Winter Clean-Up Day • Saturday, January 12!

Neighborhood News

Bulk Trash Drop Off • Hazardous Waste Collection Site • Drop Off for Easter Seals & Habitat for Humanity • Saturday, January 12 • 8am-5pm • MUD Maintenance Yard • 13905 Thermal

Here’s your chance to clean out that garage or shed before the weather gets really nasty! Bring your old batteries, oil, paint, and antifreeze to the WB MUD Maintenance Facility at 13905 Thermal Drive, Saturday, January 12, from 8am-5pm. The MUD is providing a trailer and staff to transport these items to the Hazardous Waste Facility in far South Austin as part of our continued Keep Wells Branch Beautiful efforts.

There are restrictions as to what can be collected and transported. Oil, paint and anti-freeze need to be in closed containers.  If bringing car or boat batteries, a cardboard box would be appreciated (but not necessary).  We cannot take light bulbs, fertilizer or other chemicals at this time.

In addition to the usual bulky trash collection, Ed & Kay Peterson have arranged to have a manned truck from Habitat for Humanity on-site for collection of re-usable materials.  Download a list of acceptable items here: Habitat Donation Guidelines.

Easter Seals is sending a truck at 4:30 to pick up donations of clothing, pots & pans, household goods, etc. as well.  Download a list of needed items here: Easter Seals List.

Please note:  Each Collection Site has different guidelines so what is not accepted for Habitat, may be at Easter Seals.  Likewise, paint is only accepted at the Hazardous Waste site (COA recycles and makes primer which in turn, goes back to Habitat).  Please check with volunteers on site and watch this site for more information & updates.

Questions?  Call Debby at 656-0654.

Holiday Happenings in Wells Branch!

Neighborhood News

Wells Branch New Year’s Eve Extravaganza!

Monday, December 31, 8pm

Wells Branch Community Center

Come celebrate with us!  Ring in the New Year in style with your friends & neighbors without ever leaving the neighborhood!

Dance the night away at the Wells Branch Community Center on December 31 from 8:00pm to 12:30am.

Music will be provided by a DJ and he’ll be taking your requests.

The celebration is BYOB and we’ll provide set-ups, punch, snacks, and a champagne toast at midnight.

Free admission with a donation to the Food Bank.

RSVP, volunteer or ask questions at party@wbna.us or 512.656.0654.  We hope you’ll join us!

Firework Safety from the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office

Neighborhood Safety

Submitted by: Travis County Emergency Services PIO Lisa Block, Tel: 512-854-7954

Fireworks are legal for sale in Travis County tomorrow, December 20, through midnight on January 1, but the Fire Marshal’s Office reminds residents that fireworks can cause severe injury and damaging fires. A red flag warning for tomorrow also brings high winds and added fire danger.

“Dry vegetation, high winds and low humidity increase our chances of experiencing wildfire, and fireworks could provide the spark that starts a fire,” said Travis County Fire Marshal Hershel Lee. “We ask that you refrain from using fireworks due to these conditions. If you insist on using fireworks, please follow recommended safety precautions.”

The Travis County Fire Marshals’ office recommends following these safety tips:

  • · Do not consume alcohol and use fireworks because it’s a dangerous combination.
  • · Do not use fireworks on high fire danger days, such as red flag days.
  • · To detonate fireworks, find a flat surface, away from buildings, dry leaves and grass.
  • · Have water on hand in case of a fire.
  • · Insist on adult supervision when buying or setting off fireworks.
  • · Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
  • · Never try to re-Iight fireworks that have not fully functioned.
  • · Never give fireworks to small children; even sparklers can cause serious burns.

In 2010, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,600 people for fireworks related injuries. The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children ages 5-14. Many of these patients required hospital beds for recovery after treatment. To support their healing process, it is important to explore adaptive care surfaces for enhanced home recovery.

The NFPA also reports that in 2010 fireworks caused an estimated 15,500 reported fires that resulted in eight reported civilian deaths, 60 civilian injuries and $36 million in property damage.

The sale and use of skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins are prohibited in unincorporated parts of Travis County due to the extremely dry conditions and risk of wildfire. The sale and possession of fireworks are prohibited within the city limits of Austin. In addition, fireworks are not allowed in Travis County Parks and parks managed by Travis County.