Table Rock HOA now covers charge for backflow testing

You might receive a green card from the City of Walla Walla requiring backflow testing of irrigation systems.

With the annexation of Table Rock subdivision by Walla Walla, all homeowners are subject to this mandatory test, which has a deadline noted on the card.

As a service to our neighborhood, the Table Rock HOA board has contracted with a company that specializes in this testing. This was done in the interest of full compliance, convenience for each homeowner, and securing a discount. No action is needed on your part and your report will be provided to you after testing. If you have any questions, please contact Lew Krueger.

For fireworks safety, follow these tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, National Council on Fireworks Safety, and the City of Walla Walla:

• Always read and follow label directions.
• Have an adult present.
• Buy from reliable fireworks sellers.
• Ignite outdoors.
• Have water handy.
• Never give fireworks to small children.
• Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks.
• Light one at a time.
• Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.
• Store in a cool, dry place.
• Dispose of properly.
• Never throw fireworks at another person.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

In Walla Walla, fireworks are allowed from 9 a.m. on July 4 until midnight on July 5.

The following fireworks are prohibited in Walla Walla (see this post on the city website):

• Sky rockets, including bottle rockets.
• Missile-type rockets, such as roman candles.
• Firecrackers or salutes “chasers,” or ground-level rockets.
• Jumping jacks or other fireworks that may move unpredictably.
• Any firework specifically designed to make a loud noise, such as a whistle, explosion or report (bang).
• Any firework not defined as a non-aerial common firework.

Children sometimes play in the drainage lot at the south end of Wenaha. This is a use-at-your-own-risk area. The visible concrete drainage system poses a risk for serious injury if a child happens to trip or fall in that location. Additional risk is possible when water collects in the pond or ice forms in the area. Please exercise due caution.

The City of Walla Walla maintains the Table Rock streetlights. If you notice flickering or burned out streetlights, you can report the problem directly to the city by calling (509) 527-4363.

Door-to-door sales agents periodically visit our Table Rock neighborhood. Some may be polite and represent goods or services of interest. Others may use high pressure tactics to gain a sale at your expense.

The Federal Trade Commission advises people to beware of these signs of a scam:

• Pressure to act now to take advantage of a limited time offer.
• Offer of “free” equipment to get you to sign a contract.
• Scare tactics, such as a security systems agent saying, “Burglaries have occurred in your neighborhood.”

There’s wisdom in the old adage “If something sounds too good to be true…” Time is on your side in a high-pressure sales pitch. Stand your ground and insist on time to investigate and review the company, service or product.

A little online investigation can save you from making a costly mistake. If you’re not familiar with checking things out online, ask a family member, friend or neighbor for help.

Finally, don’t sign anything without reading it carefully. If oral promises have been made, make sure they appear in writing on the contract as well.

As a safety measure, the FTC has a cooling-off rule that allows you three business days to cancel if you sign a contract in your home or at a location that’s not the seller’s permanent place of business. And you don’t have to give any reason for cancelling.

If you have concerns about any door-to-door sales in our neighborhood, please contact a board member.