Firefighters quick reminder....

With the cold weather and the homeowners turning on their heaters, please make sure your smoke detector batteries are in working order. Smoke detector batteries should be changed at least twice a year!

Bulk Trash Pickup - Every 2nd Day of Scheduled Pickup

Second day of regularly scheduled trash pickup can not be used as a "bulk trash" pickup day (agreement between City and new firm "All Service"). Please note that items not picked up include tires, car parts, batteries, dirt, sod, broken concrete, leaves, trees or tree limbs, stumps, or brush. Items that will be picked up include old appliances, water heaters, furniture, bedsprings, mattresses, TV's. For further information, call All Service at (954)583-1830.

What can I do to remove rust stains from my house or driveway?

- If home is equipped with rust removal system, verify that system has sufficient product in tank. Do not dilute solution in tank.
- If so equipped, verify that rust removal system is working properly, ie: chemical is being injected into water supply at rate recommended by manufacturer.
- Rust removal products available at Hardware stores will remove stains, but be careful to over spray products onto grass or plants.
- Pressure cleaning is recommended for use along with products mentioned above for a complete cleaning.
- Professional rust removal companies can provide a complete cleaning and may be contracted for monthly service at a minimal charge. Companies are listed in phone book under Rust preventatives and removers.

How do I remove mildew on my house?

1. Clean stucco or wood surfaces with a medium to stiff bristle brush and a solution of dish washing detergent. This will remove the dirt and grease.
2. Rinse the area off with a hose or pressure cleaner.
3. Clean the area with one part bleach to three parts water. Spread with a soft brush or sponge and leave on surface for a few minutes.
4. Rinse off with a hose or pressure cleaner.
* The above process should remove stains from the home for a few months. f you choose to repaint your home, the above process should be followed to insure proper cleaning. Be sure if you repaint the house yourself, or hire a contractor that the proper sealer is used on the stucco before painting.

What are the possible causes for dead areas in lawns?

Florida lawns typically require mowing twice a month during the winter and four times per month during the summer. In addition to mowing, lawns should be watered, fertilized, and weeded on a regular basis.

Possible Causes:
1. Lack of water. Check sprinkler timer to allow for sufficient time and frequency of watering. Also, check sprinkler heads to assure proper coverage.
2. Cinch bugs or other insects, carious products are available at hardware stores for controlling spread of insects.
3. Lack of fertilization, Florida lawns require fertilization 3 to 4 times per year.
4. Over fertilization, be sure that you are using the quantity of the product as recommended by manufacturer.
Badly damaged areas will require re-sodding, leaving the area without grass promote the growth of weeds.

Remember November marks the beginning of the dry season..here are tips on conserving water:
1. Turn off lawn sprinkler system after periods of rainfall. With this effort, we will help replenish serious water supply shortage.
2. Don't scalp your lawn. Set mower at highest level and mow more often. Taller grass promotes deeper roots and locks in soil moisture.
3. Check sprinkler pump and sprinkler head position for optimal water coverage.
4. Avoid over fertilizing of your lawn.
5. More mulch to help weed control.

Parent's Drowning Prevention Tips for Children

- Never take your eyes off a child while in or near any body of water.
- Don't rely solely on barriers such as fences.
- Keep toys, bikes, etc. out of water and away from pool or spa.
- Don't consider children drown proof because they've taken swimming lessons.
- Don't rely on inflatable devices to keep your child afloat.
- Make sure your pool or spa has some type of safety barrier such as safety cover to guard against unsupervised access. Safety barrier should be activated when pool or spa is not in use.
- Make sure doors leading to the pool or spa area are self closing/latching and pool alarms on all doors are installed.
- Learn how to administer CPR and lifesaving techniques to children.
- Install phone inside house near pool area and program into the phone the emergency medical service number (such as 911) for quick access in case of emergency.

Upcoming Summer Comfort-Energy Saving Tips

- Keep air conditioner thermostat on auto rather than on.
- Clean/change air conditioner filter frequently during high usage.
- Remove debris, weeds, etc. blocking air flow around outside air conditioning unit.
- When away from home 4 hours or more, turn air conditioning system off.
- While on vacation, set air conditioner timer for only two hours each night to prevent mildew.
- If replacing your air conditioning unit, choose an high efficiency unit.
- Install proper levels of ceiling insulation.
- Weatherstrip doors & windows to prevent cool air escaping, caulk between siding and window or door frames.
- Ventilate attic space through proper air vents in soffits, gables and roof.
- Reduce heat gain through windows and doors with solar film.
- Plant shade trees on the sunny side of your house.
- Use interior drapes, blinds or other window treatments to reduce heat gain.
- Consider installing fluorescent lighting in high-use areas.
- Limit lighting to where needed.
- Consider converting track lights to halogen type bulbs for lower wattage and less heat. This also applies to converting high hats or recessed light to compact fluorescents or halogen bulbs for the same purpose.
- Repair leaky faucets due to hot water and electricity waste.
- Switch off the water heater at circuit breaker when away for more than 3 days.
- Use less hot water by installing low flow showerheads and faucet flow restrictions.
- Keep refrigerator set at 38-40 Farenheit/ water heater at 120 Farenheit.
- Clean your refrigerator's condenser coils at least once a year.
- Use energy saver switch on your dishwasher.

Burglary Prevention/Vacation Safety Tips

- Keep all doors & windows closed and securely fastened.
- Create the illusion that you are home by using timers on lights, radios, and televisions. If your going on vacation for more than a couple of days, have your neighbor alter lighting pattern for added protection-use this technique also for your blinds and shades.
- Never leave keys under flower pots, door mats, etc.
- Never leave a message on your answering machine telling people that you are away from home or away for vacation. Never discuss your absence in public.
- Keep shrubbery trimmed away from entrances and walkways. Have lawns mowed and yard work kept up.
- Move valuables so they can't be seen from your windows.
- When on vacation, arrange inspection by a trusted neighbor. Your neighbor should know how to reach you and your insurance agent in case of a break-in.