Layne Varney
Summer is here, and the monsoon season officially begins June 20. It is forecasted to be a wetter monsoon season and warmer than historically in some parts of Arizona. However, with all of the crazy weather, who knows? However, we need to be prepared for and refreshed with our safety tips for monsoon season storms to help keep us safe, as these storms sometimes arrive unexpectedly.
Within SunBird, the swimming pools will be closed when lightning strikes within 10 miles and will normally be reopened 30 minutes after the last lightning strike within this area and SunBird Patrol is available. Many times during these storms, Patrol is overwhelmed addressing storm damage, other storm-related issues, and inquiry telephone calls. Exceptions to this protocol can change if these storms arrive later in the evening near closing time or if rain, wind, lightning, and thunder are anticipated to reoccur.
If the power turns off at the clubhouse, the clubhouse will be closed and all occupants will be asked to leave. Please use the stairs if on the upper level of the clubhouse, and avoid using the elevator. The elevator has a battery back-up system to only lower the elevator cab to the lower level. Emergency lighting and exit signs on battery back-up systems will automatically turn on, leading the way to the nearest exit. SunBird Patrol will conduct a sweep of the clubhouse to secure areas and lock it down. Vehicle control gates each have battery back-up operators that will open the gates and barrier arms and leave them in the open position. During strong winds, sometimes the gates will remain in the open position due to wind resistance to preserve the operator from potential damage.
If a monsoon or dust storm is forecasted, please avoid driving vehicles during these times. When in doubt, wait it out. With thick dust storms and heavy rains, visibility can be very limited. Landscape trees and large branches can fall onto the road, flash floods and large puddles of water can affect driving, and power outages can affect traffic control lights, not to mention all of the other confused vehicle drivers on the road and the potential of other accidents on the road. If a person is caught in one of these storms while driving, find a safe place to park or pull over and shut off the vehicle running lights and turn on the hazard lights until the storm passes with better driving conditions.
Tips on preparing homes for monsoon storms: Make sure outdoor shade structures, umbrellas, awnings, window sunscreens, and umbrellas are properly secured from gusts of wind. Have a flashlight with extra batteries readily available if the power is shut off. Cell phone batteries should be fully charged and/or have an external battery back-up ready. Have an extra supply of a couple gallons of water, and a few days of food at home is also recommended. Decide on an alternative place to stay (local family, friends, or a hotel) ahead of time in case the electricity is out for an extended period of time to seek refuge from the absence of air conditioning. Having these items and plans in advance will greatly help during a time of emergency.
This summer, SunBird has several projects planned to maintain and improve the facilities. The sections of roads that were slurry sealed last year, the sections with the 1/4-inch material, will have additional work as normal routine following this type of application. These areas will receive a seal coating, which completes the previous year’s treatment and extends the life of these roads. Once completed, these areas will have the stop bars and any other roads marking repainted. This work will be scheduled this summer, and notice will be provided by eblast and the SunBird website in advance.
The clubhouse has several air conditioners that will all be inspected and either updated or replaced with new, energy-efficient units. The multiphase project of changing out the many clubhouse single-paned windows continues. The main lobby area will have the windows replaced with dual-paned glass for updating and efficiency. Most of the sinks in the multipurpose rooms will be updated with new plumbing for better improved maintenance and operation. The Navajo Room will have new flooring added and updated cabinets. Lighting along the main floor will be updated with new LED lights for better lighting, energy savings, and an overall better look to the clubhouse. Recessed lights in the main hallway will be replaced with LED lights and lights that can be directed to various artwork displayed in the clubhouse. The ballroom hardwood floor will be stripped, treated, and resealed. Other various projects of painting, deck work, and other maintenance projects will be attended to throughout the summer months at the clubhouse.
SunBird continues to encourage all to increase and join in the efforts of community awareness and home crime prevention, specifically, being aware of and reporting suspicious activity promptly. If you see something, say something. With some residents away for the summer months, please be extra aware of potential suspicious activity. We appreciate all those who are being extra aware of suspicious activity and reporting the information quickly. It takes a united community to be a successful community. Have a safe and healthy summer!