Annual Termite Inspection Dec. 16/17

Home Pest Control is scheduled for the annual termite inspection on Wednesday, December 16, and/or Thursday, December 17.

They will be wearing Home Pest Control uniforms. They should begin between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m.

-H&J

Landscape Co. offering holiday trees, wreaths and flowers

We received a notice from U. S. Lawns, landscaping company for Deerwood Knoll, regarding Christmas trees, wreaths and poinsettias.  If any of you would be interested in ordering from U. S. Lawns, they have availabilities in all sizes.

You are asked to contact Michele Keys at (803) 754-3266 for more information.

Heating Safety Tips

From Columbia Fire Dept.

As a result of colder temperatures and smaller budgets, many residents are looking for less expensive ways to stay warm.  The winter months are the deadliest time of the year for the fire service.  The Columbia Fire Department is urging area residents to use the following safety precautions when heating their homes.

Portable heaters

The Columbia Fire Department strongly discourages the use of  portable heaters.
Always read and follow manufacturer’s instructions.
Before purchasing a space heater make sure that it is approved  by UL or another independent testing laboratory.
Purchase heaters with automatic shutoff features.
Keep anything that can burn 3 feet away from heating appliances.
Unplug the unit when not in use, when leaving the room, and  before going to bed.
Plug heater directly into an outlet.  Do not use extension cords.

Kerosene heaters

Read and follow manufacturer instructions.
Provide 3 feet of clearance from items that can burn.
Never use gasoline.
Refuel only after the unit has cooled completely.
Use and refuel in areas that are ventilated.

Fireplace

Have chimney and connectors inspected annually by a  professional.
Clean as often as needed.
Be sure to open the flue.
Provide a screen for fireplaces.

Gas and electric furnaces

Gas and electric furnaces should be inspected and maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.

Carbon monoxide detectors

If you have any fuel burning appliances in your home, you need a carbon monoxide detector.  Fuel burning appliances include: gas stove, gas or wood fire place, gas hot water heater, gas dyer or any other appliance that is not powered by battery or electricity.

Smoke alarms

Smoke alarms are the most important piece of life safety equipment a family can have in their home.  A working smoke alarm increases your chance of surviving a fire by 50 percent.  Smoke alarms should be placed on the ceiling or on the wall 6 to 8 inches from the ceiling.  For the minimum protection provide at least one smoke alarm on each level outside of sleeping area. For maximum protection install smoke alarms in each bedroom, outside of all sleeping areas and at least one on each level of the home.  Test smoke alarms monthly. Replace batteries annually.  Replace the smoke alarm every ten years or sooner if it stops working.

Dumpster mess costs you money!

The dumpsters are provided for household garbage only. Please do not place any items beside and/or outside the dumpster. Lately, we have seen old furniture, shelves, etc. and the driver of the trash removal company is not allowed to load any stray items. For example, placing a sofa or an appliance may cause for an extra pick-up or a handy-man to make a special trip. Bad choices cost money for the property.  If it doesn’t fit in the dumpster, you must haul it away yourself.

Neighborhood watch: If you see anyone leaving trash outside the dumpster, please contact the Board or H&J with their description, and he/she will be charged for its removal.

Please maintain fireplaces to prevent fires

We encourage all residents to have their fireplaces checked and cleaned for the upcoming winter months. Our past experience is for homeowners to coordinate with their neighbors at Deerwood Knoll and try to obtain a multiple unit discount with one of the licensed chimney sweeps. We can recommend one chimney sweep, Steve’s Sweep, 727-0973. Also, we highly recommend that you place a rack on your deck or patio designed to hold firewood. Wood directly on the deck or a patio tends to hold moisture and attract insects.

Reminder: Use your Pest Control amenity

PEST CONTROL: We have a contract with Home Pest Control for interior pest spraying, and they also hold the termite bond for Deerwood Knoll. Home Pest comes to spray inside the homes on the second and fourth Mondays between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. of every month. If you are not taking advantage of this amenity, please do so by calling Home Pest Control at 794-8078. Termites tend to swarm in late February and March, so please contact The H & J Company, (803) 256-9000, if you notice any evidence of termites.

Required: Gates must be maintained and kept closed

FOR ALL GROUND LEVEL HOMES: We ask that all ground level homes keep your gates closed. Not only is it more attractive for the property to look uniform, but the wear and tear on your gate will be less, if you keep them in tact, especially when it rains. Wood does take in water and water makes the gates heavier, and if not closed, they begin to sag. Units with damaged or open gates will be fined.

Required: Proof of Insurance

Deerwood Knoll Homeowners Association must have a copy of your declaration page of your homeowner’s insurance every year at the time it renews. In accordance with the Master Deed of Deerwood Knoll Horizontal Property Regime, the Co-Owner shall file a copy of such individual policy with the Association’s Directors within thirty (30) days after purchase of such said insurance.  Failure to provide this information will result in a monthly fine of $25.00.

Landscaping update

Our fall/winter flowers have been planted and our property will have new pine straw installed the last week of October. We are very pleased with the performance of the landscaping contract by US Lawns. Please help us monitor for any leaking water or damaged sprinklers. Report any leaks or damage on the property to H&J ASAP.