The Importance of Regular
Exterior Property Maintenance
Regular exterior property maintenance is crucial for keeping your property in top condition, maximizing its value, and ensuring the safety and well-being of its inhabitants. By investing in regular maintenance, you can prevent costly repairs, enhance curb appeal, and prolong the lifespan of your property.
Prevents costly repairs
Regular maintenance helps identify and address small issues before they escalate into major problems. By inspecting and maintaining your property’s exterior, you can prevent water damage, structural issues, and other costly repairs. For example, cleaning and repairing gutters can prevent water damage to the foundation and roof, while sealing cracks and gaps can prevent moisture from seeping into the building.
Enhances curb appeal
A well-maintained exterior creates a positive first impression and enhances the overall appearance of your property. Regularly cleaning, painting, and maintaining the exterior surfaces, landscaping, and hardscape features can significantly improve curb appeal. This is especially important if you are looking to attract potential buyers or tenants, as a well-maintained property is more likely to stand out in the market.
Prolongs the lifespan of the property
Regular maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your property’s exterior features, such as siding, roofing, windows, and landscaping. By addressing wear and tear, weather damage, and other factors that affect the exterior, you can ensure that these features remain in good condition for longer. This can save you money in the long run by delaying the need for costly replacements.
Ensures safety and well-being
Maintaining the exterior of your property is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of its inhabitants. Regular inspections and maintenance can identify potential hazards, such as loose or damaged outdoor fixtures, slippery surfaces, overgrown trees, and damaged walkways. By addressing these issues promptly, you can prevent accidents and injuries.
Overall, regular exterior property maintenance is a worthwhile investment that can save you time, money, and resources in the long run. By staying proactive and addressing maintenance tasks as they arise, you can keep your property in top condition and preserve its value for years to come.
|
DO SMOKE DETECTORS EXPIRE?
YES, THEY DO!
It’s a common question. “Do smoke detectors expire?” Yes, over time they lose sensitivity. The last thing you want is a weak smoke detector in your room while your sleeping soundly at night.
Here’s what you need to know…
The smoke detector works in the background, mounted on ceilings or walls while it constantly and continuously measures the air around it – just waiting to alarm (hopefully never!).
It works hours, days, weeks, months, years – never ending. HOWEVER, eventually at least until one of two things will happen…
1. The batteries go dead.
2. It degrades – expires – due to its effective shelf life.
The U.S. Fire Administration says most smoke detectors installed today have a life span of about 8-10 years. After this time, the entire unit should be replaced. When was the last time you replaced yours?
For more information, guidance, assistance please contact Fire Department Staff at 859.331.1700.
|
View Across I-75 of Billowing Smoke
from the Fire that Destroyed the
Lookout House Restaurant & Into the
Dixie Gardens Ice Bowl & Drive-In
located adjacent to Dixie Highway
August 14th, 1973
|
South Hills Civic Club
Small Event Venue
South Hills Civic Club, located at 10 Bluegrass Avenue, is newly renovated and available for rental. The facility accommodates up to 80 individuals seated and is the perfect place to host your family and friends.
To learn more about rental availability and fees visit our website by clicking here.
|
Vacation Check Program
Sign Up Now!
If you are going on vacation and would like to participate in our FREE Vacation Check Program facilitated by the Fort Wright Police Department (FWPD), please complete a Vacation Check Form. The form lists important information, such as how the FWPD can contact you or another designated person in the event of an emergency. The provision of telephone numbers for alarm companies are helpful too. The FWPD will then keep an "extra eye" on your home while you are traveling and can advise you on essential precautions to take before you leave home in an effort to better secure your property.
Please email your completed form to the FWPD jcolwell@fortwright.com or submit them in person at City Hall, located at 409 Kyles Lane during normal business hours.
|
|
Earth Day
FREE Seedling Giveaway
Saturday, April 20th
10 am to 12 pm
Kenton County Extension Center
Click here for more information about this FREE Event and how to receive up to three (3) Free Tree Seedlings.
|
Mark Your Calendars
Sunday, March 10th, 2024
Daylight Saving Time
Spring Your Clocks Forward!
Sunday, March 17th, 2024
St. Patrick's Day
Saturday, March 23, 2024
Easter Bunny's Neighborhood Visit
Begins at 2 pm
Monday, April 8th, 2024
Solar Eclipse
Saturday, April 20th, 2024
Annual Clean Up Fort Wright Day
8 am to Noon
Details TBA
|
Keep Fort Wright Beautiful
Let's End Litter Together!
Litter is more than a blight in our landscape. Litter is costly to clean up. It impacts our health and well being. It threatens our environment and wildlife. It finds its way into our waterways.
What’s also true is that litter is a solvable problem. Over 90% of Americans believe that litter is a problem in our country.
So how do we end litter? One person and one community at a time! Here are some tips on how YOU can help end litter in Fort Wright.
Carry a Reusable Bag: Keep a reusable bag with you whenever you go shopping to avoid using single-use plastic bags that often end up as litter.
Dispose of Trash Properly: Always dispose of your trash in designated bins or recycling containers. If you can't find one nearby, hold onto your trash until you can dispose of it properly.
Carry a Portable Ashtray: If you smoke, carry a portable ashtray to safely store cigarette butts until you can dispose of them in a proper receptacle.
Pack a Waste-Free Lunch: Use reusable containers and water bottles instead of single-use plastic ones for your meals and beverages.
Clean up After Yourself: Whether you're shopping, at a park, outdoor event, or visiting a hiking trail, make sure to clean up after yourself and leave the area as you found it.
Avoid Littering from Vehicles: Keep your car clean and use car trash bags or containers to collect any garbage until you can dispose of it properly.
Support Eco-Friendly Products: Choose products with minimal packaging or those made from biodegradable or recyclable materials to reduce waste.
Participate in Clean-Up Events: Volunteer for local clean-up events in your community to help remove litter from public spaces. Contact us at info@fortwright.com for specific community volunteer opportunities.
Spread Awareness: Educate others about the importance of proper waste disposal and the impacts of littering on the environment.
Lead by Example: Be a role model by consistently practicing responsible waste management habits, inspiring others to do the same.
Remember, even small actions can make a big difference in preventing litter and protecting the environment and our community. By taking these steps, you contribute directly to creating cleaner and healthier surroundings for everyone to enjoy safely.
|
UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
The Fort Wright City Council meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6 pm. Meetings are held at City Hall in the Council Chambers, located at 409 Kyles Lane. All meetings are open to the public.
Wed - March 6th, 2024
City Council Meeting
Wed - March 20th, 2024
City Caucus Meeting
Wed - April 3rd, 2024
City Council Meeting
Haven't been tuned into your local government's activities lately? No worries, you can catch up quickly by visiting our website, and/or any of our social media pages.
|
Interested in Gardening?
Join the Fort Wright
Dirty Hands Garden Club
Click the link here to learn more about joining this local Club and how to get more involved in
|
|
Fort Wright Police Department Accreditation News
The Fort Wright Police Department (FWPD) is proud to announce that it has received notice of re-accreditation from the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police (KACP). This is the sixth time FWPD has received this award, the first coming in the year 2000.
The K.A.C.P. Accreditation program is a progressive and time-proven way of helping institutions evaluate and improve their overall performance. The cornerstone of this strategy lies in the promulgation of standards containing a clear statement of professional objectives. Participating administrators then conduct a thorough analysis to determine how existing operations can be adapted to meet these objectives. When the procedures are in place, a team of independent professionals is assigned to verify that all applicable standards have been successfully implemented. The process culminates with a decision by an authoritative body that the institution is worthy of accreditation.
The Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Accreditation program is one of the most valuable and cost-effective ways currently available to departments that wish to enhance overall agency effectiveness and professionalism. Accredited departments benefit from the use of consistent and proven procedures, clearly outlined policies, and efficient practices. In addition, accreditation serves to create a feeling of confidence among your residents that their police/sheriff department recognizes the importance of establishing and maintaining as high a degree of effectiveness and professionalism as possible. The Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police mandate police departments go through the rigors of accreditation every four years. The Fort Wright Department underwent an onsite assessment of our agency operations and policies in the summer of 2023.
Special recognition and acknowledgement of Sergeant Rob Griffin (not pictured) who serves as our Accreditation Manager. Pictured is Police Chief Ed Butler receiving the official accreditation certificate in Frankfort on February 28, 2024.
|
|
Sharing The Road
It's Everyone's Responsibility
With warmer weather ahead, you’re likely to start seeing more bikers and walkers on the road, so it’s the perfect time for a reminder to Share the Road. Sharing the road safely with vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians requires cooperation, awareness, and adherence to traffic laws.
For drivers, sharing the road begins with the understanding that bicyclists and motorcyclists have the same rights as you. They also face unique safety challenges, such as being smaller and less visible. Look for cyclists where vehicles do not appear, like before making a left-hand turn at an intersection. Also, be aware that motorcyclists may have to downshift and weave to avoid bumps and road hazards.
Pedestrians have rights on the road, too. Always slow down and be prepared to yield to pedestrians when they’re in a crosswalk. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk, as there may be people crossing whom you can’t see. And, be extra cautious when backing up across sidewalks or in parking lots.
Vehicles:
- Respect cyclists and pedestrians by giving them enough space when passing.
- Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Use turn signals to indicate your intentions, allowing cyclists and pedestrians to anticipate your movements.
- Check blind spots before turning or changing lanes.
- Avoid distractions such as texting or using a phone while driving.
Just like drivers behind the wheel, bicyclists and motorcyclists must obey signs and signals. Ride defensively, assuming others cannot see you, and don’t let yourself be distracted by music, an electronic device, or anything else that takes your focus off the road. Bicyclists should always ride with traffic, use bike lanes when available and avoid riding on sidewalks when possible.
Bicycles & Motorcyclists:
- Follow traffic laws, including stopping at red lights and stop signs.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic, bicyclist should use bike lanes when available.
- Use hand signals to indicate turns or stops.
- Be predictable and visible to drivers by wearing bright clothing and using lights at night.
- Yield to pedestrians and give them the right of way at crosswalks.
Pedestrians should also follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals — which are there to protect you. If there isn’t a sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from vehicles as possible. Always cross streets at crosswalks when they are available; drivers know to look for you there. If there isn’t a crosswalk, cross at a well-lit place where drivers can best see you.
Pedestrians:
- Use designated crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
- Look both ways before crossing the street and continue to check for approaching vehicles.
- Avoid distractions such as texting or using headphones while walking near traffic.
- Make yourself visible to drivers, especially at night, by wearing bright or reflective clothing.
- Be cautious around driveways and intersections, as drivers may not always see you.
Additional tips for all road users:
- Be patient and courteous to one another.
- Communicate intentions clearly and respectfully.
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
- Be prepared to adjust your actions to ensure everyone's safety.
- Educate yourself and others about road safety guidelines and best practices.
By following these guidelines and respecting the rights of all road users, we can create a safer environment for everyone sharing the road. Collaboration, mutual respect, and adherence to traffic laws are key to preventing accidents and promoting harmony among vehicles, bikes, motorcycles, and pedestrians.
Join us in helping to keep everyone safe on the road. Remember, no one — no driver, cyclist, or pedestrian — has sole rights to the road. It’s a shared space where we all have rights and responsibilities for the safety of everyone.
|
|
Safe Internet Shopping
Exchange Zone
In today’s social media world more and more people are conducting the exchange/sale of items through the internet. Routinely, the buyer and seller meet in public locations to make the exchange of sale items. This practice of meeting in a public location is a wise move in these situations, and we discourage you from inviting strangers to your home for this purpose.
As a result, we have established a Safe Internet Shopping Exchange Zone at City Hall. The main parking lot area adjacent to the City Building at 409 Kyles Lane is under 24 hour video surveillance. Additionally, our police department operates out of the adjacent building We strongly encourage the use of this location for facilitation of “Internet Shopping Exchanges”.
|
|
Need Further Assistance - Contact Us! |
|
|
Emergency.........................................................911
City Hall (Non-Emergency)..............859.331.1700
or Visit Us in Person: Monday - Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
