5 Keys to Increase Safety in HOA Communities

Home is a place that brings the secure and safe feeling; the HOA community ensures and optimizes the neighborhood security with precautionary measures to keep their member residents and their properties safe. These associations strive to extend safety measures with several options. 

1. Local Law Enforcement Assistance

HOA associations play a very effective role in establishing a responsive and strong relationship with local law enforcement officers. They set up meetings of home owners with them to familiarize, feel comfortable and bring the voice of their concerns. The association ensures the regular patrolling in neighborhood to prevent illegal activities.

Home owners can help by informing the community board before going on vacations or business trips, and watching out for any unusual or suspicious commotions in the community that can assist in deterring crime.

2. Install alarms and appropriate lights in the community

HOA association takes active part in the assurance of the well lit and secured community area. Cost efficient motion sensor lights can provide ample lighting, alarm system installations can bring advantages in various situations, as well as, all the assets are protected and maintained by apt monitoring. 

3. Ground inspection on potential hazards in timely manner

This is something HOA associations are already doing in a proper manner. They evaluate the community area for potentially dangerous situations such as damaged property, fallen trees and debris that can become risky for the neighborhood. 

It is also a responsibility of homeowners to inform their association and alert the board on any concerns so that the situations can be properly addressed without any damages. What HOA associations can do is to have a place where homeowners can file their concerns and check their follow-ups. 

4. Road and Street Safety

Budgeting on speed bumps and traffic signs for pedestrians and driver’s safety can make a good impact on lowering traffic incidents. HOA associations develop events to educate the community about traffic precautions, or simply update them on monthly board and member meetings to implement right speed limits. This can make the community a safer and pleasant setting to live in. 

5. Professional Services

Standard Operating Procedures can be obtained from professional consultants adapted to meet the community and association’s needs. This service can help the board to enhance security features, background checks of vendors and other inspection elements of their neighborhood through training and orientation in suggested systems. With specialized services, board can provide a complete toolbox of security techniques and prevent their members from vulnerabilities. 

Association Management Group
614 W Friendly Ave, Greensboro, North Carolina 27401
(888) 908-4264
pmengert@amgworld.com
www.AMGworld.com


 

5 Safety Tips For a Fun & Safe July 4th in Your Homeowners Association


At AMG we believe everyone  has the right to celebrate our country's freedom on the 4th of July with Joy & Enthusiasm. Keep in mind that your right to celebrate ends where the local noise ordinances, laws, your neighbor's rights and property begins.

Any fireworks that explode, emit a flame or spark, performs as a projectile, may be illegal and prohibited in many municipalities by Fire Prevention Codes. Violators could be subject to arrest,  fines, and could be liable for damages or injuries caused by those fireworks.

Here are 5 tips to help you have an enjoyable July 4th celebration if it involves fireworks:

1. Use only legally purchased, approved fireworks. Use them as directed, under supervision and clear of any combustible material and clear of all buildings.  Legal fireworks should be used or overseen by a responsible adult. No such fireworks may be thrown into, over, or around other homes, forested areas, or left in the common areas of the HOA. Residents who fail to comply with these restrictions will be held responsible for any damage and repairs. Review this  this infographic regarding fireworks injuries. 

 2. Local Code enforcement Laws - If you plan on using fireworks you should first check with the local law enforcement or city codes before setting off fireworks. There may be noise ordinances and fireworks may be illegal all together. This goes beyond the governing by your HOA.

 3. HOA Property rules and regulations - If you plan on using fireworks for a 4th of July celebration it is important to check your HOA documents,  Association’s CC&Rs regarding the use of fireworks. You could be in violation of HOA rules or safety rules.

4. Safety-Insurance - You need to fully understand your homeowners insurance policy regarding your own property damage, accidents or injuries as a result of using fireworks. If your fireworks go or land on another resident's property or on common areas, you may be responsible for damages to property and accidents or injuries that may occur.

People think sparklers are safe. Some sparklers can attain a temperature as high as 1800 degrees Fahrenheit and cause severe injuries. Whether a spectator or the user of malfunctioning fireworks, victims may be able to seek damages for their injuries.

5. Littering - Fireworks leave debris, paper shreds, fuses, powder residue and other materials that may leave a mess and be potentially harmful.   Be sure to clean up after your fireworks display. You could incur a fine for littering or damage to yards, sidewalks, streets or other common areas.

To ensure a safe 4th of July, we encourage residents to know and adhere to all policies by your community association and local laws before having a fireworks display.

It is reported that 200 people on average go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday.

It’s the responsibility of the HOA board to uphold, enhance, and maintain the Association. Reminding residents of 4th of July safety lets them know you care about their safety.  This is why HOA 's must implement and enforce rule and regulations to protect the association, homeowners and the community.

It’s not too late to get patriotic and think about your HOA hosting its own July 4th celebration to let members know they live in a fun and safe HOA. 

Ways Neighbors Can Help Neighbors During a Hurricane

We have just entered the 2017 hurricane season. In past years the Carolinas have fallen victim to devastating storms. At AMG we want to help homeowners keep their homes safe and reduce injury from storms. Hurricanes and tropical systems can cause serious damage on both coastal and inland areas. Their hazards can come in many forms including: storm surge, heavy rainfall, inland flooding, high winds and tornadoes. To prepare for these powerful storms, AMG is encouraging families, businesses, and individuals to be aware of their risks; have a community preparedness plan; prepare your home, workplace and community.

When you live in an area where hurricanes are a risk, planning is essential. Here are some ways  you might be able to help your neighbors. If you live in a community, your neighbors can be a great help in case of an emergency, and you can also be of service to your neighbors. Working together can help keep everyone safe. A community working together during an emergency makes sense. 

Here are some ways you can help neighbors (and they can help you) in case of a hurricane:

Get to know your neighbors. Think about people in your neighborhood who may need your help, for example:
Older people living by themselves;
People with physical or sensory disabilities;
People with a chronic illness or with a mental illness; single parents with young children; large families; 
People newly arrived, including tourists, refugees or immigrants.
Talk to your neighbors to identify those who may need assistance

If you are an HOA board member or leader of your community association you may want to consider a community plan and getting the information out to the residents:

Where to go for community resources

How to prep your home, close and lock hurricane-proof windows, seal all openings, secure rooftops and yard items

Emergency phone numbers

Community associations can get residents involved and working together by holding safety and preparedness events. Use the space in your association newsletter to communicate preparedness information to the residents of the community. Here is a list of items that might be helpful in the event of a hurricane.

Lanterns
Batteries (in different sizes!)  
Matches
First aid kit
Duct tape
Rain gear
Candles
Battery operated radio
Clock (wind-up or battery-powered)
Plastic garbage bags
Fire extinguisher
Scissors
Can Opener
Clean clothes
Extra blankets
Heavy gloves

If your community association becomes aware of impending storms, it is helpful to notify residents of some home preparedness items they can do to get ready. Here is a list to share with the residents of your community:

Remove outdoor items
Trim dead branches from trees
Board up windows
Fill gas tanks and extra containers
Get extra cash
Move furniture away from windows
Store important documents in waterproof containers
Extra supply of medicines
Prepare for the needs of pets
     
Another great way to get your residents involved is holding a canned food drive to collect items to distribute before the big storm arrives. Here is a list of items residents should have on hand during any emergency.

Bottled water (1 gallon/person/day) 
Bottled juice
Two coolers: One for drinks & one for food
Canned foods
Manual can opener
Dry pet food
Medic-alert tags
Insect-repellent sprays
Feminine hygiene items
Sunscreen
Soap
First aid kit
Prescription medication
Over-the-counter medication
Children's medicine
Bandages
Adhesive tape
Antiseptic solution
Thermometer
Tweezers

If you are having an actual emergency please dial 911 immediately. Please be aware and publish all emergency contact numbers.

For more information on how AMG helps serve community associations visit our website at http://www.amgworld.com