All About Snow and Ice on Our Village Streets and Roads

The effects of the ice and snow we typically experience for portions of each winter remind us of some challenges we can face on our 82 streets and roads in the village. Since some significant storms are possible during our winters, some precautions and contexts are always appropriate:

• • In most instances, residents should plan on having limited driving conditions and possibly slippery walking conditions for 12 - 48 hours following relatively rare instances of heavy snow and/or ice; street and road conditions typically improve quickly within that time frame. 
  • For emergency medical transportation in such weather, contact 911. Emergency responders have the equipment needed to reach homes even during major weather events.

• • The State of North Carolina owns 50 (61%) of the 82 streets and roads in the village. Recognize that only NCDOT and/or its duly authorized, suitably equipped contractors are allowed to plow, treat, or otherwise maintain any state secondary roads in Fearrington Village. The state must give priority to clearing Interstates, four-lane roads, and other main highways first, so patience may be necessary for NCDOT to get to the state secondary roads in the village as well as all across North Carolina. See this table for a list of the state-owned, state-maintained secondary roads in the village. State roads are shaded in ROSE colored-fill background; service group owned roads are shaded with a light gray colored-fill background color. Note that the FHA does not own or maintain any roads in the village.

• • • During the three successive major ice and snow storms back in February 2015, NCDOT began to plow and treat our state roads within a day-and-half to two days following the end of each of the storms. Considering the 909 miles of hard paved roads they must cover just in District 8 (our district), their attention to our roads was quick and was very appreciated.

• • Small neighborhood HOAs (service groups) are responsible for maintaining their own streets and are, therefore, responsible for any winter storm clearing or treatment they may feel is necessary or advisable. Six service groups own 32 (39%) of the streets and roads in the village. See this table for a list of roadways owned and maintained by the service groups.
  • Note that NCDOT does not work in any subdivision in the County after night fall. If residents leave vehicles parked along the edge of roadways within the village, the road crews will not plow that road; therefore, for the sake of neighbors on your street, please do not park your vehicle(s) along the roadway during a snow storm.

Message from FHA Health, Safety, & Security

 

Community Emergency Response Team

December 2020

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is a nationally supported, locally implemented initiative that teaches people how to better prepare themselves for hazards that may affect their communities. CERT trains them in basic disaster response skills such as team organization, disaster medical operations, fire safety, and light search and rescue. 

Local CERT programs train and organize teams of volunteers to assist their families, neighbors, co-workers, and other community members during emergencies when professional responders may not be immediately available to provide assistance. 

Before, during, and after disasters, CERT volunteer teams perform basic response activities including checking in on neighbors, distributing information to the public, supporting emergency operation centers, and helping to manage traffic and crowds. The ability for CERT volunteers to perform these activities frees up professional responders to focus their efforts on more complex, essential, and critical tasks. CERT volunteers also support their communities by organizing, promoting, and participating in emergency events, activities, and projects.

With training and information, individuals and community groups can be prepared to serve as crucial resources capable of performing many of the emergency functions needed in the immediate post-disaster period.

Some examples of training provided include:

• online classes
• talks by emergency professionals
• and actual field exercises.

Over the summer, CERT volunteers participated along with the CORA Food Pantry in the Farmers to Family program to deliver food to families. CERT provided the manpower to load boxes onto charity vehicles.

In October 2020, CERT volunteers assisted in a Helicopter Aquatic Rescue training event at Jordan Lake. CERT volunteers also worked with the Chatham County Public Health Director to provide traffic control personnel for the Employee Drive-Thru Flu Clinic. This exercise served as a precursor for the possible distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine when made available.

At one time, Fearrington Village had our own CERT program; however, because of statewide CERT budget reallocation, the program was transferred to county control. If you are interested in joining or learning more about the CERT program, contact info@ChathamCERT.org or Fearrington resident Steve Krasnow at kkras4@verizon.net.

Current Knox Box Owners-Please Read.

The Chatham County first responders will be in Fearrington Village during the month of October checking all the current Knox Box owners units. You don't need to be home, we just wanted you to be aware that they will be looking at each unit.

ABOUT the Knox Box Rapid Emergency Access Key Safe: The Residential Knox-Box® is a high-security key safe designed for single-family homes that only local emergency responders can access. With a Residential KNOX-BOX® installed, emergency responders can respond quickly, without forcing entry. They simply remove your entrance key stored inside, provide medical assistance, and re-lock your door when they leave. Order from www.knoxbox.com or call 1-800-552-5669. If you have questions, call the Center at 919-542-6877 weekdays between 9:00-1:00 pm.

Recent (September 12, 2020) Fender Bender Accident & Explanation of the 15/501 & Village Way Traffic Signal

On Saturday, September 12th, 2020, you might have noticed or heard about another minor collision at the entrance of Village Way on 15/501. While the cause is not known at this time, it could easily have been caused by drivers not understanding the sophisticated computer-controlled traffic light sequences at the 15/501 and Village Way intersection and/or the rules about which vehicles have the right-of-way depending on which traffic signal lamps are lighted.

This is an appropriate time to review the computer-controlled traffic signal system, which features occasional GREEN and RED steady (solidly) lighted arrows, and the almost always flashing YELLOW arrow, all of which display for SOUTHbound traffic (moving toward Pittsboro). The relatively rare steady GREEN lighted arrow means that all the signal lights in the opposite direction are glowing RED for all NORTHbound traffic (headed toward Chapel Hill), as well as for any vehicles negotiating a right turn to enter Village Way using the short set-off lane. Every time all those Northbound lights are Red, Southbound traffic on 15/501 will have a steady, solid GREEN ARROW, and all Northbound vehicles facing those Red lights MUST YIELD to vehicles crossing 15-501 to enter the village via Village Way. In such an infrequent instance, those with a solid green arrow have the right-of-way. Thus, If you are traveling North from the direction of Pittsboro, want to turn right to enter Village Way, and all the signal lamps are RED, you also MUST STOP and yield to any traffic crossing the highway to enter the village. Remember that in such an instance the traffic in the opposite (southbound) direction ALWAYS has a SOLID GREEN arrow to enter the village, which means that they have the functional equivalent of a solid green light. When SOUTH-bound traffic has a FLASHING YELLOW arrow (which is the most frequent occasion), they MAY turn left onto Village Way as long as there is no oncoming traffic approaching from the opposite direction. Since such traffic is moving at speeds often in excess of 60 MPH, this can be a hazardous crossover maneuver, especially since it is very difficult to accurately judge how much time you have to avoid being hit by those approaching vehicles, which are—in fact—closer to you than they may appear to be. If the Southbound traffic sees a SOLID RED left arrow, just like any Red light, that means Northbound traffic has ALL GREEN lights and Southbound drivers cannot turn left and cannot make the left U-Turn. In such an instance, southbound drivers have NO left-turning right-of-way until the signal lighting pattern changes. Two additional important things to remember: (1) when you are exiting from Village Way by turning right onto 15-501 (to go Northbound toward Chapel Hill), cars across the road making a U-turn MAY HAVE A SOLID GREEN ARROW at that same time, and if so, they, not you, have the right-of-way. And (2) in North Carolina traffic law, every driver (whether they have the right-of-way or not) must drive in a manner to avoid an accident if at all possible. If you have the right-of-way and another driver has usurped it, you do not proceed if doing so will cause an accident. Stay Safe. Warren Ort, FHA Director / Health, Safety, & Security (HSS) Jon Darling, HSS Traffic Safety Committee Membe

What to Do if a Bat Gets in Your House

What to Do if a Bat Gets in Your House

"Bats are like people: They panic and can't calm down," a researcher said. Here's how you can help safely evict your unexpected visitor. Tracy Wait Dowd was in her second-floor apartment in Kingston, N.Y., one night in July when she heard a noise in her kitchen: A bat was fluttering near the overhead light.

Chatham County (NC) Prepares for Height of Hurricane Season Amid COVID-19

Chatham County (NC) Posted this Notice on Their Website on 09/01/2020 12:15 PM PITTSBORO, NC – As Chatham County prepares for the height of hurricane season, it is also taking measures to reduce the possible spread of COVID-19 to ensure residents remain safe from incoming storms and the virus. Chatham County residents are also encouraged to plan ahead by making an emergency plan, building a kit (a “go bag”) and preparing for power outages that could last for several days. “This hurricane season brings us additional challenges that are quite unprecedented. Not only is an above-normal to extremely active season predicted, but we continue to respond to the coronavirus and must take necessary precautions in our emergency planning,” said Chatham County Emergency Management Director Steve Newton. “Due to COVID-19 still being present in our community, residents are advised to utilize an emergency shelter as a last resort and should make plans in advance to stay with a family member, friend, or another safe place.” Emergency Shelter Plans Depending on the forecasted impact, emergency management officials may recommend Sheltering in Place instead of opening a disaster shelter. Chatham County will not open a pre-landfall shelter, before a storm hits, except under imminent direct threat of an extreme event (forecast of direct, sustained, significant impact less than 24 hours out). If congregate sheltering is required, Chatham County’s strategy will be to open one facility. A second facility will be considered if the first shelter reaches 75% of its COVID-19 capacity. Chatham County may pre-position, and possibly deploy equipment and supplies in to one or more designated shelter facilities – but keep the facilities closed until impact and demand is known. Members of the public should exercise additional caution when traveling to a shelter as trees and power lines may have fallen, and roads may be flooded. Residents should obey road closed signs and follow directional signs when checking in to a shelter. Emergency Shelter Safety Precautions Shelter(s) open in Chatham County will abide by strict guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19. All clients, staff, and volunteers are required to wear face coverings and physical distance will be monitored and enforced among individuals who are not part of not in the same household. Each client will have their temperature checked and must complete a questionnaire related to the coronavirus; those who are confirmed positive or are symptomatic must remain isolated from other shelter clients. The use of cots will be limited to those clients with medical issues, and six feet of distance must be maintained from individuals who are not part of the same household. Meals and snacks will likely be individually packaged, such as boxed or bag lunches, heater meals, and/or Meals-Ready-To-Eat (MRE). Cleanliness will be key at Chatham County emergency shelters. Facilities will be cleaned often, and staff and clients must wash their hands and use hand sanitizer often. Make an Emergency Plan and Kit Residents are advised to make an emergency plan and create a kit now. An emergency kit should include the following items: Water (1 gallon/person for 3-7 days) Food (non-perishable) Cell phone and charger Blanket and pillow Seasonal changes of clothes and sturdy shoes Prescription drugs and first aid kit Toiletries Flashlight and extra batteries NOAA weather radio Cash Important documents Families with infants or pets should include food, medication and other necessary items for them. “As we approach the height of hurricane season, it’s critical more than ever this year that Chatham County residents plan ahead for their families and not wait until a major storm is on its path toward North Carolina with potential impacts on our community,” added Newton.  

For more information on preparing for hurricane season during COVID-19, residents are encouraged to visit chathamnc.org/ready-chatham. When the Emergency Operations Center is activated, residents with questions may call the EOC at 919-545-8181. 

How Long It Would Take A Hacker To Guess Your Password, Visualized

How Long It Would Take A Hacker To Guess Your Password, Visualized - Digg

We all know our passwords probably aren't as safe as they should be (looking at you, people who have used their pet's name plus their birthdate for the last 10 years) - but would it take a hacker nine months to guess yours, or 25 seconds?

The August 2020 Chatham County (NC) CERT Meeting Will be Held Online Only on August 26, 2020 Starting at 6:00 PM

This Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Meeting is Online-Only

Our subject this month is one that was requested by this group during the March survey: Home Security.

Presentations will include ideas on how to set up your home for security against burglars and break-ins, and information from a Chatham County Sheriff's Deputy on what to do if you have a break-in or home invasion, how to react to responding police, local crime statistics and more. Please come with your questions.

We encourage everyone to participate in this month's important topic. Pre-registration is not required, but please put this on your calendar now so you don't forget!

Zoom information (computer only):

Click on this link to join the meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88476789445?pwd=cmFsTjEvcDZmMW12Q2RHa2I0T2o0UT09

If that does not work for some reason, go to https://zoom.us and enter the following:

Meeting ID: 884 7678 9445

Passcode: 495273

Preparing Older Adults for 2020 Hurricane Season

Older Adults Hurricane Season.pdf

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About Fearrington Village Community Watch

You have seen the signs along our entrance roads for many years and may have wondered what sort of program this is. 

Our Community Watch program consists solely of informational resources to encourage residents to be mindful of their exposure to some potential risk of criminal activity, how to minimize such risks, and how to report incidents if they should ever occur. 

Please note that our program is NOT a neighborhood patrol program. To learn more about our information resources, visit this page on the FHA website, where you will find a wide range of safety recommendations, tips, and links to related information. 

While ours is not a crime-ridden neighborhood, we are not immune from the risk and we all need to be vigilant. While rare, in the past 10 years there have been several prior home burglaries and recently there have been several incidents of items taken from unlocked vehicles parked in driveways in the historic district. 

Three Most Important Recommendations

• Keep an eye out for your nearby neighbors and your neighborhood.  If you see something suspicious, say (report) something. 

• When leaving your home (even for a short period of time), you should lock your home and garage doors and close any open ground floor and garage windows. At night, you should close and lock all ground floor windows (including the garage, especially if it is connected to your home).

• Always lock vehicle(s) when left outside and close all the open vehicle windows and don't leave valuables (such as wallets, purses, handbags, smartphones, computer tablets, etc.) inside any locked or unlocked vehicle (even if stored in the glovebox or other covered storage locations (where anyone could easily find them by searching unsystematically and untidily through the interior.  

The Chatham County Sheriff's Department does occasionally patrol our village, but Chatham County is very large and they cannot be everywhere or anywhere at once.

Severe Weather Preparedness & Recovery During COVID-19

Severe Weather Preparedness and Recovery During COVID-19 - Convergence of Climate-Health-Vulnerabilities

This post is part of a series on the convergence of COVID-19 and weather/climate. Each post covers only part of the complex, evolving situation we all are trying to prepare for, respond to, and learn from. Therefore, any recommendations should be considered within your individual geographic, economic, and social context.

East Camden Traffic Compliance & Risk Report (Month of March 2020)

As part of a March 01 - 29, 2020 FHA village speed study, and at the invitation of Camden Rark, Inc (HOA), the FHA's speed monitor was stationed on East Camden along the edge of Camden Park at a location just past Madison and almost across from McDowell.

During those 29 days, the monitor collected an array of traffic data, which is documented in the embedded graphic below, which was taken from the summary table for the Compliance & Risk Report and which is briefly described in the paragraphs below

Main Conclusion: the highest vehicle speed recorded by the 9,063 vehicles that passed the monitor over those 29 days (March 01 - 29) was 40 mph (one vehicle) on March 29th. 

The data displayed in the table below can be summarized as follows:

68% (6,152 vehicles) were in compliance with the 25 mph speed limit (7 mph - 25 mph); 32% (2,859 vehicles) were in the low-risk range (26 - 35 mph); 0.06% (52 vehicles) were in the Medium-Rish category (35 - 44 mph); 0% were in the High-Risk category (45+ mph). The average speed was 26 mph. 85th percentile* speed was also 30 mph.

To Open a Larger Version of this Graphic, Click here. 

*Note that the 85th percentile speed is a term used by traffic engineers to define the speed that 85 percent of drivers will drive at or below under free-flowing conditions. Most people don't drive according to the posted speed limit, but instead account for the visual aspects of the road and a 'feel' for the road.

January 06, 2020 -- NCDOT Official, Highway Patrol Supervisor, & Capt. Maynor from County Sherrif's Dept Speak About Safety Issues on 15/501

DOT tells 15-501 neighbors: We're considering intersection changes

PITTSBORO - Nearly 100 residents of Fearrington Village and other developments around U.S. Hwy. 15-501 packed into the auditorium of Galloway Ridge at Fearrington Monday night to hear from local law enforcement and N.C. Dept. of Transportation officials about changes coming to the corridor in Chatham County.

2020