City Announces Flood Awareness Program

Last week San Antonio Emergency Management, Public Works Department, and City Council launched a new flood emergency awareness initiative. The San Antonio Flood Emergency (SAFE) System will "provide early notification during heavy rains and heighten public awareness on flooding."

Key to the program is the city's "coordinated flood preparedness website: http://www.safloodsafe.com/. The user-friendly website will provide valuable information such as weather forecasts; interactive maps including low water crossing and flood zones; and additional tools to create a more comprehensive understanding of flood safety." See the press release for more details.

The screen print below is from the site's mapping feature. Six officially registerd low water crossings are nearby, including three in the vicinity of Braun and Leslie Rds, two on South Hausman Rd and another near Prue and Bandera Rds.

Please use caution when traveling these roads during and shortly after heavy rains. Also be alert to other low water crossings not identified here (i.e. the entrance to Braundera YMCA) and the potential hazards of our own washes.

Braun Rd Crash Results in Serious Injuries

The Express News reported a driver lost control of her speeding vehicle and crashed head-on into an oak tree along Braun Rd Monday afternoon. The crash occurred on Braun near Brevard. The driver was the sole occupant of the vehicle and was airlifted to University Hospital. See the News story for more details.

February 2009 Safety Committee Report

Cellular on Patrol
The COP conducted six patrols during February. There were no significant incidents to report.

Eighteen residents are certified to participate in Cellular on Patrol. The next training will be conducted by SAPD at the Prue Road Substation, Thursday nights, March 19 and 26, 6:00 - 10:00 pm. Call AMS for more information.

Blue Armor Patrol Summary
Officers performed a follow-up investigation of reckless driving complaints. Results were provided to Association Management Services; action is pending AMS and HOA Board review.

Blue Armor identified 26 garage doors open overnight during the month. This far exceeds previous months. Remember to check your doors before bedding down.

SAPD Responses
Police responded to 11 calls for service to FSR during February compared to 12 calls during February last year. The monthly average for 2008 was 14 responses.

For February 2009, dispatch logs indicate two cases of threats/harassment, a report of criminal mischief, a disturbance, and an identity theft. There were two suspicious vehicle reports; one at Ferris Creek on 7 February, another at Braun and Finesilver, 16 February.

Three miscellaneous cases were reported from the same residence, 13 and 14 February.

One vehicle burglary was reported 12 February on Ferris Branch; however, a police report was not recorded.

Interestingly, there were no burglar alarm calls. This is a first since the FSR Safety Committee began tracking police responses three years a go. Some months, such calls accounted for half of SAPD responses to FSR.

Residents of Greenbriar near Nichols ES reported an assault and a miscellaneous case.

Greenbriar, with about 1/4 the number of homes of Finesilver Ranch is the closest gated community and, presumably, has similar demographics for crime reporting comparison purposes.

Sex Offender Watch
As of this post, no registered sex offenders live in Finesilver Ranch.

SAFD Responses
There were no SAFD responses to FSR during February. First responders did answer a call, 17 February, to Braun and Old Tezel for a crash involving an NISD school bus transporting students to Nichols ES. Several FSR children aboard the bus were shaken up.

Check back or subscribe to the FSR Safety Committee Blog for updates throughout the month.

Mangy "Coyote" Roams NW Neighborhoods

The San Antonio Express News posted a story this past week about a "mange-covered coyote" roaming the neighborhood near Tezel and Silent Sunrise. Whether the animal pictured is in fact a coyote or some other canine remains to be seen, but the story reminds us that FSR residents should be aware of their options when dealing with wild animals and stray domestics. See FSR Safety's January post for animal control information.

Entry Gate Struck By Hit & Run Driver

At approximately 6:45 this morning, a driver repeatedly struck the gate to gain entry to Finesilver Ranch. Improved surveillance video capabilities led to identification of the driver responsible, and a report was filed with SAPD. The Association Management Services Gate Department was notified; repairs will be made as soon as possible. The HOA will pursue compensation for the damage.