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Preparing Stormwater Ponds for Hurricanes

Preparing Stormwater Ponds for Hurricanes

4 Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Your Stormwater Pond

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), approximately 40% of the American population lives within coastal areas, despite the fact that they only make up 10% of the country’s total landmass. As anyone who lives on the coast can tell you, populations have continued to increase in recent years. It is unsurprising then that a large concern of many homeowners in these areas is the threat of hurricanes and the associated damage.

Most people in coastal areas typically live on or near man-made stormwater systems, which use inlet and outlet structures, forebays, safety benches, and other specialized components to collect runoff during storms. However, these sites can become a concern any time a hurricane approaches due to the increased risk of equipment damage and catastrophic flooding. The water in stormwater ponds is likely to rise much higher than normal during these events, so it’s important that community associations, municipalities, and private property owners take steps to ensure their waterbodies are in proper working condition during hurricane season.

 


pond maintenance stormwater pond management regulatory compliance

1. Remove Debris

Yard debris should be removed from around the site and streets should be cleaned of trash, since this will be flushed into the ponds via storm drains. Even a single plastic bag or soda bottle could effectively block a control structure and keep water from flowing off-site. Installing debris guards on control structures can be an effective preventative method, as well as the periodic flushing of trash from street drains.

 

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2. Secure Equipment

Many lakes and ponds have fish feedersfountainssubmersed aeration systems, and other electrically run equipment. Unless it is absolutely necessary (like a pump), it is important to shut off and even remove this equipment from the premises. This minimizes the chance of damage to the equipment during a storm, especially if there are any electrical fluctuations. Another option is to install an anemometer to your fountain control box, which will shut off fountain power if wind speeds rise to dangerous levels.

 

Submersed aerators

3. Introduce Aeration

A common phenomenon, both during and after a hurricane, is a fish kill. These events are often caused by the introduction of brackish (high salinity) water or an increase in turbidity (when large amounts of sediment are washed into a waterway). Many freshwater fish species near the coast can tolerate slight changes in water quality if they become acclimated to it, but rapid changes can lead to suffocation.

Fish kills can also be caused by stratification. This means the water is separated by distinct layers of temperatures and dissolved oxygen (DO) levels. The merging of these layers during hazardous storms can cause a fish kill – sometimes within a few hours or days. If it does occur during the storm, once it’s safe to do so it is important to remove as much of the dead fish as possible to prevent poor odors, decay, and the subsequent nutrient pollution that fuels nuisance plant and algae growth. But, if a fish kill has not yet occurred, it may be possible to reverse some of the negative impacts of the storm. Introducing a fountain or a submersed aeration system can help rebalance the water column by gradually circulating and increasing DO. Better yet, Oxygen Saturation Technology can be utilized to rapidly restore DO in the specific water layers that need it without creating thermal stratification.

 

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4. Meet with a Professional

One of the best proactive strategies is a professional stormwater inspection. During these inspections, aquatic management professionals can identify shoreline erosion, clogging or damage to concrete inlets and outlets, problematic invasive species infestations, and any other problems within the infrastructure that may lead to complications during high-water events. Sometimes this inspection can lead to recommendations such as flushing storm drains, repairing cracking hardscape, or clearing vegetation within the wetlands behind outflow structures to facilitate the flow of water from a pond.

 

Prep Your Stormwater Pond Ahead of the Next Hurricane

Hurricanes are stressful events, even without having to worry about stormwater ponds in your coastal community. Understanding the potential areas of concern and creating an action plan ahead of time can help alleviate this stress. A few precautionary measures will help prepare your freshwater systems and will help minimize the chance of flooding, infrastructure damage, and fish kills during this dangerous yet inevitable weather event.

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Professional Mailbox Installation and Repair Company Servicing all Florida Counties

Professional Mailbox Installation and Repair Company Servicing all Florida Counties

  • Posted: Aug 01, 2024
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ASAP Mailbox And More, Inc.

239-262-1165

Professional mailbox installation and repair company servicing all Florida counties

 

ASAP Mailbox and More, Inc. supplies and installs all types of residential curbside mailboxes and all styles of cluster box units ( CBU’s) We are a one-stop source for everything related to installing a new mailbox. From removal of the existing mailbox, to the installation of the new one in concrete, to the address numbering, we handle everything and provide our services in all Florida counties.


ASAP Mailbox And More, Inc.’s main facility is located in Cape Coral, Florida. From this main warehouse and fabrication location, we are able to sell and ship our mailboxes WITH INSTALLATION INCLUDED Nationwide in conjunction with our network of local dealers located in each county.

We take pride in living up to our name “ASAP” when it comes to handling mailbox installs and repairs for HOA’s, property managers and individual homeowners.

From providing complete Community mailbox and signage replacement to repairing a broken bracket for a homeowner, we always handle the project professionally and in a timely manner.

If you need a Mailbox installed please fill out the form below, when filling out the form, make sure to select “I Need A Mailbox Installed” in the select box.

If your need is urgent (mailbox installation, repairs or other needs), please call us at 877-272-7624.

     

View and contact our Members Directory Page on SFPMA.COM

 

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U.S. FLAGPOLE INC IS A FULL SERVICE FLAGPOLE COMPANY – July 4th Flag Poles in stock!!

U.S. FLAGPOLE INC IS A FULL SERVICE FLAGPOLE COMPANY – July 4th Flag Poles in stock!!

  • Posted: Jul 07, 2024
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U.S. Flagpole Inc.

727-217-6487

U.S. FLAGPOLE INC IS A FULL SERVICE FLAGPOLE REPAIR COMPANY

Are you ready for July 4, 2024 ?

Take advantage of years of expertise – contact us for all of your Flag Pole Needs!

Our specialized equipment allows us to repair most flagpoles without the use of a bucket truck, reducing costs or damage by heavy equipment and allowing access in difficult-to-reach areas.

We service the entire state of Florida

Matt McClue
General Manager
U.S. Flagpole Inc.
727-217-6487
usflagpole@yahoo.com

Top Erosion Control Solutions for Lakes & Ponds by SOLitude Lake Management

Top Erosion Control Solutions for Lakes & Ponds by SOLitude Lake Management

  • Posted: Jul 07, 2024
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Top Erosion Control Solutions for Lakes & Ponds

by SOLitude Lake Management

Last week, our industry experts convened to talk about common pain points stakeholders experience around their lake and pond shorelines. During our first webinar viewers learned about top solutions for chronic erosion and effective preventative maintenance tools that can be customized for every property.

Viewers also got answers to dozens of questions during a dedicated Q&A following the presentation. These recorded videos will be available to you at all times so you can refresh your memory or catch up on the latest information. We are thankful for our loyal clients and followers and are honored to help you empower yourself with the knowledge needed to prioritize your waterbody!  Direct link to the webinar page

 

 

 

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Drones capture thousands of high-quality photos as they move in and around buildings at different altitudes.

Drones capture thousands of high-quality photos as they move in and around buildings at different altitudes.

Drones capture thousands of high-quality photos as they move in and around buildings at different altitudes.

Performing drone inspections on a consistent basis allows property managers to observe time-dependent changes such as concrete deterioration, roof wear and tear, and hurricane damage.
At SRI, our FAA-certified pilots perform drone surveys of residential and commercial properties throughout South Florida.
Learn more about our drone services @ https://ow.ly/Qy6u50QWZNw

DRONE SURVEYS

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Drones take many videos and high-quality photos as they move in and around buildings at different altitudes. In a single mission, hundreds of data points can be captured for later use. That data provides a historical record to aid in insurance claims, maintenance and future renovations. At SRI, our FAA-certified pilots perform drone surveys of residential and commercial properties throughout South Florida. We use Catalogger image management software to easily store, search and access image and video data.

FAA-Certified Drone Pilots

All of our pilots have passed the FAA’s Small UAS Rule (Part 107) examination and maintain their flying credentials by passing recurrent examinations every two years.

Image Management with Catalogger
With a simple interface, Catalogger allows users to quickly access and share drone survey photos to guide maintenance, repair, and improvement projects. Image data is stored on the cloud and can be viewed on multiple devices via a password-protected portal.
Mission Planning With Recorded GPS Coordinates

Allows for repeated flights along the same path. Missions can be scheduled periodically to observe time-dependent changes such as concrete deterioration, roof wear and tear, hurricane damage, and modifications to surrounding structures.

Catalogger image management system logo
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10 Reasons to Switch to Keyless Entry

10 Reasons to Switch to Keyless Entry

  • Posted: May 20, 2024
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If you own or manage a building that still uses keys, you’re at a security risk. Keyless entry is a much more effective security solution, leaving your people and property much more secure. When it comes to keyless entry, you can opt for keycards or codes that employees use to gain entry. In either case, only these specific keycards or codes will open the doors that are protected. We’ve compiled the top ten reasons why switching to keyless entry will leave your building more safe and secure.

 

1. Traditional Keys Leave You Vulnerable

Keys are easy to duplicate and locks are easy to pick, leaving your building vulnerable to break ins, theft, property damage, and other issues. Additionally, if a key is lost or stolen, your building is at risk until you get your locks changed, which can be costly and time-consuming. Opting for keyless entry can eliminate these issues and maximize the protection for your building.

2. Access Control

One of the best parts about keyless entry is the ability to turn off a key card’s or code’s access immediately. If an employee is terminated or unexpectedly quits, you won’t have to wait for him to return a key, you can simply turn off his access. You can rest easy knowing that terminated employees will not have access to your building regardless of whether they remember to return their keys or not.

3. One Key Per Person

Often times, different parts of the building need to be accessed by different individuals. Certain employees might be granted full access, while others might only have access to one section of the building. With an access control system, every employee, regardless of her security clearance, will need only a single key card or code. You can customize each employee’s key card or code to grant access to only the parts of the building you want her to have access to. Therefore, every employee will have one key that lets her into all appropriate sections of the building.

4. Tracking Entries

With an access control system, you will get a log of who is entering the building when and from what entrance. This information is a good way to keep track of employees to have a good idea of when most people are gone and security should be heightened. If there is ever a security breach, these logs will be instrumental in conducting an investigation.

5. Losing Your Keys Simplified

If an employee loses her key, it’s no problem. You can quickly shut off access to her old key card and issue her a new one. If you opt for key codes, then there is no opportunity to lose the code. In either case, you won’t have to worry about changing locks or issuing new keys to everyone. Additionally, you’ll never have to worry about forgetting to lock up. In many cases, doors will lock automatically every time they are closed. Because you can access your access control system from a mobile device, it’s easy to check whether the doors are locked and lock them right from your mobile device when they’re not.

6. Cutting Costs

Issuing multiple keys to every employee can be expensive. Key cards are easily replaced and much less expensive. Key codes are easily changed with no additional equipment. If an employee loses a key, you’ll never have to worry about changing all of your locks. Changing the locks and issuing new keys to all employees can be extremely costly. You can avoid these costs with keyless entry.

7. Difficult to Duplicate

If your security system is entirely dependent on traditional keys, you can be very susceptible to theft. Traditional keys are very easy to duplicate. Often, someone can take a key down to the nearest hardware store to duplicate a key. Many people have the ability to duplicate keys at home as well. Key cards, on the other hand, cannot be duplicated without extremely sophisticated equipment. Therefore, using key cards instead of traditional keys will help keep your building more secure.

 

8. Attached to Employee IDs

If your business already requires employees to carry or wear identification, keyless entry can seamlessly integrate with these IDs. You have the ability to make these ID cards your keycards, so that employees do not have something new to carry. If your employees are already required to wear ID, they will not have anything additional to remember and you can be sure that they always have their keycard on them. Integrating keycards with employee IDs will minimize changes for your employees while keeping your property protected.

9. Integration With Security Equipment

Your keyless entry can be easily integrated with existing security measures and surveillance equipment. The doors can include alarms that go off if the door is opened at a time or by a person that it shouldn’t be. You can also set your doors to turn off security alarms when the door is opened by valid personnel. Your cameras can be set up to closely follow movement of anyone entering the building after hours. Integrated keyless entry with your existing security measures will greatly improve the overall security of your building.

10. Simple Installation

One of the best parts about keyless entry is the fact that it does not require significant additional equipment. A simple attachment is added to your existing door. This attachment is what will be swiped or tapped by the key card, or will include numbers that employees will punch in for their codes. The technology of the system operates remotely and therefore does not require additional equipment. It can operate on your existing devices. Keyless entry will not add new equipment to your building and will be simple to install.

United Security Incorporated | Access Control Systems

At USI Integrated Solutions, we bring together a highly experienced team, keen strategic planning and in-depth understanding of the leading technologies in the field. For 27 years we have brought peace of mind to our clients through the careful application of investigative talent and technology implementation.

 


New Member: United Security, Inc. 

Contact:

John Libby
Regional Manager
United Security, Inc.
950 South Pine Island Road-Suite A 150
Plantation, FL 33324
Mobile: (407)-675-7960
JLibby@usisecurity.com
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Ready to Elevate Your Fitness Game?  by Commercial Fitness Products

Ready to Elevate Your Fitness Game?  by Commercial Fitness Products

Ready to Elevate Your Fitness Game?

by  Commercial Fitness Products

Looking to revamp your gym or fitness center? Look no further! We’re your go-to supplier for top-notch commercial fitness equipment in Florida and the Caribbean!
From treadmills to weight benches, we’ve got everything you need to create a world-class fitness space that’ll keep your clients motivated and coming back for more.
Why choose us?
✅ Premium Quality Equipment
✅ Wide Range of Products
✅ Expert Guidance & Support
✅ Competitive Prices
Use the above link to find us on the sfpma directory for condo and HOA’s in Florida.
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HOA Parking Lot Flooded over the weekend?  Now is the time to give  Allstate Resource Management a call!

HOA Parking Lot Flooded over the weekend? Now is the time to give Allstate Resource Management a call!

  • Posted: Mar 27, 2024
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HOA Parking Lot Flooded over the weekend?

 

Now is the time to give

Allstate Resource Management a call!

Our schedule is filling up fast for storm drain cleanings, the rain that occurred this past weekend was a preview of what this summer will look like for your HOA community.

Contact us to talk to a Stormwater Specialist today!

Contact us at 954-382-9766 or info@allstatemanagement.com

Allstate Resource Management | 6900 S.W. 21st Court, Bldg. 9Davie, FL 33404
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Top 7 Reasons to Introduce Lake and Pond Aeration by SOLitude

Top 7 Reasons to Introduce Lake and Pond Aeration by SOLitude

  • Posted: Mar 27, 2024
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Top 7 Reasons to Introduce Lake and Pond Aeration

underwater-aeration submersed diffused aerationPond aeration is the simple, yet effective, process of increasing oxygen levels in a pond and can not only greatly enhance the aesthetic beauty of a pond, but can also improve the natural systems taking place beneath the water’s surface.

Aeration creates destratification of the water column, as lakes and ponds typically consist of stratified layers separated mainly by different temperatures and oxygen levels. Natural resource and environmental managers are often challenged by problems caused by lake and pond stratification.

 


 

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Boost Oxygen Levels with Pond Fountains or Aerators

Through surface aeration with floating fountainssurface aerators, or bottom-diffused aeration, with a compressor pushing air through weighted diffusers, the main purpose of aeration is to increase and stabilize the amount of dissolved oxygen in the entire water column. Aeration systems can have a widespread effect on many different aspects of pond and lake health and can be operated by solar or windmill power if running electricity to your waterbody is not feasible.

 


 

Here are 7 Reasons to Add a Floating Fountain or Pond Aerator

  1. Aeration can help balance water quality, thus reducing water quality problems faced by lake and pond owners and helping “clean” the water of cloudiness and odors.
  2. Submersed aerators help circulate the water column, introducing oxygen throughout.
  3. Aeration helps reduce the amount of free-reactive phosphorus in a pond through oxidation.
  4. Floating fountain aerators are aesthetically pleasing, providing distinction and splendor.
  5. Aeration decreases mosquito activity by creating ripples and moving water.
  6. Aeration provides an oxygen-rich environment in the pond, promoting a healthy habitat for fish and other aquatic life.
  7. Aerators help reduce the overall accumulation of organic sediment on the bottom of the pond.

 


 

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Create Healthy, Beautiful Water with Fountains and Aerators

Implementing the use of an aeration system is a proactive, and cost-effective approach to controlling a variety of challenges when it comes to pond and lake management. Aeration can drastically improve the health of an aquatic ecosystem. With more balanced water quality, troublesome and hazardous issues like algae and aquatic weeds are less likely to develop.

If a healthy pond is a goal, then aeration is one of the first steps one should take toward achieving a beautiful and balanced ecosystem.


SOLitude Lake Management is a nationwide environmental firm committed to providing sustainable solutions that improve water quality, enhance beauty and preserve natural resources.

SOLitude’s team of aquatic scientists specializes in the development and execution of customized lake, stormwater pond, wetland and fisheries management programs. Services include water quality testing and restoration, algae and aquatic weed control, installation and maintenance of fountains and aeration systems, shoreline erosion control, muck and sediment removal and invasive species management. SOLitude partners with homeowners associations, golf courses, private landowners, businesses and municipalities. SOLitude Lake Management is part of Rentokil, a leading business services company, operating across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

For more information, visit SOLitude Lake Management at solitudelakemanagement.com, and connect on FacebookLinkedIn and Twitter.

Contact SOLitude from their membership page on SFPMA Members Directory

 

Learn more by watching the Educational Video

Let’s Talk Fountains & Aeration: An Interview with Our Aeration Expert

March 21, 2023 11:00 am

We often talk about the importance of fountains and aeration, but what exactly is aeration and what does it do for lakes and ponds that makes it so vital? With…

WATCH RECORDING

 

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