The Chalkline
April 2015
Volume: 15
Issue: 4
Board of Directors Meeting:
Thursday, April 2nd at 11 am; 21 West End, North 2nd St., behind the Farris Wheel, off of Garrison Ave.
General Membership Meeting:Thursday, April 2nd at noon; 21 West End, North 2nd St., behind the Farris
Wheel, off of Garrison Ave.
Meeting Sponsor: Right Mind Advertising, Inc.
Speaker: Ivy Owen, Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority
Mason Barr Golf Tournament
Friday, May 15th
Vache Grasse Country Club
Greenwood, AR
10 am—Sign in & 11am—Shot gun Start
Please support the greater Fort Smith area youth by participating with a
team or sponsoring a hole, during our annual Mason Barr Scholarship
Golf Tournament. For more information contact the HBA office at 479452-6213 or Chuck Fawcett at 479-484-5588…
Team: $150, 3 man team, cart and lunch, provided by Citizens Bank
Hole Sponsor: $250
Don’t miss out, register today!
Important Spring Cleaning Safety Tips
By Chuck Fawcett
President, The Greater Fort Smith Association of Home Builders
If spring cleaning is on your to-do list this month, it’s important to work safely, whether you’re simply clearing winter
debris from your lawn or tackling a major renovation project.
Here are some simple steps you can take to ensure that you are protecting yourself, your family and the environment
as you check off the chores on your list.
Ladder Safety
Ladders can be hazardous when not used properly. In many cases, accidents and injuries occur while using ladders
because they are improperly placed, not secured, not the right size for the job or the user overreaches.
When working with ladders always remember to:
Read and follow all warning labels that are on the ladder.
Use ladders only on solid, stable and level surfaces.
Keep your body centered on the ladder; never lean over either side rail.
Never stand on the top two rungs of a step ladder.
Only use a step ladder in a fully opened and locked position; never use it while it is closed, partially opened or
leaning on a structure.
Protect yourself from electrical hazards and do not work within 10 feet of overhead power lines.
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Moving Heavy Objects
Spring cleaning often involves moving heavy objects such as couches, tables, entertainment consoles and bookcases. A serious injury can occur in these situations, too. In order to eliminate the risk of objects falling and to lift
items safely, always have another person help you.
More tips for lifting heavy objects include:

Get close to the load.

Maintain an upright posture from the waist up.

Lift with your legs, not your arms or back.
Pivot on your feet, don’t twist from your waist.
Cleaning Products
Using chemicals during cleaning can pose a hazard to not only yourself, but also to the environment. Read the labels of all chemicals you are using and follow all the recommended safety practices. These may include: wearing
protective gear such as gloves and goggles, not mixing the substance with other cleaners, opening windows for ventilation, and following proper disposal guidelines.
Or, consider using all-natural cleaning products that can be equally – if not more – effective than their traditional
counterparts. Be sure to read all the labels on these products, as well, to ensure that they truly are green. Natural
cleaning products that you may already have in your cabinet include baking soda, lemon juice and white vinegar.
Yard Tools
Make sure you have properly maintained any tools or equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Have your lawnmower serviced yearly, never remove guards or safety devices, and wear appropriate eye,
body and hearing protection.
For more information on home maintenance, contact The Greater Fort Smith Association of Home Builders or visit
nahb.org/forconsumers.
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We Don’t Want to Lose these Members!
Custom Electronics, Elliot Electric Supply, Eric Morrison Construction, Harold
Hamm Construction, Heritage Construction Management, Jones Flooring & Tile,
Rainwater Enterprises, Rodebush Construction, Sagely & Edwards Realtors,
Schwartz Stone Company, Stock Building Supply, Sutherland’s Central, Turn Key
Construction Management and Williams Complete Home Improvement.
These members are due for renewal. Please encourage them to renew.
Thank You for Renewing your Membership
Hug Chevrolet Buick GMC, Jones Home Builders, Inc., Arkansas Oklahoma Gas,
Denton Contractors, AAA U Rent-It, Carrington Creek Homes, Bancorp South, and
Fort Smith Radio Group
2015 Show Case Home
Supervising Contractor: Steve Robberson,
Robberson Custom Homes
The Borough at Middleton Addition
Realtor: Bradford & Udouj Realtors
Thank you to the following members; for your generous contribution:
Financing
WACO Title Company
Weather Barr—Vinyl Windows
FFO Homes
—Furnishings
Brown Hiller Clark
Builders Risk