The snow season is upon us, and following, you will find vital information to make it through the winter!   PLEASE HAVE YOUR FURNACE CHECKED AND CLEANED EVERY YEAR.  Please be sure that the contractor checks the flue for any obstructions to prevent carbon monoxide back up.  Homeowners and landlords throughout Illinois were required to install carbon monoxide detectors by January 1, 2007.  This alarm may be battery operated, plug-in with battery backup, or hardwired into the home's AC power with a secondary battery backup.  Approved alarms bear the label of a nationally recognized testing laboratory and comply with the most recent standards of the Underwriters Laboratories or Canadian Standard Association.   ORDER OF OPERATION AFTER A SNOWFALL: It is always intended that the main streets be plowed first after a 1” snowfall.  However, the snow contractor will not begin plowing until the snow has stopped falling. Driveways are plowed, PROVIDED THAT VEHICLES ARE NOT PARKED IN THEM, OR DIRECTLY NEXT DOOR TO THEM.  Your car should be moved from your driveway within 12 hours following a snowfall.  If it snows in the evening, your car should be moved by the next morning.  Should the contractor need to hand shovel your drive due to your vehicle being parked there, the cost of the hand shoveling will be billed back to your account.  This occurs only after a complaint from a neighbor.  We do not automatically hand shovel. THIS IS YOUR ONLY WARNING!  Although the plows will plow as close to the garage door as possible, there may be unplowed snow in this area. Sidewalks and stoops are cleared. Blown or drifted snow is plowed, as needed. De-icing chemicals are spread, on an automatic basis. Plowing will begin at one of three starting points; therefore, allowing an even time distribution of snow removal for all residents. NO PARKING IS ALLOWED ON ANY STREET AFTER A TWO-INCH OR GREATER SNOWFALL UNTIL PLOWING IS COMPLETED.  VEHICLES PARKED IN VIOLATION WILL BE TICKETED AND/OR TOWED.   ICE BUILD-UP on driveways and sidewalks/stoops will be a problem on some buildings depending upon the exposure to the sun.  Do NOT use salt!  Please use either potassium or calcium chloride, as these cause the least amount of damage to the concrete and surrounding vegetation, and will melt the ice at lower temperatures than rock salt.  If you experiencing a problem, please call Rowell before noon to expect ice melt to be applied that same day.  PLEASE EXERCISE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING AND WALKING WHEN ICING CONDITIONS EXIST.

IMPORTANT WINTER TIPS: **Remove all hoses that are connected to outside water spigots. Leaving a hose hooked up is inviting the possibility of a pipe burst. Anyone leaving a hose connected to a spigot will be held responsible for any resulting damages.   **During below zero temperatures, remember to: Keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to keep water pipes from freezing. Keep water trickling out of each faucet, as moving water is less likely to freeze. Keep all storm doors and windows shut tightly. Plastic coverings may be used on the interior of windows ONLY – no exterior plastic is permitted.  **If you will be away for any portion of the winter season, leave your heat ON at normal levels. DO NOT leave faucets running while you are away. Leave your location with a neighbor, have your home checked regularly, and inform Rowell if you will be gone for an extended period of time.  Forms are available at the Clubhouse to provide Rowell with an emergency phone number while you are out of town.   **Should a pipe burst occur, turn off the main water line and call Rowell at 847-991-6000, 24 hours a day.   **If you have a sump pump connected to main sewer lines, this line may freeze up in severe cold weather. If you hear your sump pump running continuously, go outside and disconnect the line from the underground pipe and lay it on top of the ground. This will allow it to properly drain.   DOWNSTAIRS OWNERS: If you own an underhang that is NOT metal, it must be cleaned and removed in the fall. Metal underhangs may remain up, but should be checked to be sure that they are secure.   UPSTAIRS OWNERS: Snow should be regularly removed from your balcony when there is an accumulation. Call Rowell to arrange to have your balcony shoveled, if you wish, at your cost.   If you are handicapped, please have your name registered with Rowell, so that they have a clear idea of those residents that have more difficulty during harsh weather conditions.   Seasonal decorations may not be affixed to the building or landscaping which may cause damage.  Please use common sense when decorating for the holidays.  Decorations must be removed once the holiday has passed.    During the holiday season and throughout the year, may we all have patience and consideration for our neighbors and for all those who live in our community.      Call Rowell if you are unsure about anything pertaining to Association Rules or Maintenance.