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WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 12th, 2016
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Don't Wait, Communicate!
In an emergency, every second counts! That’s why it’s crucial to have a game plan, and why this year’s National Preparedness Month theme is “Don’t Wait Communicate.”
This September, as part of National Preparedness Month, Lancaster residents are encouraged to develop a family game plan. Get started using the steps below:
Download Apps
- First aid: Get instant access to information on handling the most common first aid emergencies.
- Pet first aid: Be prepared to help your furry friends with veterinary advice for everyday emergencies.
- Tornado (receive weather alerts): Receive weather alerts whenever a tornado watch or warning for your community is issued.
Make a Plan
It is important to make sure that the entire family is prepared and informed in the event of a disaster or emergency. You may not always be together when these events take place and should have plans for making sure you are able to contact and find one another.
Get a Kit
- Flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, first aid kit, medications (7-day supply), multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items, map(s), extra cash, towels, blankets, duct tape, and pet supplies.
For additional information, click HERE.
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Say NO to Illegal Dumping!
What is Illegal Dumping?
Illegal Dumping occurs when a person places, deposits, dumps or accumulates refuse on or in any public or private street, public right-of-way or easement, gutter or sidewalk within the Lancaster City limits.
Why is Illegal Dumping a problem?
When illegal dumping occurs, the damage to neighborhoods and the environment can be severe:
- Property values decline.
- Unreported illegal dumping often results in more illegal dumping.
- Illegally dumped material can become a breeding ground for vectors, such as mice, rats and mosquitoes, which can spread diseases such as encephalitis, Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and West Nile Disease.
- Illegal dumping is hazardous to the environment. From refrigerators to tires to auto parts to televisions, many contain heavy metals and other toxins.
- Illegal dumping piles pose a traffic hazard when left in the public right-of-way.
- Illegal dumping costs taxpayers money.
Legal Alternatives to dispose of your unwanted items:
- Take your waste to the CWD transfer station located at 2010 California Crossing Dallas, TX 75220. A copy of your water bill is required.
- Order a special pick up at 972-218-1300. This allows residents to schedule a pickup of bulky waste for a fee.
- Take advantage of the Trash-off events (November 5th).
- Move the unwanted items away from public view until the next Bulk/brush collection.
How can You Help?
Report it! Call 972-218-1200 and provide information that leads to a citation of the illegal dumper.
Fine for Illegal Dumping
Up to $2000.00
Verify your bulk/brush collection schedule HERE.
For additional information, please call the City at 972-218-1300.
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Register Today!
The CodeRED emergency notification system is a communication service available for emergency and non-emergency notifications. CodeRED employs intranet mapping capable of geographic targeting of calls and a telephone-calling system capable of delivering prerecorded messages directly to homes and businesses.
Please register HERE to receive emergency notifications.
Your contact information will remain private and will only be used for severe weather alerts.
For questions, please call 972-218-2600.
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Attendance Awareness Month
The City of Lancaster has joined a nationwide effort to celebrate National Attendance Awareness Month in September. Lancaster recognizes that good attendance is essential to academic success.
Nationally, 5 million to 7.5 million students miss nearly a month of school in excused and unexcused absences every year. Starting as early as kindergarten or even preschool, chronic absence predicts lower 3rd grade reading scores. By middle school, it’s a warning sign that students will fail key classes and drop out of high school.
Chronic absence disproportionately affects children from low-income families and communities of color, creating attendance gaps that exacerbate achievement gaps in local schools. This is not just a matter of truancy. Many children, especially in the early grades, also miss school because of chronic health problems, unreliable transportation or housing moves—barriers that city agencies and community partners can help families address.
In September, schools, city agencies, community nonprofits, faith-based groups, businesses and others around the nation are committing time and resources to raise public awareness and work with community partners to improve school attendance starting as soon as children enter school. At the October City Council meeting, the City of Lancaster will recognize a class from each school in LISD that has no student absences for the month of September.
“Attendance in school is the first step to being a successful student”. Lancaster Mayor Marcus E. Knight says, “As Mayor, I realize the benefits of education and I want to encourage all of our students to make every effort to attend school, and work hard to do their best”.
Research shows that students who miss two to four days in the first month of school are more likely to become chronically absent during the school year. By paying attention to absences early in the school year and early in a child’s academic career, the City of Lancaster along with Lancaster ISD and other community partners hope to turn around attendance and achievement.
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Community Appreciation Day
On September 24, 2016, the City of Lancaster and Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, representing the 30th Congressional District of Texas, will celebrate 24 years of excellence and service. The 24th Annual Community Appreciation Day will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Helen Giddings Amphitheatre at Lancaster Community Park located at 1700 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Lancaster, Texas 75146.
Community Appreciation Day is a FREE event that is structured to give back to the community. As always, this wonderful event will include games, kid-friendly activities, prize raffle, food, health screenings as well as entertainment for friends and families! This event is open to the public and all are encouraged to bring a lawn chair to lounge in while enjoying the festivities!
For more information, please contact Congresswoman Johnson’s office at (214) 922-8885. RSVPs are now being accepted via email or phone for added convenience: katy.johnson@mail.house.gov or 214-922-8885 thru Friday, September 16th, 12 noon.
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Did You Know?
Did you know that you can receive a citation for letting your dog run loose?
Avoid receiving a citation by applying the following:
- Keep your dog and/or cat contained in your yard.
- Dogs must be held by a leash at all times in a park or public playground, except in park areas designated and posted by the parks and recreation department to be "dog friendly areas".
For questions, please call the Lancaster Animal Shelter at 972-218-1210.
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Did You Know?
Did you know the City of Lancaster ordinance (Sec. 22.06.004) prohibits leaving or parking a motor vehicle, boat or other impediment within ten (10) feet of a mailbox, except a United States Postal Service vehicle, and except on Sundays and federal holidays.
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Computer Classes
Learn how to use the internet, make your presentation, utilize designs, insert images and beyond by registering for computer classes at the Lancaster Library. To register, please call 972-227-1080.
For additional information, please click HERE.
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Zika Virus Precautions
Pregnant?
If you develop the symptoms of Zika, see a healthcare provider right away for testing. Testing is recommended for pregnant women at their first prenatal care visit.
Your Best Protection: Prevent Mosquito Bites
Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Treat clothing and gear with permethrin or purchase permethrin-treated items.
- Treated clothing remains protective after multiple washings. If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions carefully.
- Do NOT use permethrin products directly on skin. They are intended to treat clothing.
Indoor Protection:
Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside. Sleep under a mosquito bed net if air conditioned or screened rooms are not available or if sleeping outdoors.
Repellent:
Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)- registered insect repellents. When used as directed, these insect repellents are safe and effective for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Residents can pick up mosquito dunks and repellents at City Hall or at 700 E. Main St.
For additional information, please click HERE or call 888-232-6348.
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Lancaster Eyes & Ears Program:
The City of Lancaster Code Compliance Division is seeking volunteers to join the Lancaster Eyes and Ears program (LEEP)
The LEEP program will primarily perform duties in the field identifying code violations for code officers to perform further investigation. The program is intended to have volunteers aid city staff in improving and preserving the quality of life in our community. These volunteers will help act as the “eyes and ears” in residential and commercial neighborhoods to staff code compliance officers. Citizens are key to identifying potentially serious problems.
Qualifications:
Volunteers are requested to volunteer a minimum of 4 hours per week. Work schedules are flexible based on your availability but are limited to daytime hours. Volunteers must possess a Texas class “C” driver’s license and successfully complete a background check, and reside in the City of Lancaster.
Click HERE for information. You may also contact the Lancaster Code Compliance Division at 972-218-1200.
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Pet of the Week: Meet Buster!
Available for adoption TODAY!
Buster is a male rottweiler mix, approximately 11months old, neutered, has received his rabies vaccination and has been chipped. He's ready for a loving home!
Adoption fees: $15.00 for small dogs and $25.00 for large dogs.
For adoption and volunteer information, click HERE. You may also contact the Lancaster Animal Shelter at 972-218-1210
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