Lead-based Paint/Hazards Disclosure

Lead Warning Statement

Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Before renting pre-1978 housing, lessors must disclose the presence of known lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the dwelling. Lessees must also receive a federally approved pamphlet on lead poisoning prevention.

The Ravenna Housing Authority has successfully demonstrated “Lead-Hazard Free” in the completion of the Housing & Urban Development and Environmental protection requirements.

Property was inspected September 16, 2002, by Alloy Specialty.

Certificate of “Lead-Hazard Free” may be found in the manager’s office at the Grand Manor, 1001 Grand Ave. Ravenna, NE 68869, during posted hours.

(Resolution 2025-2)

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM (VSS) POLICY

The Ravenna Housing Authority (RHA) is committed to enhancing the quality of life of its residents by integrating the best practices of safety and security with technology. The safety of RHA residents and employees is of paramount importance. A critical component of a comprehensive safety plan is the utilization of a Video Surveillance System (VSS). The surveillance of public areas is intended to deter crime and assist in protecting the safety and property of the RHA community. 

GENERAL PRINCIPLES:

The Ravenna Housing Authority (RHA) is authorized to select, coordinate, operate, manage, and monitor all VSS pursuant to this policy. VSS footage and related information shall be used exclusively for law enforcement and /or official business purposes as determined or approved by the Executive Director or the Board of Directors or designee. The VSS shall be used in a professional and ethical manner in accordance with RHA policy and local, state, and federal laws and regulations. All personnel using camera surveillance or obtain footage thereof are responsible for complying with this policy in their respective operations.

PURPOSE & SCOPE: 

This policy applies to all personnel and departments in the use of security cameras and their video monitoring and recording systems. VSS cameras are or may be installed in situations and places where the security and safety of either property or persons would be enhanced. To ensure the protection of individual privacy rights in accordance with the Authority’s core values and state and federal laws, this policy is adopted to formalize procedures for the installation of surveillance equipment and the handling, viewing, retention, dissemination and destruction of surveillance records. 

The existence of this policy does not imply or guarantee that the VSS will be live monitored by personnel in real time 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
 

Cameras will be limited to uses that do not violate the reasonable expectation of privacy. Where appropriate, the cameras may be placed outside buildings and inside building doorways, hallways, and lobbies. The functions of all cameras fall into three main categories:

A.     Personal Safety: Where the primary intent is to monitor and/or capture video and store it on a secure device so that it may aid in the investigation of any crimes against the person or deter a potential threat thereof.
B.     Property Protection: Where the primary intent is monitor and/or capture video and store it on a secure device so that it may aid in the investigation of any crimes against property or deter a potential threat thereof.
C.     Extended Responsibility: Other official uses as determined or approved by the Executive Director and the Board of Commissioners.

APPROPRIATE USE & CONFIDENTIALITY:

All VSS images and captures are the sole and confidential property of the RHA. No footage shall be shown, disclosed or disseminated to the media, public, internet or any other unauthorized person(s) without prior written approval from RHA, the Board of Commissioners, or Law enforcement personnel.

All information and/or observations made available through the VSS shall only be used for law enforcement purposes or other official purposes as determined or approved by the Executive Director.
No recorded image shall be altered in any manner.  The only narrow exception allows for faces of non-participants in an incident to be blurred or otherwise obscured for privacy reasons in the event a video or image is officially released to the media.
The VSS is not configured to detect or record audio.  

RESPONSIBILITIES & AUTHORITY:

Responsibility for oversight of the VSS and associated policies, standards and practices is delegated by The Executive Director in consultation with the Board of Commissioners or their respective designee. These responsibilities include:

1. Procurement, deployment and use of the camera systems. 
2. Coordinating evaluation and analysis of the most effective placement of cameras. 
3. Authorizing the placement of all cameras. 
4. Authorizing the purchase of any new camera systems. 
5. Reviewing existing camera systems and installations and providing feedback and recommending required changes to bring them into compliance with this policy. 
6. Creating and approving department and Authority standards and procedures for cameras and their use. 

VSS MONITORING & REVIEW:

A. RHA and/or law enforcement personnel may monitor and review live camera feeds and bookmark footage as needed to enhance public safety. 

B. RHA and/or law enforcement personnel may assign selected police personnel to review live camera feeds, bookmark footage and access and/or record and/or download archived footage to aid in investigations or enhance public safety. 

C. RHA and/or Law enforcement personnel shall conduct directed live monitoring based on observed and/or reported suspicious activity not individual characteristics. Direct monitoring of Individuals based solely on characteristics of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability or other protected classification is strictly prohibited.
USE OF CAMERAS FOR CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS:

In addition to the fixed VSS cameras the use of mobile or hidden video equipment may also be used in criminal investigations by the RHA or other local, state or federal law enforcement agency. Covert video equipment may also be used for non-criminal investigations of specific instances which may pose a significant risk to public safety, security and property as authorized by the Chief of Police or Office of the General Counsel.
VIDEO CAPTURE REQUESTS: 

VSS recordings shall be kept on the RHA secure server for a minimum of (30) days. 

1. All internal requests for video    evidence within the RHA must be submitted in writing or electronically to the Chief of Police or designee. Sworn personnel are reminded that recording video and images become evidence upon download to disc and need to adhere to established chain of custody protocol in subsequent handling. 
2. All video capture requests from non-police personnel within the RHA must be forwarded in writing or electronically to the Board of Commissioners for approval. Note: authorized police personnel are available to provide testimony relative to a video capture’s      authenticity but cannot otherwise participate in disciplinary and/or administrative matters unrelated to public safety. 
3. No footage shall be authorized for release that may compromise a potential or ongoing criminal investigation or is otherwise detrimental toward the interest of public safety as determined by the RHA Executive Director, law enforcement personnel or Board of Commissioners 
4. All video capture requests shall contain the following information:
5. Location to include specific information about address, hallway, floor, exit or elevator as applicable. 
6. Date(s) of interest.
7. Time period(s) of interest.
8. Detailed reasons for interest.
    

EXCEPTIONS:

This policy does not address the use of privately owned cameras by individuals or Webcams for general use by or within the RHA. This policy also does not apply to the use of video equipment for the recording of public performances or events or educational purposes.

Barbecue Safety Rules and Guidelines

General

· Set up your grill in an open area a minimum of 10 feet away from any structure and away from dry leaves or brush.

· Place your grill on a level surface away from low hanging trees, deck railings, or any combustible materials.

· Do not use your grill in a garage, breezeway, porch, balcony, roof, fire escape, or under any structure that can catch fire.

· It is always a good idea to have a fire extinguisher on hand when grilling.

· It is a good practice to use long handled barbecue tools and flame retardant mitts.

· Do not wear loose clothing while grilling. 

· NEVER leave children or pets unattended near a hot grill.

Charcoal Grills 

· NEVER use gasoline or kerosene as a lighter fluid.

· Always use charcoal grills in a well ventilated area. Charcoal briquettes emit deadly carbon monoxide gas. See warning below.

· After using charcoal lighter fluid, cap the container and move it a safe distance away from the fire.

· Never add any type of flammable liquid starter fluid once the coals are burning.

Charcoal Disposal 

When you are done with your charcoal grill be sure to dispose of the coals responsibly. Allow coals to completely burn themselves out. Coals can take up to 48 hours to completely extinguish themselves. If you are unsure if the coals have completely burned out, add small amounts of water to the coals. Improperly disposed of coals have started many fires even when they are a day or two old. Since used coals can easily reignite when they are exposed to fresh air it is very important to follow these precautions:

· Allow coals to burn out completely and allow the ashes to cool for 48 hours.

· If you must dispose of coals/ashes before they are fully cooled soak them with water.

· Always dispose of the coals in a metal container.

· Ashes can be wrapped in aluminum foil prior to disposal.

· Never store used coals inside. Never store used coals near combustible materials.

· Never burn charcoal indoors even if you think you have proper ventilation.

· Since charcoal produces carbon monoxide fumes never store a recently used grill indoors with used briquettes.

Gas/Propane Grills 

Liquid petroleum (LP) gas or propane, used in gas grills is highly flammable. Each year approximately 30 people are injured as a result of gas grill fires and explosions, and these are reported cases. The amount of people actually injured is far greater. Many of these fires and explosions that occur are a result consumers using a grill after it has been sitting for a period of time, or, just after refilling and reattaching the grills gas supply. To reduce the risk of fire or explosion a user should routinely perform the following safety checks:

· Check the (Venturi) tubes that lead to the burners for any blockage. Spiders like to nest in these tubes. Insects and food/grease can also block these tubes increasing the chance of fire. Use a pipe cleaner or specialty brush to clear blockage in the tubes.

· Check the grill hoses from your gas supply tank and side burners for cracking, brittleness, holes or leaks. Make sure there or no sharp bends in the hoses/tubing.

· Be sure your supply hoses are not in contact with the fire box and that they are not exposed to hot dripping grease when the grill is in use. If the hoses cannot be moved and they appear to be an issue, a heat shield can be installed.

· Replace connectors if they appear to be bent, scratched, nicked, or cross threaded. Damaged connectors are a serious hazard and should be replaced before putting the grill into use.

· Check for gas leaks, most manufacturers of grills have instructions in their owner’s manual on how to effectively perform this. If you detect a leak, immediately shut off the gas supply and do not use the grill until the leak is fixed.

· Do not attempt to repair a tank valve on your own. See a qualified natural gas/propane dealer or appliance repair person for assistance.

Gas/Propane Grills 

· When lighting a gas grill always open the lid before turning on the gas. Turn on the gas and light immediately. Do not allow gas to “build up.” 

· When lighting a gas grill that does not have a built in ignitor a long fireplace match or lighter with a metal extension should be used.

· Keep your face, hands and clothing as far as possible from the ignition source when lighting.

· Do not attempt to light a grill with a cigarette.

· Never use a gas/propane grill indoors. Use the grill a minimum of 10 feet away from any structure. 

· Never use the grill in your garage, balcony, deck handrails, or under any cover that might catch fire.

· Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for grill usage.

· Always turn off the gas supply to the grill when not in use. 

· Never store flammable liquids, like gasoline near your grill.

Use caution when storing LP gas tanks. Containers should always be stored upright. To avoid accidents while transporting LP tanks, a person should transport the tank in in a secured upright position. Never keep a filled tank in a hot car or car trunk. Heat can cause the pressure in the tank to increase and open the relief valve causing gas to escape.

Please use extreme caution and always follow manufacturer’s instructions when disconnecting and connecting LP gas containers. 

In October of 1995 a leak hazard requirement was passed which addresses the following:

· Grills manufactured after October 1, 1995 must have:

o A device to limit the flow of gas in the vent of a hose rupture.

o A mechanism to shut-off the grill, and 

o A feature to prevent the flow of gas if the connection between the tank and the grill is not leak proof.

If you are using a grill that was manufactured prior to October of 1995 you should be aware that the safety features above may not be present, making the above system checks all that more important.

Carbon Monoxide Warning 

Charcoal produces carbon monoxide (CO) when it is burned. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate to toxic levels in closed environments.