turn on the lights inside the garage before you open the door and look and listen again before opening. If you do not have a switch for the interior garage lights inside the door within reach of your view from teh newly-installed peephole, call an electricial and install one or move the existing one closer.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Safety and Security tips continued
Carry personal protection devices such as pepper spray. Personal protection at home must be secured but available and only that which you are kept fully trained in and comfortable with.
Be kept aware of “Best Practices” in security and disaster/emergency preparedness. “Best Practices” is a continually evolving process.
Be aware of your surroundings. Take a moment to look around. Are there any strangers or suspicious people around? What is out-of-place? What is different? What could be a threat to me? Make awareness a simple and easy task every time you exit or enter a door, enter another area and when you exit and enter your neighborhood and home. Also, what looks normal might be criminal activity, such as people taking items and appliances out of a home into a truck or van. If your instincts tell you something is not right or makes you uncomfortable, be ready to reverse direction back where you came from such as back into your home, a mall or office. Ask for assistance and/or report your suspicions. Keep the “She Bear” attitude of a female grizzly bear protecting her cubs, of which she is the fiercest animal in the forest. When walking, don’t look down, keep that “I am on a mission attitude” and be prepared to tell someone to “take” off and/or call for help. Keeping a positive offensive attitude will not mark you as a victim.
Be kept aware of “Best Practices” in security and disaster/emergency preparedness. “Best Practices” is a continually evolving process.
Be aware of your surroundings. Take a moment to look around. Are there any strangers or suspicious people around? What is out-of-place? What is different? What could be a threat to me? Make awareness a simple and easy task every time you exit or enter a door, enter another area and when you exit and enter your neighborhood and home. Also, what looks normal might be criminal activity, such as people taking items and appliances out of a home into a truck or van. If your instincts tell you something is not right or makes you uncomfortable, be ready to reverse direction back where you came from such as back into your home, a mall or office. Ask for assistance and/or report your suspicions. Keep the “She Bear” attitude of a female grizzly bear protecting her cubs, of which she is the fiercest animal in the forest. When walking, don’t look down, keep that “I am on a mission attitude” and be prepared to tell someone to “take” off and/or call for help. Keeping a positive offensive attitude will not mark you as a victim.
Merry Christmas ~ 2011
My wish this year is to extend all the best the holiday season offers to you and your family. We have so much to be thankful for in this day and age ... and state of the economy ... Take a moment and refelect ... We all have our lists and when you check yours, please add our brave young men and women overseas and our veterans that preceded them ... and during the Holdiday season ... call an old friend or family member you've not spoken to in a while or include them in your christmas card list.
As creativity escapes me this year, please enjoy this creation from
Christmas past.
What a wonderful time of year.....
The houses are all trimmed ... outside and in
The presents are teeming ... that Santa brought in
The burglars are greedy ... and don't really care
Into your house ... they surely will dare
In through the garage ... or window ajar
Searchin for treasure ... to getaway in a car
Peeping high and low ... while you're in the yard
Old Rover is nappin' ... not much of a guard
They found the Ipod ... the Iphone and cash
Out thru the door ... in a great big ol' dash
Your neighbor was watching ... and wrote down with great care
Their car type, their description ... and the color of their hair
On to the phone .. calling La Quinta's finest
"911" answered the operator ... her voice was the kindest
"They stole Christmas, They're getting away" ... you did utter
"They jumped in a car" ... your heart all aflutter
"It was new and blue ... and the door had a dent"
"They got the neighbors cash ... and presents they'd been sent"
"We're on our way, don't worry ... please stay on the line"
The officers were dispatched ... and wasted no time
They caught the burglars ... returning the presents and cash
We rejoiced and regaled ... we threw quite a bash
Neighborhood Watch had won ... and proved hands down
By Gosh and By Golly ... "There's a new Santa in town"
As creativity escapes me this year, please enjoy this creation from
Christmas past.
What a wonderful time of year.....
The houses are all trimmed ... outside and in
The presents are teeming ... that Santa brought in
The burglars are greedy ... and don't really care
Into your house ... they surely will dare
In through the garage ... or window ajar
Searchin for treasure ... to getaway in a car
Peeping high and low ... while you're in the yard
Old Rover is nappin' ... not much of a guard
They found the Ipod ... the Iphone and cash
Out thru the door ... in a great big ol' dash
Your neighbor was watching ... and wrote down with great care
Their car type, their description ... and the color of their hair
On to the phone .. calling La Quinta's finest
"911" answered the operator ... her voice was the kindest
"They stole Christmas, They're getting away" ... you did utter
"They jumped in a car" ... your heart all aflutter
"It was new and blue ... and the door had a dent"
"They got the neighbors cash ... and presents they'd been sent"
"We're on our way, don't worry ... please stay on the line"
The officers were dispatched ... and wasted no time
They caught the burglars ... returning the presents and cash
We rejoiced and regaled ... we threw quite a bash
Neighborhood Watch had won ... and proved hands down
By Gosh and By Golly ... "There's a new Santa in town"
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
La Quinta's finest give great tips for Halloween safety
HALLOWEEN SAFETY
Halloween is an exciting time of the year and a particularly special time for children. The following safety and crime prevention tips will make Halloween safer for everyone.
SAFER COSTUMES
The brighter the better. Choose bright colors, flame-retardant materials,
and attach reflective tape to the costume. Size it right. Make sure your child’s costume is loose enough for warm clothing underneath—but not too loose or long to cause tripping. Skip the mask. A mask can obstruct your child’s vision. Use kid-friendly makeup instead.
TRICK OR TREAT
Get in on the fun. Do not allow your child to go out alone. Pin your child’s name, address and phone number inside their pocket in case you get separated. Carry a flashlight so motorists can see you. Set ground rules. Instruct your child to stay in their own neighborhood, trick or treat at homes that have porch lights on, and NEVER enter the home of a stranger.
Inspect the treats carefully. Don’t let your child snack while trick-or-treating. Inspect the treats and discard anything not sealed, torn or looks questionable. “When in doubt, throw it out.” Report suspicious treats to the police.
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
Walk safely. Children should walk, not run, from house to house. Guide your
child to use the sidewalk, if possible, and not walk in the street. Cross streets at the corners and never cross between parked cars, in the middle of the block, or diagonally across the intersection. If you have further questions, please call Officer Fowler at (760) 777-7376.
Halloween is an exciting time of the year and a particularly special time for children. The following safety and crime prevention tips will make Halloween safer for everyone.
SAFER COSTUMES
The brighter the better. Choose bright colors, flame-retardant materials,
and attach reflective tape to the costume. Size it right. Make sure your child’s costume is loose enough for warm clothing underneath—but not too loose or long to cause tripping. Skip the mask. A mask can obstruct your child’s vision. Use kid-friendly makeup instead.
TRICK OR TREAT
Get in on the fun. Do not allow your child to go out alone. Pin your child’s name, address and phone number inside their pocket in case you get separated. Carry a flashlight so motorists can see you. Set ground rules. Instruct your child to stay in their own neighborhood, trick or treat at homes that have porch lights on, and NEVER enter the home of a stranger.
Inspect the treats carefully. Don’t let your child snack while trick-or-treating. Inspect the treats and discard anything not sealed, torn or looks questionable. “When in doubt, throw it out.” Report suspicious treats to the police.
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
Walk safely. Children should walk, not run, from house to house. Guide your
child to use the sidewalk, if possible, and not walk in the street. Cross streets at the corners and never cross between parked cars, in the middle of the block, or diagonally across the intersection. If you have further questions, please call Officer Fowler at (760) 777-7376.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Disaster Preparedness - Are you ready for the big one?
You should review review the enclosed article and even discuss the items in your family "Emergency meeting" and do not discount any ... for example - elevator avoidance - while we don't have a lot of elevators in the desert, they are at more places than you realize ... Hospitals, numerous stores at the mall, restaurants, etc... For your convenience this article is reprinted from the Chamber's "GEM". Be ready and be safe.
Indoors:
•Be sure you are wearing shoes before walking around because of broken glass or other debris.
•Take cover under a desk, sturdy table, bench or against an inside wall or doorway.
Stay away from cabinets, heavy mirrors/pictures and other heavy objects.
If you're in the kitchen, move away from the refrigerator, stove, and overhead cabinets.
Stay away from windows, outside doors and walls and anything that could fall on you.
•If you're sleeping, stay in bed and cover your head with a pillow. If your bed is under a heavy light fixture or you have a large mirror or painting over your headboard, move to the nearest safe place.
•Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Most injuries during an earthquake occur when people enter or exit a structure.
•If you're in a public place such as a store or other crowded area, do not rush for exits. Move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall.
•If you are in a high rise building, stay indoors and try to get under a desk or table, move against an interior wall and protect your head with your arms. Glass windows can dislodge during the quake and sail for hundreds of feet.
•If you're in a theater of stadium, stay in your seat and protect your head with your arms. Do not try to leave until the shaking is over then leave in a calm, orderly manner. Avoid rushing toward exits.
•Do not use elevators.
Outdoors:
•Stay there until the shaking stops and move away from buildings, streetlights, and overhead utility wires.
•If you're on a sidewalk near buildings, duck into a doorway to protect yourself from falling bricks, glass, plaster, and other debris.
•If you are in mountainous area--watch out for falling rock, landslides, trees, and other debris that could be loosened by quakes.
In a moving vehicle:
•Stop quickly and safely and stay in the vehicle.
Do not stop near or under overpasses, buildings, trees, or overhead utility
wires.
•Keep earthquake survival kits in your car.
Trapped under debris:
•Do not light a match for light.
•Do not move about or kick up dust.
•Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or clothing to keep dust
out.
Indoors:
•Be sure you are wearing shoes before walking around because of broken glass or other debris.
•Take cover under a desk, sturdy table, bench or against an inside wall or doorway.
Stay away from cabinets, heavy mirrors/pictures and other heavy objects.
If you're in the kitchen, move away from the refrigerator, stove, and overhead cabinets.
Stay away from windows, outside doors and walls and anything that could fall on you.
•If you're sleeping, stay in bed and cover your head with a pillow. If your bed is under a heavy light fixture or you have a large mirror or painting over your headboard, move to the nearest safe place.
•Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Most injuries during an earthquake occur when people enter or exit a structure.
•If you're in a public place such as a store or other crowded area, do not rush for exits. Move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall.
•If you are in a high rise building, stay indoors and try to get under a desk or table, move against an interior wall and protect your head with your arms. Glass windows can dislodge during the quake and sail for hundreds of feet.
•If you're in a theater of stadium, stay in your seat and protect your head with your arms. Do not try to leave until the shaking is over then leave in a calm, orderly manner. Avoid rushing toward exits.
•Do not use elevators.
Outdoors:
•Stay there until the shaking stops and move away from buildings, streetlights, and overhead utility wires.
•If you're on a sidewalk near buildings, duck into a doorway to protect yourself from falling bricks, glass, plaster, and other debris.
•If you are in mountainous area--watch out for falling rock, landslides, trees, and other debris that could be loosened by quakes.
In a moving vehicle:
•Stop quickly and safely and stay in the vehicle.
Do not stop near or under overpasses, buildings, trees, or overhead utility
wires.
•Keep earthquake survival kits in your car.
Trapped under debris:
•Do not light a match for light.
•Do not move about or kick up dust.
•Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or clothing to keep dust
out.
Monday, September 12, 2011
La Quinta Police - PREVENTING THEFT
“La Quinta's finest featured the following article in the 'GEM'. It is worthwhile reading again.
PREVENTING THEFT ~ Keeping Your Property Safe”
Theft is the most common crime reported in the City of La Quinta. The La
Quinta Police Department encourages you to take responsibility for protecting your property. Here are a few tips for discouraging would-be thieves in your home, neighborhood or school:
• Think like a criminal. It is imperative to be “street smart.” Put yourself in the place of thieves who are always looking for something to steal. Thieves are always on the lookout, so you should be too.
• Limit access, reduce benefits, and increase risk. Criminals usually
commit a crime if they think they have easy access to an item with little risk of being caught. Being vigilant and “street smart” can affect their perception that the risk outweighs the potential benefits.
• Never leave your property unattended. Don’t be lulled into a false
sense of security. Even if you are among friends, in familiar surroundings, or even if you’re just looking away for a moment—it pays to keep an eye on your property.
• When it comes to cars or bikes, remember to look, lock, and
leave. Look around for suspicious persons when you park your vehicle or
bike. Lock your vehicle or your bike securely. Don’t leave anything of value in plain sight.
• Beware of the garage. Garages are a common entry point for burglars
and thieves. Open garage doors serve to advertise your belongings. Make
sure the garage door remains closed any time you are not present.
If you have any questions, please call Officer Fowler at (760) 777-7376.
PREVENTING THEFT ~ Keeping Your Property Safe”
Theft is the most common crime reported in the City of La Quinta. The La
Quinta Police Department encourages you to take responsibility for protecting your property. Here are a few tips for discouraging would-be thieves in your home, neighborhood or school:
• Think like a criminal. It is imperative to be “street smart.” Put yourself in the place of thieves who are always looking for something to steal. Thieves are always on the lookout, so you should be too.
• Limit access, reduce benefits, and increase risk. Criminals usually
commit a crime if they think they have easy access to an item with little risk of being caught. Being vigilant and “street smart” can affect their perception that the risk outweighs the potential benefits.
• Never leave your property unattended. Don’t be lulled into a false
sense of security. Even if you are among friends, in familiar surroundings, or even if you’re just looking away for a moment—it pays to keep an eye on your property.
• When it comes to cars or bikes, remember to look, lock, and
leave. Look around for suspicious persons when you park your vehicle or
bike. Lock your vehicle or your bike securely. Don’t leave anything of value in plain sight.
• Beware of the garage. Garages are a common entry point for burglars
and thieves. Open garage doors serve to advertise your belongings. Make
sure the garage door remains closed any time you are not present.
If you have any questions, please call Officer Fowler at (760) 777-7376.
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