Creative Low-Cost to No-Cost Ways to Avoid a Break-In     Think Like a Bad Guy to Deter Burglary While most folks are familiar with basic home security---things like high-quality locks and a monitored security system---there are numerous creative low-cost to no-cost ways to deter the bad guys. But you have to think like a burglar.   Consider incorporating some of the following 10 items to help keep your home secure whether you're away for a few minutes, a few days or all season.   Monitored, closed-circuit cameras are great, but they're also expensive. At a glance, fake cameras can deter criminals, especially kids and other inexperienced thieves. Stop delivery on mail and newspapers or enlist a neighbor to pick them up daily. Also ask your neighbor to clear your porch of flyers and menus if they're left by solicitors. And don't leave boxes for new items by the curb, particularly electronics. They're like signage announcing "Great Stuff to Steal Inside."  Keep your landscape neat and grass manicured when you're away. Nothing says you're not home like an uncut lawn . Install timers on interior and exterior lights and even on your television. Pretend to say goodbye to someone inside every time you leave to deter anyone possibly casing your home. Don't leave your ladder outdoors and help a potential burglar gain easier access to an upper entrance or window. Angle interior mirrors away from the control panel of your security system so as not to offer thieves the opportunity to study your alarm from outside. Don't list status updates on social media. Nothing announces to the world that you're not home quite like a public online post announcing that you're not home. Display generic security system signage and decals. But don't use signs branded by the company that monitors your system. Putting a thief in touch with your monitoring company can help them work around your alarm. Pack up your car before departing on a trip in the privacy of your garage with the door closed. Again, avoid announcing to anyone who happens to see that you're leaving.  Fortunately, burglars are essentially lazy opportunists. In most cases, it's not your home in particular they're looking to burglarize; it's any home that provides easy access. Give the bad guys a reason to avoid yours, and they likely will. But you have to put on your thinking cap---or in this case, your hoodie and dark glasses---and think like a burglar.

Why Serve on Your Board? Here are 10 Great Reasons    Some are Drawn to be Involved. Others Not. No Matter Which Way You Lean, Consider the Following Reasons to Volunteer for Your HOA Board:      1. To protect property values and maintain quality of community. 2. To correct a specific problem like a parking or maintenance issue. 3. To give back to your community and neighbors. 4. To be sociable by meeting your neighbors and making friends. 5. To advance your career and build your resume. 6. To help fill your time and have fun taking part in a large, positive project. 7. To educate yourself on the many facets of running a community association. 8. To express yourself and design creative solutions to residential issues. 9. To earn recognition and satisfaction in a job well done. 10. To give back to your community, your home, the place in which you live and derive pleasure, comfort and security.   Not to mention, of course, that there's a very good chance your neighborhood association could use your help. Strong board members seem to be in demand these days.    GET INVOLVED TIP: For many communities, HOA annual meetings are now beginning. This is the perfect time to inquire about a position on the board, or even just to attend a budget meeting, for example, to see where your monthly dues are being spent and how the decision process works.

Throwing a Holiday Party?   Successful Home Celebrations are Well Planned and Considerate of Neighbors  Who doesn't love a holiday party? In concept, no one. In real time, however, chances are there are exceptions to the rule in your community. But with a little planning, you can throw a successful bash and maintain not only "peace on earth" but peace in your community as well.   General Tips Acquire appropriate association permissions and local permitting if required to assure that outdoor decorations, attendance and temporary canopies, etc. are all by the book.  A firm parking plan is essential. Ask a nearby business to borrow or lease their lot if your property isn't large enough to accommodate your guests. Also, a good valet company can take the entire issue off your hands.  Prior to the event, test run the volume of music planned and listen from various spots around your neighborhood. Remember that not all surrounding homes will experience equal volume. Also, select an appropriate time to lower the volume on party night and stick to it. Consider the general age of your neighbors and their work schedules, etc.  Invite your neighbors. Nothing breeds impatience like a neighbor who feels snubbed. Maybe even consider soliciting help and planning from that neighbor who you suspect might complain. You may find that your next door neighbor "Mrs. Grumpster" actually can be quite pleasant and full of holiday ideas if you give her the chance.  Live in a Single Family Home Community?  The most important thing you can do when throwing a party in a community of single-family homes is to not assume that the extra space between neighbors cancels out any of the general considerations above. In fact, the extra space between properties adds a layer of protective anonymity that can encourage complaints at the slightest provocation. Consider all the general tips above, x 2!     Tips for Condominium Parties   Consider using a property common area like a clubhouse or even the community pool deck. These areas are designed for group socializing and generally located in areas more conducive to parties. With the weather we enjoy in South Florida, a daytime holiday pool party could be the hit of the season! Your neighbors are more likely to be patient during the day than late at night. If you share walls with neighbors, it goes without saying that music and conversation volume becomes of prime importance. Lift speakers off the floor to decrease the traveling bass response. Encourage guests to enter and exit via more secluded avenues if they exist. And don't let guests string out their merrymaking beyond your unit into hallways and common areas. It's tempting not to stir the pot prior to a party and cross your fingers. But not addressing your neighbors beforehand is a recipe for disaster. The farther ahead you let your neighbors in on your plan, the more time they have to get used to the idea. The more you encourage them to be a part of your celebration, the less apt they'll be to object. And the more you anticipate their possible concerns and plan considerately, the more successful your party will be.

Wishing You Happy Holidays From Our Family to Yours, May Your Holiday Season be Happy and Healthy  At CAMS, we're in the business of helping families, friends, neighbors and communities find harmony. We take particular delight in the holidays, and hope you, your family and everyone you love, know and care about has a joyous and healthy holiday season.

CAMS Nominated for Readers' Choice Awards for the Fourth Consecutive Year! Vote Now!   

Click Here to Vote for CAMS.

If the third time's a charm, what's the fourth time? A home run, a grand slam, a sweep? Whatever you want to call it, we're quite proud of the accomplishment and hope that fans of the work we do here at CAMS will see fit to vote for us and help our company again be recognized. Voting takes only a few seconds.    

The Readers' Choice Awards are an honor bestowed by the creators of the Florida Community Association Journal, a publication of the Florida Community Association Professionals (FCAP) trade organization. Community association service providers win with votes from folks just like you who believe that the winning companies demonstrate through their commitment to the community associations they serve an exemplary level of proficiency, reliability, fairness, and integrity.

FCAP is a statewide membership organization committed to the training and equipping of Florida community association managers and board members. FCAP resources include online training, peer-to-peer round tables, events and industry award recognitions like the Readers' Choice Awards.  

Thank you so much for your vote. A vote for CAMS, is a vote for your confidence in us.

How To Prevent Auto Theft Did you know that according to NHTSA data, Florida is one of the nation's leading car theft states? If you don't want a criminal sitting behind the wheel of your car, you need to educate yourself on how to prevent car theft. Virtually no one thinks they'll be the victim of an auto theft, until it's too late. Below are 7 things to remember to prevent car theft from happening to you. 1. Valuables don't belong in your vehicle. One of the main reasons cars get broken into is because valuables are left. Be sure to never leave any valuables in your car and if you absolutely need to, be sure to cover them up or throw them in the trunk so it is not visible. 2. Park intelligently. Parking close to building entrances and near parking lot security cameras adds extra layers of protection, even while parking in a well-lit area.  3. Secure your vehicle. Whenever you park your car, even in your own driveway, always remember to close and lock the windows/doors to help prevent car theft. Especially in this Florida heat, try to resist leaving those windows cracked. 4. Keep track of your keys. Many people make the mistake of hiding a spare key under the wheel or some other place under their car. This is a simple way for criminals to easily gain access to your keys and therefore take your car.  5. Don't leave your car running. Did you know that more than a third of all vehicle thefts occur near the car owner's residence? This is why being aware of your surroundings is important and even if you are in a rush, be sure to bring your car keys with you at all times when leaving your vehicle.  6. Take advantage of a tech-based auto recovery tool. Employing an auto-theft recovery tool could help you get your car back before it's ruined. Systems like OnStar use GPS technology to pinpoint your vehicle and transmit that information to law enforcement. This is a good investment to look into. 7. Use a physical anti-theft device. About 40% of insurance companies offer a premium discount for vehicles that have an antitheft device. These devices go a long way toward car theft prevention. Physical anti-theft devices include vehicle immobilizer systems that prevent thieves from hot wiring your car.

Be A Good Neighbor The use of a leash will benefit not only you, but your pet and your neighborhood.  While on private property, dogs must be under the control of their owners. The intent of a leash law is to protect the safety and health of the public, while protecting your pet as well. The law is in place to protect other members of the public and your pet from injury. This is a friendly reminder of how important is it to keep your dog on a leash to help protect your pet, yourself and your neighborhood.  Following are a few things to keep in mind about leash laws and why it is always a good idea to keep your dog on a leash out in public. "Great 'Good Neighbor' Policy" A leash prevents your dog from trespassing on neighbor's property during your walk. It will also prevent him from jumping on people you encounter, ensuring that your dog has the chance of being properly introduced. "Improved Companionship" Training your dog on a leash comes with improved companionship. A well trained and leash-obedient dog is a pleasure to walk with, therefore not causing a scene to others around you as well. "Your Pet's Lifeline" which is a common phrase for a leash meaning that it is protecting your pet from traffic and unrestrained animals. Accidents or animal bites are greatly reduced when responsible pet owners obey the leash law.It is also a great identification tool, symbolizing that the dog has an owner, and enabling someone who sees the leash and identification tag attached to the dog's collar to find you if you and your pet somehow become separated. Be a good neighbor. Be a good friend. Use a leash.