Number 229, October 2022
City of University Park, Texas, 3800 University Blvd.
"If I were a burglar" - home security reminders
In the September Arbor we stressed it's important to lock your vehicle every time you park it. We also mentioned that victims of vehicle burglary often admit to leaving their valuables in plain sight, making it much too easy for thieves to take valuables and other belongings.

So, how about your home security? Do you lock your doors whenever you are away? Do you lock up at night? Does that include closing your garage doors?

If I were a burglar, I would have selected your house, vehicle or yard!

As part of their nightly patrol activities UPPD officers are leaving this door hanger at homes and on vehicles when they notice something that could make a home and property more attractive to burglars and others involved in crimes of opportunity.  
Park Cities Recycling Event scheduled for November 12
The next Park Cities recycling event will take place in the SMU parking lot on the south side of Burleson Park on Saturday, November 12 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Here is another chance to clear out your garage, attic and closets of old financial and medical documents, outdated or unused electronics and even clothing and furniture.
Paper products and documents that can be disposed of include: Tax records, medical records, legal files, financial records, invoices, canceled checks, blueprints, contracts, payroll records, company letterhead, junk mail containing personal information and any information that contains credit card, social security, driver license and account numbers.

Accepted E-waste items include: Computers, computer monitors, computer accessories, TV’s, printers, DVD/CD players, copiers, fax machines, scanners, cell phones and chargers, external hard drives, video and camera equipment, video game systems, cables, power cords, power strips and more.

Participating firms/organizations

  • Friends of the University Park Library will be on-site collecting new and gently used books for the Second Chapter Bookstore (no textbooks please).
  • Shred-it will collect and shred all documents on-site.
  • Global Asset collects and disposes of all E-waste items. In addition to working with the City and other municipalities, the company currently supports over 150 clients in the public sector. Global Asset removes data on all collected storage devices using Department of Defense security standards.
  • Salvation Army will also be on-site. Donated items must be in working condition, and contain all parts and accessories. Clothing items must not be torn or stained. The Salvation Army will also take all wood furniture, refrigerators, stoves, washing machines, dryers and any other appliances. All donors will be given a receipt for tax deduction purposes. 
Fire Prevention Week - October 9 through 15
The 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week is coming up, and the Chalk One Up to Fire Safety contest is coming back again this year! Hyer Elementary, UP Elementary and HPMS/MIS will be competing and they need your votes!

All three schools will create a chalk drawing that represents fire safety. Photos of the drawings will be posted on our Facebook page on Wednesday, October 12 and voting will take place through Monday, October 17. To vote for your favorite drawing, all you have do is "like" the specific school's photo. The school with the most likes will win a pizza party with UPFD!

Also during Fire Prevention Week, we will be answering your burning questions. Do you have any questions that you have been wanting to ask the Fire Department? Send them to media@uptexas.org or DM us on our social media accounts. UPFD will be answering them throughout that week.

For more information about fire safety and Fire Prevention Week, visit nfpa.org/fpw. We can’t wait to see the awesome chalk drawings and answer your burning questions!
Is your smoke alarm chirping?
According to the National Fire Protection Association, about 60 percent of home fire deaths happen in homes without properly functioning smoke alarms. Having a working smoke alarm in your home greatly increases your chance of surviving a fire.

Because smoke alarms rely on a power source to function properly, it is critical to check them monthly. Batteries too weak to sound the alarm should be replaced. Because most alarms “chirp” when battery power is low, it is critical to replace the battery promptly, rather than disconnecting the alarm.

Smoke generated by fire is a silent killer. Most fire deaths occur from smoke inhalation when residents are asleep. A primary component of smoke is carbon monoxide, which can slowly suffocate victims. A functional smoke alarm can provide early detection and make the difference when minutes count.

UPFD offers assistance with smoke alarm installations

For those needing assistance, especially the aged and individuals with disabilities, department members will test home smoke alarms. If necessary, the department will provide and install smoke alarms for free. To arrange a visit please call the department’s administrative secretary at 214-987-5380.
Register for Eggtober - October 10 through 24
It's almost Eggtober time! Again this year, the Parks Department will fill a dozen Halloween eggs per child, and hide them in your front yard on October 30.

The eggs will be filled with peanut allergy-friendly candy and toys. Emails will be sent to those who register before the delivery date with further details. Participants must live in University Park. Registration opens on October 10 and closes on October 24. The registration form will be posted on the City's website on October 10.
Halloween Spooktacular at UP Public Library - October 29
UP at the Library Family Time: Halloween Spooktacular Saturday, October 29, 2 to 4 p.m.

Enjoy fun for the whole family at UP Public Library! Our annual Halloween Spooktacular will feature airbrush tattoo artists, spooky crafts, trick or treating, and Story Time with the Library Witch.
Fall Festival at the Holmes Aquatic Center - October 29
Drop by the Holmes Aquatic Center on Saturday, October 29, from 5 to 8 p.m. and celebrate the fall season. This fun-filled, family-friendly evening features games, candy, trick-or-treating and a costume contest. The event is free for UP and HPISD residents.
Severe storm disaster loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest disaster loans to non-farm businesses of all sizes, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters who suffered losses caused by the severe storms and flooding that occurred August 22 through August 25, 2022. For more information, click the green button.
October repairs on University Blvd. Bridge
On Saturday, October 8, NTTA will begin resurfacing the University Boulevard Bridge over the Dallas North Tollway. This work will involve removal of the existing concrete and placing a new concrete surface. This project will require a full closure of the bridge, and drivers can expect to see various construction vehicles, including water trucks and concrete mixers. Traffic control, including barrels and detour signs will be in place. The closure is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 8 and continue through Thursday, October 13, weather permitting. There is no overnight work anticipated with this project. 

Detour information

NTTA has distributed this flyer to homes near the work site, containing details about the repair process and a map showing westbound and eastbound detours.
Block party registration
The City welcomes the opportunity to supply residents with warning cones and signs for neighborhood "block parties." Applications must be received no later than three working days before the scheduled event.

Residents are reminded that block parties are not allowed on October 31. This policy assures that proper traffic flow is maintained, especially for emergency vehicles.  

To learn more or to submit an application, click on the button below. 
Prescription Drug Take Back Day - October 29
Saturday, October 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., University Park residents can dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs by stopping by the Fire Station side of University Park City Hall at 3800 University Blvd. This effort, hosted by UPPD, is part of a nationwide drug disposal program started by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
A reminder - Residents don’t have to wait for a national Drug Take Back Day event to dispose of prescription drugs. The Police Department has a MedReturn box at City Hall. It’s located inside the building’s 24-hour entrance (3800 University Blvd.) next to the City’s 911 call center. The MedReturn box will not accept liquid medications, inhalers, needles, syringes or lancets.
Friends of UP Public Library