Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1483107
Traffic and parking rules are discussed year-round but get the most chatter during festive seasons. Your HOA's road rules may change, and parties and gatherings invite guests into the neighborhood who may be unaware of them. Familiarize yourself with your community's driving laws and remember to: • Slow down. Reduce your speed to account for the increased foot traffic and extra cars on the road. • Communicate guidelines. Scan your governing documents for any special rules that apply to guests, like parking passes, street parking, or security check-in, and communicate relevant information. • Watch for signs. Look out for any temporary road signs that might direct additional parking spaces, holiday hours, or driving recommendations. Before hanging lights and decorating your yard, brush up on any new or established holiday decoration rules. Your governing documents may detail timeline, color, noise, and light restrictions. Once you know you're good to proceed, create magic (with caution) and: • Use ladders safely. Examine the ladder before you set it up, wear a pair of non-slip shoes, and designate a trusted friend or family member to hold it stable. • Inspect holiday lights before hanging. Make sure your lights are rated for outdoor use. Scan for signs of damage, such as frayed wires or missing bulbs, and never hang damaged lights, as they can pose a risk of an electrical fire. • Tone it down. While you might have noise restrictions in your community, decorations emitting music or sounds might also compete with sirens from approaching emergency vehicles. • Rethink inflatables. Whether inflatables are allowed in your HOA or not, remember to secure them properly and inflate them sufficiently so they don't become a safety hazard. It's crucial to maintain an appearance of occupancy to comply with your association's requirements and minimize the chances of burglary. Nudge your HOA board to share these tips so there's a collective effort to keep the HOA crime-free: • Keep things tidy. Retrieve mail and newspapers, mow your lawn, and take out and bring in trashcans. • Look like you're home. Put your lights or TV on timers and leave a car parked in the driveway while traveling. • Monitor your yard. Stay on top of maintenance and landscaping. • Add lighting. Illuminate exterior doorways, paths, and walkways to prevent concealment, injuries, and accidents. • Check your equipment. Guarantee light fixtures are tamper-proof and exposed wires are hidden, and use motion-detecting lights. • Implement smart technology. Products like video doorbells, cameras, smart locks, and smart lightbulbs allow you to keep an eye on your home when you're gone. Bonus Get To Know Your Neighbors Creating connections is one of the cornerstones of HOA living. It's important to know your neighbors to build trust and camaraderie. A neighbor might be the person you rely on to turn on your porch light while you're away or report suspicious activity or behavior. Here are some ideas to meet neighbors: • Attend events. Go to board meetings, community events, and educational sessions to learn what's happening. It's a chance to meet your association's leadership and interface with other residents, too. • Facilitate a holiday activity. An opportunity to work with your board, you can also help shape lasting bonds by hosting an activity that everyone can participate in. Ideas include a decorating contest, cookie swap, or donation drive. • Join the neighborhood watch committee. A neighborhood watch program or committee encourages safety and security by staying in touch with local law enforcement, patrolling the neighborhood, and sharing tips with fellow residents. Parking & Traffic Limitations Outdoor Decoration Rules Appearance of Occupancy Guidelines 35