Gobble Gobble!

Thanksgiving is a day full of enticing smells, good company and lots of laughs – but along with the enjoyable chaos is the reality that cooking fires are three times more likely to occur on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year. In addition to cooking and entertaining we hope to remind you and your families to take a minute for safety. Whether you plan to keep your meal traditional with Grandma’s favorite recipes, or want to add a dash of gourmet to impress your guests, make sure these safety tips are ingredients in all your dishes.

• Keep the cooking range free of clutter. Even
  though you have myriad dishes to prepare, don’t overload a cook top with
  too many pots and pans. Trying to cook all your dishes at once could
  cause grease to accidentally spill onto a range top and cause a fire.


• Do not try to hold your child in one arm while cooking with the other.
  Holding a child while cooking is an invitation for a burn. It’s best to
  keep your child out of the kitchen while you’re cooking.


• Never put a glass casserole or lid on the stove or over a burner. If it gets hot and explodes, it will send dangerous shards of glass in all directions.


• Do not pour water on a grease fire. Pouring water
  on a grease fire can cause the fire to spread. In the event of a
  range-top fire, turn off the burner, put on an oven mitt and smother the
  flames by carefully sliding a lid onto the pan. Leave the lid in place
  until the pot or pan is cooled.


• Keep a clean work surface. Be sure to wash
  surfaces, utensils, the sink and hands after handling raw food. It’s a
  good idea to identify one cutting board for raw meats and one for other
  uses.


• Un-stuff the turkey. According to the USDA, for
  optimum safety, stuffing a turkey is not recommended. For more even
  cooking, cook the stuffing outside the bird in a casserole dish until it
  reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.


• Thaw the bird with care. If using a frozen turkey,
  the USDA recommends thawing it in the refrigerator in its original
  wrapping, in a tray or pan that can catch any juices that may leak.


• Call for help. If you’ve accidentally cooked the
  giblets inside the turkey, melted the “hock lock” or have any other
  questions about cooking your Thanksgiving bird, be safe and call the
  pros at the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline: 1-888-MPHotline
  (1-888-674-6854)

Everyday Essentials for Kitchen Safety


Kitchen safety should remain top of mind throughout the year, not
just on Thanksgiving. Here are some great tips to remember in the
kitchen.

• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen in case of emergency and know how to use it.
   Read the directions carefully before an actual
  emergency occurs. The acronym P.A.S.S. can help make sure you use it properly.
  
  
  
  • Pull the pin; Aim the spray nozzle low at the base of the fire; Squeeze the nozzle to spray the contents; Sweep back and forth as you spray the base of the fire.


• Always keep a potholder, oven mitt and lid handy while cooking.
  If a small fire starts in a pan on the stove, put on a flame-resistant
  oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the
  pan. Turn off the burner. Don’t remove the lid until the food has
  cooled.
  
  
  
  • When removing lids on hot pans, tilt them away from you to protect
    your face and hands from steam. If there is an oven fire, turn off the
    heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you or your
    clothing.


• Never wear loose fitting clothing when cooking.
  Long, open sleeves could ignite and catch fire from a gas flame or a hot
  burner. Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when
  cooking. If you have long hair, be sure to tie it back.


• Keep smoke alarms connected while cooking. Smoke alarms can save lives. Make sure smoke alarms are installed and working.


• Stay in the kitchen while food is cooking. Most fires in the kitchen occur because food is left unattended.


• Turn pot handles away. Make sure that young children cannot reach a cooking pot by turning handles toward the back of the stove.


• Unplug small appliances that aren’t in use. Not only will you save the energy, but you will also avoid the potential dangers if they were to be turned on accidentally.

All this great info found here!




Have a safe and wonderful turkey day!

Book drive: help those kids!

This year Compass Management decided to do a book drive to help kids at local schools. We are collecting new or gently used books for all reading levels until the end of the year. If you live in one of our associations, over the next couple days, you will see posters up that look like this:

We would love for you to join us is this fun gift giving event! If you would like to donate but can't get into our office please email alicia@compass-mgmt.com and we can try to get something worked out! Thank you in advance for your help and support!

Happy Birthday USMC!

A Salute to our Marines

The proud chant of “Oorah” can be heard loud and clear around the world today as our United States Marine Corps is celebrating its 236^th birthday.  Since the Continental Congress voted it into creation in 1775, the United States Marine Corps has been a vital element of this country’s proud military heritage.  The corps was created to serve as an amphibious force in conflicts both foreign and domestic and for 236 years the men and women of the Marine Corps have fulfilled their duties selflessly and honorably.  Today we salute the brave Marine Corps members.  We tip our hats to you and send you a very special and heartfelt “Happy Birthday!”

-Sara Jane

Semper fi- HOO RAH!

Hazardous Waste Disposal: October 28-30

Ever wonder where to put all that waste that you can't just throw away? Bring it to the Woodinville Park n' Ride (17800 140th Ave Ne, 98072) and use their free service!

For more information, check out the "Local Hazardous Waste Management" (King County) or call the Household Hazards Line 206-296-4692 or 888-TOXIC-ED.

Happy Tuesday All! Stay warm and have a hot cocoa for us! :)

Join us for the Reserve Study Seminar!

Don't be sub-par... come to our seminar,

your association will think you are a star!!!

.... ok ok, I know that was awful and if you're still reading I thank you :) But really here's the scoop:

 the Reserve Study laws in Washington State will change come January 1st!

We are holding a seminar here at our office on November 1st at 3:00pm so you can learn all about how this affects you and your association.

And just in case you feel like you need a formal invitation to attend... here you go!

(no excuses now!)

Tip Tuesday - times 8! Communicating with your Community Association

You don't want to be frustrated in your home. Read these great tips we found from Four Points Blog!

8 Tips for Communicating with Your Community Association


How you view a condominium or homeowners association is going to depend on what you have heard and what you believe. Some people think that community associations are the best form of residential living because the association is responsible to provide services that you would normally have to do yourself. On the contrary, some people believe that homeowner's associations are not a good idea because the people who make up the board and management have a reputation for being power hungry and that they usually do not care about the general upkeep of the property.

In order to assist you in communicating and dealing with the common misconceptions of community association living we’ve prepared our 8 Tips for Communicating with Your Community Association.

Tip #1:
You need to communicate with the board and management. If you do not
communicate, you are never going to have a good relationship with them, nor
will your opinion ever be heard. Never hesitate to ask questions or to question
what the board is doing, but you do need to remember that in order for your
opinion to be heard you must maintain a courteous and positive communication
level.

Tip #2:
Get involved with the association and participate. In order to maintain a
positive relationship with your association you are going to need to get
involved with the board. This can be as simple as attending membership meetings
and voting when necessary. You can also attend the monthly board meetings, join
or form a committee, or even become a board member. There are many ways to get
involved with your association which can help you maintain a positive
relationship with the association and management.

Tip #3:
Never assume that the board or management does not care. It’s important to
remember that the board and management will always consider any circumstances
that affect property maintenance, violations, or anything else that can
negatively affect the community. However, unfortunately, there are always
matters out of their control that may be cause for delay. Additionally, the
board and management may not always have a realistic understanding of the
urgency of some items, therefore, it’s important that you maintain constant
communication with them about what is going on so that they can work with you
on the issue.

Tip #4:
In order to fully understand what the association is and what they do you need
to take the time to learn about them. There are numerous things that you can do
to learn about an associations including reading books, attending board
meetings, and attending educational seminars. By learning about the
associations, you will find out that although some can be power hungry, most
associations work hard to make their community a great place to live.

Tip #5:
Always expect the best out of your association. Remember that the board is made
up of your own neighbors, who want the best for their community. Since you are
paying for the services you should expect the best, if things aren't going as
expected make it a point to talk to your board or manager to see if things can
be changed, but be prepared to provide specific issues and examples that can be
addressed.

Tip #6:
If you have something that you want to take up with the board or management be
sure to plan ahead. The reason for this is that time is needed to research and
to respond to your requests and questions. By giving plenty of notice, they can
provide you with the best answers and assistance.

Tip #7:
Learn to appreciate your board. The board members are there to help you resolve
problems and to fix things for the best of the entire community. Board members
do not get paid for their positions, they simply volunteer what time they have
to serve the community.

Tip #8:
If you do not like how things are going then you need to do something to help
change it. By running for a position on the board you can start making the
changes that you feel are necessary. You can also begin to make your board or
management aware of what you think is needed to make positive changes. In order
to better serve the community, they are always welcoming feedback and input on
what is going on throughout the community.

As the wildfires continue to burn in Texas...

... learn what to do if you were in the face of possible danger!

As the fires in Texas continue to destroy homes, take lives, and disrupt business and personal routines, many of us are wondering what we would do if given only a few days, hours or minutes to prepare ourselves for this threat or other natural hazards.

(Firefighters from around the state battle a large wildfire on Highway 71 near Smithville, Texas, Monday, Sep. 5, 2011.  (Erech Schlegal/AP Photo) )

If you are warned that a wildfire is threatening your area, listen to your battery-operated radio for reports and evacuation information. Follow the instructions of local officials.

• 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 the key in the ignition. Close garage windows and doors, but leave them unlocked. Disconnect automatic garage door openers.
• Confine pets to one room. Make plans to care for your pets in case you must evacuate.
• Arrange temporary housing at a friend or relative's home outside the threatened area.

If advised to evacuate, do so immediately

• Wear protective clothing - sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen clothing, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, and a handkerchief to protect your face.
• Take your Disaster Supplies Kit. (see below)
• Lock your home.
• Tell someone when you left and where you are going.
• Choose a route away from fire hazards. Watch for changes in the speed and direction of fire and smoke.

If you're sure you have time, take steps to protect your home

Inside:

• Close windows, vents, doors, blinds, or noncombustible window coverings and heavy drapes. Remove lightweight curtains.
• Shut off all utilities if possible, including bottled gas.
• Open fireplace damper. Close fireplace screens.
• Move flammable furniture into the center of the home away from windows and sliding glass doors.
• Turn on a light in each room to increase the visibility of your home in heavy smoke.

Outside:

• Seal attic and ground vents with precut noncombustible coverings.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Place combustible patio furniture inside.
• Connect the garden hose to outside taps.
• Set up a portable gasoline-powered pump.
• Place lawn sprinklers on the roof and near aboveground fuel tanks. Wetting the roof may help if it is shake-shingled.
• Wet or remove shrubs within 15 feet of the home.
• Gather fire tools.

Emergency Supplies

When wildfire threatens, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may need if advised to evacuate. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffle bags, or trash containers.
Include:

• A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil.
• One change of clothing and footwear per person and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
• A first aid kit that includes your family's prescription medications.
• Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.
• An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash, or traveler's checks.
• Sanitation supplies.
• Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
• An extra pair of eye-glasses.
• Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Assemble a smaller version of your kit to keep in the trunk of your car.

(All this information was found at the U.S Fire Administration and FEMA.

Visit their website HERE! )

Happy Tuesday!

Tip Tuesday: Carbon Monoxide Safety

Glad to see you all back here after the long weekend, we hope you all had a great time!

As we head into cooler months (although this week is still supposed to be HOT!!!), we need to make sure to remember our safety when it come to staying safe and warm indoors :)

Hundreds of people die accidently every year from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by appliances that are not used properly or that are malfunctioning. Learn how to protect yourself and your family.

If the power goes out:
ONLY use a generator outdoors and far from open windows and vents.
NEVER use a fenerator indoors, in garages or carports.
NEVER cook or heat inside on a charcoal or gas grill.

What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that cannot be seen or smelled and can kill a person in minutes. Carbon monoxide is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. Carbon monoxide can build up so quickly that victims are overcome before they can get help.

Once inhaled, carbon monoxide can cause permanent brain damage. It can cause chest pains or heart attacks in people with heart disease.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:
-Headache
-Weakness
-Dizziness
-Confusion
-Fatigue
-Nausea

Although this sounds scary, there are easy ways to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Never burn charcoal inside homes, tents, campers, vans, trucks, garages or mobile homes.

-Do not burn charcoal in the fireplace in your home.

-Never use gas-powered equipment indoors.

-Never use a gas over to heat your home, even for a short time.

-Never idle a car in a garage, even when the garage door is open.

-Never sleep in a room while using an unvented gas or kerosene heater.

-Make sure that chimneys and flues are in good condition and are not blocked.

- Carbon monoxide warning devices may provide additional protection, but should not replace the other prevention steps.

If you suspect someone has been poisoned by carbon monoxide:

-Move person to a place with fresh air immediately.

-Take the person to an emergency roon and tell them you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.

Stay safe and Happy Tuesday!

Tip Tuesday: Prevent those nasty germs!

Well that's it, Monday has once again come and gone and that means Tip Tuesday! Now that Summer vacation is making its last rounds (and might be over already for some kiddos) and its time for back to school! Exciting time as everyone heads back and we have to remember to prevent the spread of germs. We have some great tips from The Washington State Department of Health to help us stay healthy as we head into fall.

Keep your germs to yourself!

-Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose.

-Discard used tissues in the trash as soon as you can.

-Always wash your hands after sneezing, blowing your nose, coughing, or after touching used tissues or handkerchiefs. Was hands often if you are sick.

-Use warm water and soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizers to wash your hands.

-Try to stay home if you have a cough and a fever.

-See your doctor as soon as you can if you have a cough and fever, and follow their instructions. Take medicine as prescribed and get lots of rest.

-If asked, use face masks provided in your doctor's office or clinic's waiting room. Follow office and clinic staff's instructions to help stop the spread of germs.

Keep the germs away!

-Wash your hands before eating, or touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

-Wash your hands after touching anyone who is sneezing, coughing or blowing their nose.

-Don't share things like towels, lipstick, toys or anything else that might be contaminated with respiratory germs.

- Don't share food, utensils or beverage containers with others.

Stay heathy and happy Tuesday!

Power Outages

We're one day late, but who's counting? Alicia, our wonderful Office Manager got married a couple of weeks ago and is currently on her honeymoon. She'll be back tomorrow and I'm so happy! She is the one who posts Tip Tuesday.

So Happy Tip Tuesday!

Power outages can cause a number of safety concerns; knowing the following information can help.

Before a power outage:

• Register life-sustaining and medical equipment with your utility company.
• Consider buying a generator. When installing a generator, follow the instructions carefully. Keep your generator outside and run a cord inside. Don't connect your generator to main service panels- it's dangerous! Be sure to place a carbon monoxide detector indoors. Make sure that your Declarations allow generators. Get permission from your ACC or Board of Directors before installing. 
• Have a corded telephone available- cordless phones will not work when the power is out.
• Have a safe alternative heat source and supply of fuel. Never burn charcoal or use a generator indoors. 
• If you own an electic garage door opener, know how to open the door without power. 

During a Power outage:

• Turn off lights and electrical appliances except for the refrigerate and freezer.
• Unplug computers and other sensitive equipment to protect them from possible surges when the power is restored.  
• Leave one lamp on so you will know when power is restored. Wait at least 15 minutes after power is restored before turning on other appliances. 
• Conserve water, especially if you use well water. 
• Never use gas ovens, gas ranges, barbecues or portable or propane heaters for indoor heating- they use oxygen and create carbon monoxide that can cause suffocation. 
• Candles can cause a fire. It's far better to use battery-operated flashlights or glow sticks for lighting.
• Using a kerosene heater, gas lantern or stove inside the house can be dangerous. Maintain proper ventilation at all times to avoid a build up of toxic fumes, and be sure to have a carbon monoxide detector.
• Stay away from downed power lines and sagging trees with broken limbs. 

Keep food safe:

• Use and store food carefully to prevent food borne illness when power outages make refrigeration unavailable.  
• Use food first that can spoil most rapidly. 
• Keep doors to refrigerators and freezers closed. Your refrigerator's freezer will keep food frozen for up to a day. A separate fully-loaded freezer will keep food frozen for two days.
• Use an ice chest packed with ice or snow to keep food cold. Buy dry ice to save frozen food. Do not handle dry ice with your bare hands. Use blocks or bags of ice to save refrigerator foods. 
• If in doubt, throw it out. Throw out meat, seafood, dairy products and cooked food that does not feel cold. 
• Never taste suspect food. Even if food looks and smells fine, illness causing bacteria may be present.

Have a great day!

Protect Your Pets

Tip Tuesday!

Consider your pets when planning for emergencies. Know where to take your pets in an emergency and remember their needs when creating your family preparedness kit.

Before the Disaster

• Find a safe place for your pets to stay. Emergency pet shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics or friends and relatives out of harm's way are all possible choices. Some hotels and motels may allow you to bring pets; others may suspend their "no pet" rules during an emergency. Check ahead to make sure you can bring your pet. 
• Make sure your pets wear current ID tags all the time, and that carriers for each pet are labeled with contact information. 
• Make sure your pets are current on their vaccinations. Pet shelters may require proof of vaccines.

During a Disaster

• Keep pets in the house as emergency situations develop so you can locate them. 
• Don't wait until the last minute to get ready. Warnings may be issued hours or days in advance. 
• Pet shelters will be filled on a first-come first-serve basis. Call ahead to check availability. Bring the items in your pet's emergency supply kit. 

If you evacuate, take your pets

• If it's not safe for you to stay in the disaster area, it's not safe for your pets. Don't leave animals inside your home, chained outside or roaming loose. They can easily be injured, lost or killed.
• If you leave, take your pet even if you think you'll be able to come home in just a few hours. 
•  Leave early- if you wait for an evacuation order, you may be told to leave your pets behind.

If you don't evacuate

• Keep your pets with you in a safe area of your home
• Keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers, and make sure they are wearing identification. 
• In case you're not home during a disaster, arrange well in advance for a trusted neighbor to take your pets. Be sure the person is comfortable with your pets, knows where to find them and your pet emergency supplies, and has a key to your home.

After the disaster

• Don't allow your pets to roam loose. Pets can get lost if familiar landmarks and smells are gone.
• For a few days, keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers inside the house. If your house is damaged, they could escape and become lost. 
• Be patient with your pets. Re-establish their routines as soon as possible. Be ready for behavioral problems. If problems continue, or if your pet is having health problems, talk to your veterinarian. 

Emergency supply list for pets. Have everything ready to go. Store supplies in sturdy easy to carry containers. Include:

• Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container, and a first-aid kit. 
• Sturdy leashes and harnesses. A secure carrier large enough for your pet to stand comfortably, turn around and lie down. Add blankets or towels for bedding.
• Photos to help identify lost pets and prove ownership. 
• Food and water for at least seven days for each pet. 
• Bowls, cat litter and litter box, and a manual can opener. 
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems and the name and number of your veterinarian. 
• Pet beds and toys, if you can easily take them. 
• Newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items and household bleach.  

Have a Happy Tuesday!

Tip Tuesday: Accidental Poisioning, What to do.

We would never want anything bad to happen but knowing what to do in an emergency can save a life! Here's a good list of preventative precautions and what to do if something happens.

Prevention:

-Keep emergency numbers next to your phone

-Use child-resistant containers (but remember: child-resistant container are not completely childproof)

- Keep potentially poisonous products in their origional containers 

-Place potentially poisonous products out of reach immediately after use

-Put Mr. Yuck stickers in all poisonous products in and around your home, and teach children what the stickers mean. (For more information on Mr. Yuck- or to order Mr. Yuck stickers - visit the Washington Poison Center's Web site HERE.)

Make sure these products are stored safely
-Prescription and over-the-counter medications (Including aspirin and vitamins)
-Disinfectants, deodorants and air fresheners
-All kinds of sprays
-Polishes and cleansing powder
-Fertilizers and weed killers
-Insect and rodent poison; slug bait
-Paint remover and turpentine
-Cosmetics
-Soaps, detergents and shampoo
-Toilet bowl and drain cleaners
-Lye and bleach
-Kerosene and lighter fluids
-Insect repellent
-Mothballs and pesticides

What to do when someone is poisoned:
If it is a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1. If you suspect a possible poisioning call the Washington Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Be prepared to answer these questions:
-What was taken?
-When was it taken?
-How much was taken?
-Who took it? Body Size makes a big difference in determining a poisonous dose.
-The name, condition, age and weight of the patient.
-Addresses and telephone number from where you are calling

Poison Center:
The Washington Poison Center is a 24-hour telephone service providing information and emergency response for poisonings. Staffed by nurses, pharmacists and poison information specialists (and supported by a board-certified clinical toxicologist), the center handles over 70,000 calls a year.

All this information was provided by the Washington State Health department. For more info click HERE!


Happy Tuesday!

Tip Tuesday: Prevent Washing Machine Hose Failures

Did you know?

According to State Farm Insurance Statistics, washing machine hose failures cause approximately $170 million in damages to homes in the United States & Canada. The true figure may be even higher, as this amount accounts for reported claims only.

Now you know! :)

Fortunately, there are some simple, quick and inexpensive steps that homeowners can take to eliminate the problem.

1. Regularly inspect your washing machine hoses.

2. Make sure there are at least 4 inches of clearance between the water connection and the back of the washing machine. This space will help reduce the chances that the hose will kink. 

3. Make sure your connections are secure.

4. Buy a high quality hose. There is one type of hose (Floodcheck) that was originally designed for use in condominiums. It contains a non-corroding rounded brass insert and several other features which
were specifically designed to address the shortcomings found in most washing machines. 

5. Shut off your hoses when not in use. You can either shut them off manually each time, or install an automatic washing machine shutoff valve. 

6. Never leave your washer on when you are asleep or out of the house.

Happy Tuesday!

Be prepared!

My greatest fear in life is something happening to someone that I love.

One way to ease that fear is to be prepared for something unthinkable happening. Government agencies will respond to community disasters but citizens may be on their own for hours or even days after disasters strike.  You should be prepared  to take care of yourself and your family for as least three days. Here is a great list of emergency supplies prepared by the Washington State Department of Health. You can go to the DOH website and find this and many other fact sheets in English as well as Spanish. Many of the sheets are also available in Chinese, Cambodian, Korean, Russian and Vietnamese.

Emergency survival kit:
-Dry or canned food and drinking water for each person.
-Can opener
-First aid supplies and first aid book
-Copies of important documents, such as birth certificates, liscenses and insurance policies
-"Special Needs" Items for family members, such as infant formula, eyeglasses and medication
-A change of clothing
-Sleeping bag or blanket
-Battery powered radio or television
-Flashlight and extra batteries
-Whistle
-Waterproof matches
-Games or books
-Extra house key adn/or car keys
-List of contact names and phone numbers
-Food, water and supplies for pets

Additional Items you can store at home for use durning an emergency:
Cooking Supplies:
-Barbecue or camp stove
-Fuel for cooking, such as charcoal or camp stove fuel
-Plastic knives, forks and spoons
-Paper plates and cups
-Paper towels
-Heavy duty aluminum foil

Sanitation Supplies:
-Large plstic trash bags got trash and water protection
-Large trash cans
-Bar soap and liquid detergent
-Shampoo
-Toothpaste and toothbrushes
-Feminine and infant supplies
-Toilet paper
-Household bleach with no additives and eyedropper (For purifying drinking water)
-Newapaper - to wrap garbage and waste

Comfort:
-Sturdy Shoes
-Gloves for clearing debris
-Tent

Tools:
-Ax, Shovel, broom
-Crescent wrench for turning off gas
-Screwdriver, pliers, hammer
-Coil of one-half inch rope
-Plastic tape and sheeting
-Knife or razor blades
-Garden hose for siphoning and fire fighting

It's a great list but if you have more to add we'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas!

Happy Wednesday!

Welcome to the team, Sara!

Compass Management is pleased to announce the addition to our staff.  Sara Jane Ruggles joins us as a portfolio manager.  Sara, a member of CAI, joins us from ASI Management Company in Coeur d’Alene, ID.  She has experience in community association management. She has a strong back ground in customer service and a passion helping communities succeed in today’s culture and community.  I am sure you will agree with us, in that she is a great addition to the Compass Team.

 

Welcome Sara

Tip Tuesday: First time ever!

Welcome one, welcome all!!!

Thank you for joining us for our first ever Tip Tuesday! We are going to try some different things and would love feed back on what we talk about and see what else you guys would be interested in reading!

Tip: BBQ safely!

With these Summer months finally starting to FEEL like summer, remember safety with your grill when you're out barbecuing. Location is everything when it comes to placing your grill or smoker. Every year hundreds of people cause fires to their houses, garages and patios because they didn't put their grill or smoker in the correct location. Keep the space around your grill clear. I suggest that you take a good look at your equipment and imagine the worst fire you can. Make sure there isn't anything (buildings, trees, etc.) in that space. Also make sure that you runit isn't going to require people to walk too close to hot surfaces and that children won't be playing nearby. Also remember that charcoal grills are not permitted: Gas is the way to go!

Happy Tuesday, all!