11 Newsletter February 2014

As long as these issues persist I will continue to write newsletter articles and go on Frenchman’s Creek TV to get our residents and guests to act in a safe and prudent manner. Security personnel will also be directed to aggressively address these issues through education and enforcement. I would also encourage residents to take ownership of these issues within their own family and among their peers. It takes all of us to create a safe community! Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions or concerns regarding the topics in this article or security related topic. I look forward to the continuation of a safe season here at Frenchman’s Creek! Extra Holiday Patrols Many of you have commented or inquired about the extra security personnel you have seen on property over the holiday season. Some residents have even stated they don’t like the extra staffing and feel like they are in a “Police State”. The reason for the extra personnel is multifaceted. Primarily, the extra personnel are on property to address the numerous safety issues listed above regarding pedestrians, golf carts and speeding. As the occupancy level of the community increases, so do the calls-for-service. By adding extra staffing we are able to conduct the extra roadway safety patrols while allowing existing staff to respond to normal calls-for-service. Secondarily, the extra personnel are on property as ambassadors of Frenchman’s Creek to assist all of the family, friends and guests who populate the community over the holiday. As ambassadors, they assist in duties such as escorting guests to their intended destination, providing information on where to find specific locations or activities, where to park their vehicle or golf cart and other general requests. Secondarily, they are extra sets of eyes and ears to look out for the well-being of all of our young visitors who are at the playground, pool areas, arcade, clubhouse, Fitness Center, 19th Hole and golf course. We assisted more than one lost child this holiday season in finding their parents. We will continue to increase staffing during the high occupancy holidays in order to maintain the safest environment possible for our residents and visiting family members and guests.

 Pedestrians walking in dark clothing at or after dusk and at or before dawn. As where we all believe this is a common sense issue, we continually have pedestrians who insist on walking in the evening or early morning with dark colored clothing. This is another great opportunity for residents to speak to each other about this practice. Typically, it is not well received when a security officer stops a pedestrian and discusses the color of their outfit. I still encourage our officers to meet with these pedestrians and offer them a reflective vest or illumination device. Most times they refuse, but we will continue our efforts.  Underage drivers driving carts. Our security staff has been given specific instructions on what to do when they observe underage drivers operating golf carts within the community. They are to stop the cart and give the underage driver a ride to their destination. Please understand, we ask the driver their age and if they are licensed. If they look close to the age, we must take them at their word. If it is obvious, we direct them to get into our vehicle and transport them to their destination. This again, is a situation where all residents know the rules and choose to ignore them when their family or guests are on property. Please encourage your fellow members to follow the rules regarding underage driving.  Overloading golf carts and children standing on the back of carts. This is huge safety issue and could result in severe traumatic injury to the young person. Falling from a golf cart travelling at full speed could result in broken bones, head trauma, lacerations, etc… Upon observing overloaded golf carts we do ask the driver to avoid this issue for the safety of their own children.  Golf Carts not stopping at STOP Signs. This is a situation where the person driving the golf cart will pay the ultimate price, financially and possibly, physically. When a golf cart does not stop at an intersection where vehicle traffic exists, they will always lose the encounter. Eventually, the assumption that the other vehicle will stop or slow down will catch up with a driver that takes that risk on a daily basis. For your own safety and that of your passengers, please stop at all intersections with STOP Signs. 4. Golf Cart Safety

February 2014

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