Alligator update, golf cart registration, preventing heat related illness, and more . . .
Alligator Update
Agents from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) spent some time in Lake Kedron checking on the reported alligator. They did not find any sign, but have asked anyone who sees it to get a photo to document it and its location and contact the DNR at 1-478-825-6354. If you see an alligator and it is acting aggressively (hissing or approaching humans or animals), call 911 immediately.
Golf Cart Registration (Lessons Learned – Week 1)
By October 31, all golf carts registered in Peachtree City will need to have a new, white decal to legally operate on the paths. Notices are being mailed to all residential addresses (not just to registered cart owners) over the coming months (about 2,500 per month) with the necessary registration form. After the first week of registrations, Peachtree City staff has the following notes and tips:
Registrants must fill out and sign a new information form. Forms will be included in the mailings, and are also available online at www.peachtree-city.org/decal.
There are three ways to register and pay:
o ONLINE – register through the online form and pay with a debit or credit card through Pay Pal www.peachtree-city.org/decal.
o MAIL-IN – Mail a completed and signed paper registration form and check or money order to City Hall.
o WALK-IN – Bring a completed and signed paper registration form to City Hall and pay with cash, check, or money order.
PTC Police Host Teen CERT Camp July 11-15 – Register by July 8
The Teen Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates young adults about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Classes will be held Monday through Friday, July 11 -15, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Peachtree City Police Department. Participants must be between 13 and 17 years old, and the application and waivers must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. There is no charge to participate, but class size will be limited to 16 participants. A meeting with the parents/legal guardians of those admitted into the program will be held prior to the first class. Applications are available at www.peachtree-city.org/CERT (click “Teen CERT”) and are due by July 8.
Beat the Heat – Avoid Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Summer has arrived with a vengeance, and whether you are working or playing in the heat, be aware of the potential for heat-related illnesses in yourself, your family, and others. Plan ahead when you will be spending time in the heat:
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing, such as cotton.
◦ Avoid non-breathing synthetic clothing.
• Gradually build up to heavy activity.
• Schedule heavy activity during the coolest parts of day.
• Take more breaks in extreme heat and humidity.
◦ Take breaks in the shade or a cool area when possible.
• Drink water frequently. Drink enough water that you never become thirsty.
• Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugar.
Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. Those most prone to heat exhaustion include the elderly, those with high blood pressure, and those spending a lot of time in a hot environment. Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness or fatigue, dizziness, confusion, nausea, clammy and moist skin, pale or flushed complexion, muscle cramps, and fast and shallow breathing. Have the person rest in a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned area and drink plenty of water or other cool, nonalcoholic, and non-caffeinated beverages.
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related disorder and can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given. It occurs when the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Symptoms of heat stroke can include hot, dry skin or profuse sweating, hallucinations, chills, headache, confusion, dizziness, and slurred speech. Call 911 and move the sick person to a cool, shaded area. Cool them by spraying or soaking clothes with water and fanning until help arrives.
Public Works Starts Summer Hours on June 6
In the interests of protecting the health of our crews that are out in the heat each day, Public Works crews start today on a summer schedule of 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. through Labor Day. The Public Works office will remain open until 5:00 p.m.
Project Updates:
Library Lower Level Entrance CLOSED for Repairs – The lower level entrance to the PTC Library remains closed due to cracks in the masonry. The area has been barricaded for safety reasons until repairs are completed. Please use the main entrance to the Library upstairs until further notice.
Rite Aid /Whitlock Ellis Entrance from Peachtree Parkway will have intermittent CLOSURES during construction of the Walgreens at Highway 54 and Peachtree Parkway. Access from Highway 54 will remain open. Even when open, this is a construction area – drive slowly and remain alert when using this entrance. Path access via the Walgreens site remains closed.
Lake McIntosh – Fayette County reports that the Lake McIntosh dam construction continues on schedule for a completion by December 2012, after which the lake can begin filling. The time to fill is estimated to be about one year, but depends on the amount rain and the amount of water withdrawn for treatment during filling.
Highway 74 South Sound Wall Landscaping – The City has received a grant for this project, but will be required to dedicate matching funds. This will be discussed as part of the FY 2012 budget preparation.
Don’t Forget . . .
Water & Sewerage Authority Regular Meeting – Monday, June 6, 6:30 p.m., at the WASA offices at 1127 Highway 74 South. The public is welcome.
City Council Workshop – Tuesday, June 7, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Council has scheduled a workshop to discuss the MacDuff Parkway multi-use tunnel alignment, the City’s tree removal permit process, and the pending update to the City’s comprehensive plan. The public is welcome.
Georgia Department of Labor Job Fair – Thursday, June 9, 4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., at the Coweta County Fair Grounds, 275 Pine Road, Newnan, 30263. Open to the public (please dress in business attire). For further information or other assistance, please contact the Georgia Department of Labor.
Fayette County Commission Regular Meeting – Thursday, June 9, 7:00 p.m., in the County Commission Chambers at 140 Stonewall Avenue West in Fayetteville. The public is welcome. For agenda information, visit www.fayettecountyga.gov/administration/BOC/county_commission_meetings.htm.
Peachtree City Youth Triathlon – Saturday, June 11, 8:00 a.m. – noon, at Glenloch Recreation Center. For more information, visit www.tri4gold.org.
Benefit Bike Ride for Children’s Healthcare of ATL – Saturday, June 11, at the Peachtree City Wal-Mart (2717 Hwy 54 West). Registration from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.; ride starts at noon. For more information, call 770-365-2576.
Free Flicks @ The Fred: How To Train Your Dragon – Saturday, June 11. Gates open at 8:00 p.m., movie begins at 9:00 p.m. or dark. Presented by Dolce Hotels & Resorts. More information at www.amphitheater.org/flicks.html.
Peachtree City Planning Commission Regular Meeting – Monday, June 13, 7:00 p.m., at City Hall. The public is welcome.