10 | SUNRAYS NOVEMBER 2014
ONLINE:
SCTXCA.ORG
CA NEWS
Usually, during this time of the year, we ex-
perience cooler and wetter weather. Irriga-
tion systems should be run no more than one
day a week; I prefer to leave everything off
unless the weather is drier. Although most
plants and turf will enter a dormant phase
and stop growing above ground, below ground
their root zones are still expanding. Should temperatures decide
to be milder, a once-per-week schedule will provide adequate
water to sustain them through the winter. Turn the controller
off if anticipating rain or freezing temperatures.
Water Saving Tips
• When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the
load.
• Reduce the amount of lawn in your yard by planting shrubs
and ground cover appropriate to our region.
• Turn off faucets tightly after each use.
• Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically
for leaks and keep sprinkler heads in good shape.
• Soak pots and pans instead of letting water run while you
scrape them clean.
Permitted watering days are as follows:
Odd addresses: Tuesday and/or Saturday
Even addresses: Wednesday and/or Sunday
No sprinkler or irrigation system use is permitted
on Mondays, Thursdays or Fridays.
For more information: water.georgetown.org
Water Matters
Submitted by Carlton M. Mathis, Water Management
Be Disaster Aware
Submitted by Ken Tupacz, Vice-Chair, Emergency Management Committee
When planning and
preparing for a disaster,
communities are asked
to focus on issues spe-
cific to their location.
While our Sun City Emergency Man-
agement Program (available through
the Emergency Management Commit-
tee web site) considers the needs of all
residents, I’d like to devote this article
specifically to our community members
living with disabilities.
In general, people with physical and/or
mental impairments need to make the
same basic emergency preparations as
other people; however, there are nuances
to specific disabilities that require some
additional planning.
Basic preparation items include:
• A three-day supply of food, water, toilet-
ries, clothing andmedications packaged
in a transportable container
• Copies of important documents, readily
accessible in case of evacuation
• A portable cash supply
• A full tank of gas for your vehicle
• Emergency contact information and
plan for making contact
• Flashlights, NOAA battery-powered
emergency radio, eating utensils and
other fundamental necessities
• A cell phone (if you are unable to get a
call through to your emergency contact,
youmay be able to send a textmessage)
• A plan for your significant other and
pet(s)
Those persons with disabilities should
consider keeping the following listed
items on hand:
• At least a week’s supply of anymedica-
tions or medical supplies you use regu-
larly, or asmuch as you are able to keep
on hand
• Copies of medical prescriptions, doctor’s
orders and the style and serial numbers
of the assistive devices you use
• Medical alert tags, bracelets or writ-
ten descriptions of your disability and
support needs in case you are unable to
describe the situation in an emergency
• An additional pair of eyeglasses, plus
backup supplies of visual aids you use
• Extra hearing aids with a spare supply
of batteries
• Chargers for any battery-operatedmo-
bility, medical or assistive technology
devices
• Service animal supplies
• If you use amotorizedwheelchair, have
a lightweight manual chair available
for emergencies. Know the size and
weight of your wheelchair, in addition
to whether or not it is collapsible in
case it has to be transported
• If you have allergies or chemical sen-
sitivities, be sure to include items that
you are able to use for personal hygiene
and for cleanup
• If you undergo routine treatments at a
clinic or hospital, or if you receive regu-
lar services such as home health care,
meals, oxygen or door-to-door trans-
portation, talk to your service provider
about their emergency plans. Work
with them to identify back-up service
providers within your area and the
area to which you might evacuate
• If you usemedical equipment requiring
electricity, find out who in your neigh-
borhood or area has a back-up genera-
tor and would be able to assist you
It is crucial that all persons, regardless
of ability, consider their needs in the
event that they are cut off from help/food/
supplies for at least three days. Make
a plan, commit to the preparation and
remember to help your neighbors.
