Category Archives: getting help

About Our Streetlights

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WHO DO YOU CALL WHEN YOUR STREETLIGHT GOES OUT?

Some residents have had questions about streetlight outages. Who should call if a light is damaged or has gone out: the owner or someone on the NCOA board?

This is one of those times when the owner should call because you can give First Energy the best information (address, pole number). And it’s so easy to do!

Our streetlights are maintained by First Energy. This service is covered by the NCOA electric bill that we pay every month. If you notice a streetlight out, just go
to https://www.firstenergycorp.com/content/customer/service_requests/report-lighting-
problem.html and fill out the online form. You can also report the outage by calling (888) 544-4877 or by fax at (877) 289-3674.

For detailed instructions, download the guide provided by First Energy on their website.

Winter Weather Tips

The mild fall we have enjoyed is nearly over. Winter begins officially on December 21, but “meteorologic winter” started as soon as we turned the calendar to December 1. We know what to expect over the next three months (or more): BRRRRR! We can prepare for some of the headaches and hazards that come with wind chills, “snowmageddons,” and frozen ice daggers on our rooflines. Here are some tips:

Weatherproofing

Now is the time to check doors and windows for drafts. Even tiny cracks can let cold air into your home. Make sure all windows are securely shut and latched. Sometimes we forget to do that after having them open in nicer weather. If you find that some cold air is getting in, it may be time to put on an extra layer of sealant or caulk. Also, putting up heavy curtains and closing them at night can make a difference. These remedies can help your home stay warm—and improve your utility costs.

The same is true about doors. The worst place for a draft is at the bottom of the door, where it meets the threshold. New weatherproofing strips might be in order. You can also use a draft stopper at the bottom of the door. Those cute, sand-filled doorstops do a good job of keeping the cold out, too.

Furnace Inspection

Many local heating and AC services offer annual inspections of your furnace. It’s a good idea to make sure the unit is working properly and to replace furnace filters regularly.

Adjust Your Thermostat

During your waking hours, you will want to keep your thermostat at a temperature that feels comfortable to you. Overnight, it can help your budget to lower the temperature a few degrees. Also, if you plan to be away for a length of time, set the thermostat at a lower temperature, perhaps around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t turn the furnace off completely. You don’t want pipes to freeze!

Warm and Cozy Comfort

Tis the season to get comfy! If you keep your thermostat at a slightly lower temp to save on heating bills, you can stay warm at night by using flannel sheets, thick blankets, or even electric blankets. You don’t have to “chill” when watching TV—just wrap up in a soft afghan or fleece throw. And don’t forget the thick socks!

Don’t Get Zapped: The Benefits of a Humidifier

Gas-forced air heat is not as dry as electric heat, but any kind of furnace tends to make the air drier than normal. You might feel it as static electricity, dry and itchy skin and eyes, and even some sinus congestion. Dry air makes us more susceptible to illness, including colds and other respiratory problems. Using a cool-mist humidifier can make a big difference, especially at night. If you want to, you can also invest in a humidifier add-on to your furnace.

Emergency Kits for Winter

In the worst of winter weather, sometimes communities lose power. Always keep an emergency kit handy just in case. Keep all of these items together, in a plastic bin or other container. The kit should include:

  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Candles and matches (be careful when using!)
  • Bottled water
  • Portable radio with extra batteries
  • Lots of blankets
  • Car cellphone charger (use when you have no electricity in your home)
  • Nonperishable food and drinks

Space Heaters: Caution!

Every year we see on the news where someone has used a space heater to warm their home and tragedy ensues. The two most dangerous results are house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Kerosene space heaters should NEVER be used inside a space that does not have ample ventilation. Please read and follow all warnings on any space heater you might have.

Snow Business

Your NCOA Board has made arrangements for snow removal and de-icing with our lawn-care service. They will come out when we get 3 inches of snow and/or 1/2 an inch of ice. The de-icing compound they will use is safe for pets and the lawns.

It is a good idea to keep sidewalks snow- and ice-free even if a small amount is covering them. This will be your responsibility when snowfall is less than 3 inches.

Emergency Contacts

Keep a list of phone numbers of emergency contacts. The NCOA board cannot help you with some emergencies, such as power outages, plumbing issues, or problems with your furnace. You can find the phone numbers of some of these services here on the website.

If you have roof damage or other damage that is covered by the Northland Condo Owners Association, let us know. As of January 1, 2023, your emergency condo contact will be our manager with The 27 Group. Until then, you may contact one of the NCOA board members.

Windowsills, Bushes, and Shrubs

One of the owners recently used the Contact Us form on this website to ask a great question. She asked:

What is the board’s position on “why” shrubs need to be trimmed below the window sill?

She is referring to the rule we discussed in the previous post about vining plants. However, in this case, the question is asking why these trees & shrubs must be trimmed as stated below:

TREES & SHRUBS: Trees and shrubs have to be kept trimmed year-round. Shrubs cannot be above the window sills and must be at least 18” below the soffits. Trees must be trimmed so that they do not hang over the roof or interfere with the passage of vehicles on the streets. Vining plants are prohibited from growing on the brick as this damages the mortar between the bricks. (Updated 9/21/2021)

— Current Northland House Rules

A Year-Round Task

First of all, please notice that these plants must be maintained and trimmed year-round, not just once at the beginning of summer or after receiving a writeup about them. You may receive a notice about trimming shrubs or trees at any time of the year and more than once if the growth continues.

About Those Shrubs

Many of us have shrubs or bushes in our 4-foot space. Boxwoods, butterfly bushes, arborvitae, hydrangeas, rose of Sharon bushes, roses, rhododendrons, azaleas, and many more varieties adorn the yards here at Northland.

They grow at different rates; some require more tending than others. Trimming, dead-heading, and pruning help these plants stay healthy and look beautiful. But why do we have rules about their heights?

In Front of the Windows

Shrubs are to be kept at or below the window sills at all times. The appearance of our community matters. Some basic uniformity helps all of the buildings look neat and cared for. As the condo owner above stated in her request, this rule provides “consistency in the neighborhood. Shrubs stay green all year round, adding to the beauty.”

The second reason has to do with weather damage. If plants or shrubs are too high above the window sill, moisture can become a problem. Heat and sunlight cannot reach the bottom of the window frames (behind the bricks), which are made of wood. That area can become rotted from water damage. Mold could grow behind the wood, even so far as getting into your drywall. This can become expensive to repair. Keeping shrubs at or below the sill gives the air and sun a chance to dry out any moisture.

Around the Rest of the Buildings

We also have a rule about the height of bushes where there are no windows. All plants must be at least 18 inches from the nearest soffit (roof line). Tall plants could grow into and under the soffits, gutters, and even roof tiles if they get out of hand. Again, the result could be rot, mold, or insect infestations.

Please understand that the Board needs your help to maintain the structures of the condos. Regular maintenance keeps our community looking appealing while ensuring our buildings are safe and sound.

For tips on pruning your plants and shrubs, check out this website: https://www.greengoldlandscapinginc.com/what-is-pruning-why-is-it-important/

If you need help with your exterior maintenance, please contact the Board. We have the names of some reputable and reasonably priced workers whom you can hire to take care of these issues.