SHUTTERS: Temporary or permanent exterior shutters may only be installed or closed during a storm event, or when a storm event is imminent. A "storm event" is defined as a meteorological event in which winds in excess of 40 mph or rainfall has occurred, or is expected to occur on the properties. If you intend to install any shutters, other than those provided by the Developer, you will need the approval of the Architectural Control Committee.

YARD, PATIOS, DECK: Please remove all furniture, potted plants and other movable objects if a hurricane watch is issued.

INSURANCE: Do you have the proper insurance in the event a hurricane would strike? The homeowners association insurance covers only the common elements such as the community buildings, community pool, etc ... Please take a few minutes to review your Homeowners Policy to make sure you have appropriate coverage.

SEASONAL RESIDENTS: Have you designated a responsible person or firm to care for your home should it suffer hurricane damage?

LANDSCAPING & IRRIGATION: Many residents have expressed concerns due to the drought we have been experiencing for the last 3 months.

Each entity within the Abacoa community has an allotment of IQ water which must be evenly distributed to all areas within that community. That is why no additions or changes to the existing irrigation design plan are allowed unless it would result in the same usage of water, and any plantings are approved by the Architectural Review Board.

Please do not affect the other homeowners who are on the same zone by choosing to increase your personal allotment.

An irrigation system is designed to complement "Mother Nature" ... it is not designed to replace rain. Replacing landscaping during a drought will not allow for the newly planted materials to establish themselves.

Numerous calls have been received and documented on trees and bushes within the common areas that have died over the last two months. Your association will be replacing those items as soon as the rainy season begins. Please remember that any flowers you have planted may need to be watered by hand.

PETS: For your convenience, a doggie station has been put in each community. We are asking all residents who have pets to please pick up after them Immediately, and make sure they are on a leash at all times. Don't forget ... there is a leash law in Palm Beach County, and all owners are responsible for their pets.

ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL COMMITTEE: Please remember that all exterior alterations must be approved prior to the project beginning. We try to complete the process as soon as possible. This approval process is to protect everyone's property values.

ARE YOU OPEN FOR CRIME? Did you know that in almost half of all residential and vehicle burglaries, thieves simply breezed in through unlocked doors or crawled through open windows?

All the security information and equipment in the world will do no good if a homeowner or vehicle owner does not follow several important safety rules:

Don't hide a key around your house. A burglar knows where to look, and may find the key no matter where it is hidden. As an alternative, consider giving an extra key to a trusted neighbor.

Don't put any personal identification on key rings. This way, if keys are lost or stolen, they cannot be traced to a residence or vehicle. As an added precaution, if keys are lost or stolen, change the cylinders in the locks immediately.

Don't leave windows open. An open window in a home or vehicle is an open invitation for a burglar to come in and help himself.

Don't leave valuables in the open. This is needless temptation to anyone casing the house or vehicle for a burglary.

Don't leave the doors unlocked or open, even if leaving for just a little while. Again, this is just asking to be burglarized.

Make sure all tools and ladders are put away. Everything should be stored in a locked garage. Tools can be worth a considerable amount of money and can be easily taken if not locked up. Tools can also be used to facilitate entry by a burglar.

At night, leave yard lights on. A light makes it difficult for someone to break in through doors or windows without being seen by neighbors or officers patrolling the neighborhood.

For further security information, or to request a Free Home Security Survey, contact the Jupiter Police Departments Community Activities Unit at: (561)746- 6201.