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Home My WebLink AboutUBI 2010 JUNECelebrate Summer with Safety CITY OF COLLEGE STATION Most young children who drown in pools do so after wandering out of the house and falling into the pool. Leaving floating toys in the pool can tempt a child to reach for them. Limit access by having a fence that separates your house from the pool. FIREWORK SAFETY .................................. Independence Day celebrations are built on traditions involving family, friends and fireworks, but did you know that more fires are reported on that day than any other day in the year? Thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. CSFD encourages residents to leave fireworks to the professionals and view a professional fireworks display, like the one held at the George Bush Library and Museum. As a reminder, possession or discharge of fireworks within the city limits of College Station, or within 5,000 feet of the city limits, is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,000. Inside College Station From the City of College Station, Home of Texas A&M University • College Station, Texas From backyard barbecues to fireworks for the Fourth of July, the summer season is filled with potential hazards. The College Station Fire Department (CSFD) has put together a few tips to keep you and your family safe this summer season. WATER SAFETY ........................................ Did you know that drowning is the second leading cause of injury death to children? Accidental drowning can happen in any size water source, ranging from bathtubs to lakes. It only takes a few minutes for a drowning event to take place, which is why good water safety practice is needed. Adult supervision should always be used when children are swimming, even if the child knows how to swim. Children under five years of age should have someone within an arms length reach while they are in the water. It is also a good practice to avoid distractions, such as phone calls or reading, that take your attention away from the child. Remember that children can fall into the water with minimal noise and sound alone cannot be relied upon. June 2010 Questions? CSFD welcomes them: 979.764.3705 GRILLING SAFETY ..................................... Everyone loves a family cookout. CSFD has a few tips for keeping family cookouts memorable (and safe) experiences. First and foremost, only use grills outdoors, well away from homes, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. If you use a starter fluid for your charcoal grill, use only charcoal starter fluid; never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container. For propane grills, check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. To check for gas leaks, apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. No matter what type of grill you are using, don’t forget to clean it thoroughly before and after use to avoid grease buildup. CSFD wants you to have a great summer and encourages you to take the extra time to make it a safe summer for all. It’s not too late to register your child for summer swim lessons! Register: Stephen C. Beachy Central Park Office or at parksweb.cstx.gov. The Property Maintenance Code assists both property owners, who may not be aware of conditions at their property, and tenants who don’t know their rights with regard to their living conditions. The code officer has the ability to mediate with the property owner and the tenant to ensure basic health and safety issues are addressed. The Code Enforcement Division also works closely with the Economic and Community Development Department by identifying residents who need assistance in performing and/or paying for needed repairs or maintenance of their homes. Please contact the Code Enforcement Division if you are aware of any building that needs maintenance or repair by calling 979.764.MEND (6363). Summer Savers –––––––––– We don’t need a calendar to tell us that June 21 marked the first day of summer; higher temperatures and humidity levels clearly announced its arrival. Along with higher temperatures come higher utility bills. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to reduce your summer water consumption and lower your summer utility bill. Celebrate Smart Irrigation Month with these tips from the Irrigation Association: • Check your irrigation system for leaks and broken or clogged spray heads. • Most lawns need only about one inch of water (including rain) per week. • Set sprinklers to water grass, not sidewalks or driveways. • Add an inexpensive rain sensor to your irrigation system and keep track of rainfall with a rain gauge. CITY OF COLLEGE ST A TION INSIDE COLLEGE STATION June 2010 • PAGE 2 _____________________ July 1 Lynn Stuart Pathway Memorial Dedication - 979.764.3491_____________________ _____________________ July 4 George Bush Library & Museum Celebration 979.691.4014_____________________ _____________________ July 5 CS City Offices Closed Regular Sanitation Collection _____________________ _____________________ July 21 Exploring History Lunch Lecture - 979.764.3491_____________________ For more event information, visit cstx.gov. Build A Rain Garden ––––––– A rain garden is a natural or shallow dug depression designed to capture and soak up stormwater runoff. A rain garden provides more than a pleasing array of ornamental shrubs and plants, it protects the environment. Rain gardens enhance landscape and attract wildlife, conserve watering needs, reduce runoff and replenish valuable groundwater resources. How the Garden Works When constructed properly, stormwater soaks into a rain garden within 24 - 48 hours, eliminating concerns about mosquitoes and standing water. The runoff is cleansed by bacteria associated with plant roots and the settling out of pollutants. Design Features There are several important factors to consider when planning, locating and sizing a rain garden, including: the proximity to buildings, septic systems, wells and underground utilities, the soil type and slope, potential rain garden overflow and frequent pedestrian traffic. For more information on setting up your own rain garden, contact Drainage Inspector Donnie Willis at 979.764.6375. Property Maintenance ––––– The College Station Code Enforcement Division works daily to improve and maintain the condition of all the buildings within the city. On a day-to-day basis, code enforcement officers identify maintenance issues including: structures that have holes in the walls or roof, broken windows, rotten wood, fences in need of repair or collapsing steps and porches, just to name a few. Through the use of the International Property Maintenance Code, the Code Enforcement Division is able to maintain the health and safety of our citizens, whether they are property owners or renters. DATES TO REMEMBER: Rent A Pavilion Did you know that picnic pavilions are available for rent through the College Station Parks and Recreation Department? For locations and rates, call 979.764.3486. • Set your mower blade to two or three inches as shorter grass allows the soil to dry and increases water usage. • Avoid spray irrigation between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and never water on windy days. For more information on saving water and to learn about our rebate programs, call 979.764.6274 or visit cstx.gov/utilities. Computer Classes –––––––– The College Station Parks and Recreation Department will hold free beginning computer classes for seniors. Session 1: June 8, 15, 22 and 29 Session 2: July 6, 13, 20 and 27 Session 3: August 3, 10, 17 and 24 All classes will take place at the Center for Regional Services on 3991 E. 29th Street in Bryan from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. To register, call 979.764.6371.