MOUNTAIN BRIDG E | WELCOME HOME MAG A ZINE
• WILDFIRE A wild land fire burns rapidly and winds can make it unpredictable, so be very cautious when attempting to control a brush fire with a garden hose. Prevent a fire by: • Creating a 30-foot “defensible space” - an area free of dried grass or other highly flammable dry vegetation around your home. • Living plants don’t need to be removed from around the home; only things that are dead or dry. • Removing dead branches or leaves from living trees and cut the brush and grass around trees short. Also, clear all flammable items and foliage from underneath wooden decks and overhangs. • Reporting brush fires immediately by dialing 911 - never assume someone else will make the call. • Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape. Shut doors and roll up windows. Leave keys in ignition. • Close garage doors/windows. Disconnect automatic garage openers. • Confine pets. Make plans to care for pets and have all supplies ready in case you must evacuate. • Follow instructions of emergency personnel. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. • Wear protective clothing, sturdy shoes, cotton or wool clothing, long pants, long sleeved shirt, gloves and handkerchiefs to protect your face. • Lock your home, and tell someone where you are going • Choose a route away from fire hazard and watch for changes in the fire’s speed and direction. • Never throw a cigarette butt on the ground or out a car window. Deposit all cigarette butts properly. • Mountain Bridge amenities are a smoke-free zone.
SUSPICIOUS PACKAGES Receiving packages and mail order deliveries on our front porch or in our mailbox is common for most people. Watch for: • Excessive postage, excessive weight, lopsided or uneven envelope, no return address • Handwritten or poorly typed address • Misspellings of common words • Oily stains, discolorations or odor • Protruding wires or aluminium foil • Excessive masking tape, string, etc. • Ticking sound • Marked with restrictive endorsements, such as “personal” or “confidential” • Shows a city or state postmark that doesn’t match the return address UTILITY OUTAGE A power outage can be a common occurrence in the heat of the summer (due to high use), transformer fires, during monsoon season, a common storm, or during cold weather. Other utility problems might involve gas leaks, sewer and water line damage. Generally utility outages are short-lived. • If you are not sure if the power is out at just your house or all over the neighborhood, check to see if your neighbors have their lights on. If they do, reset your circuit breaker. • Call SRP (use a cell phone or a neighbor’s phone) to find out how long the power will be down. • Use flashlights instead of candles. • Turn off all lights and major appliances (computers, air conditioners/heaters, and TVs). When the power returns, wait a few minutes before turning anything on - then do it one appliance at a time. • Know what to do in case of a gas leak. If you smell gas, open a window or door and leave the building. • Gas settles to the floor; stay upright/high/standing. • Turn off the gas at the outside main valve and call the gas company. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional. • Electrical system damage can be identified by looking for sparks, frayed or broken wires, or the smell of hot insulation. Turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker if the area is dry. Otherwise, call an electrician. • If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid running water, showering, or using the toilets - and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water department and avoid using water from the tap. If you have a pool, remember you have a huge supply of water.
WILD ANIMALS People who live in Mountain Bridge can expect to see many species of wildlife. On any given day you might see, coyotes, javelina, vultures, snakes, and some crazy-looking bugs. Learning to co-exist with wildlife is the best way to enjoy the wildlife. • Never approach a wild animal. • If an animal approaches, pick up your pet. • Humans are dominant and must act that way by maintaining eye contact if an animal approaches . • Scare off animals by making loud noises. • Throw small rocks in their direction if they approach. • Don’t stimulate an animal’s chase instinct by running. • Do not feed or water wildlife. • Do not feed pets outside and keep bird feeders up high. • Trim back bushes to eliminate hiding places. • Install outdoor lighting.
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