Question: I’m wondering if lock boxes are allowed here at Sun City? I know other Del Webb communities allow them. How would one go about getting one and who could install it?
Answer: The lock box you are asking about is called a Knox Box High Security Key Box. It is a way for a key to the building to be mounted in a secure place on the outside of the building where the fire department can use the keys to gain entrance to the building in case of emergency. The fire department has the only key to your box. You don’t even have one.
Commercial Knox Box
The owner of any new commercial building constructed within the Huntley Fire Protection District is required by Code to purchase and install a minimum of one 3200 Series Knox Box High Security Key Box. Keys necessary to access the building are furnished by the owner and stored in each key box to allow Fire Department access during an after-hours emergency. The Huntley Fire Protection District is the only key holder with access to each key.
Residential Knox Box Program
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. To purchase a KNOX-BOX® for your residence visit the KNOX-BOX® Website. Simply enter Huntley in the Department Name field Select Model #1658 or the model of your choice. To see photos of some of their offerings visit their website.
Garbage Disposal Normal maintenance
The blades in your garbage disposal need to be cleaned several times a year. This is much easier to do than you might think. Simply toss six ice cubes into the disposal and turn it on. Warn other family members before doing this as it makes a surprisingly loud noise, but it does an excellent job of cleaning the blades.
Tree sap removal
I had some tree sap on my car that I was having trouble removing until I read Bob Weber’s column Motormouth in the Chicago Tribune. He suggests you use the original blue Dawn dish soap. It is fast and easy and won’t scratch paint or windows.
Prevent a possible flood
Several Woodchucks have reported that a leak developed in the tube connecting their toilets to the wall. Most of these were just dripping into a small puddle, but I did hear of one where the tube broke and caused a major flood.
In Sun City all the tubes I have seen are solid copper. If the bolts holding the toilet to the floor get loose or if people move from side to side on the toilet this can put stress on the tube causing it to fracture and leak. I replaced the copper tubes on my toilets with flexible plastic tubes available at any hardware store. The supply line features a PVC core, multi-filament braided nylon reinforcement, a clear vinyl outer shell, and a grade 304 stainless steel braided exterior that is designed to prevent kinking and crimping. This flexible supply line resists corrosion and is easy to install.
This installation is slightly less complicated than tying your shoes, but here is a three-minute Youtube video to walk you through this installation. Don’t forget to get the water out of the tank before removing the tube.
If you have suggestions for future tips or have questions about maintenance around your home submit them to ask.the.woodchucks@gmail.com
