Safety Suggestions

We are blessed to be living in a beautiful, pleasant, and generally safe community. Our safety will be improved, however, if we all observe a few common-sense practices and courtesies.

Note: Abbreviated bit.ly links are provided below because they are shorter than the full links, and thus easier to type accurately.

To Report Emergencies (Police, Fire, Medical)

Police, fire, and ambulance services can all be reached by calling 911. Response has been prompt.

Driving

Observe the 25 MPH speed limit on all Fearrington streets and the 15 MPH speed limit in the Village Center. Speeders rob us of our tranquility and pose a real safety threat. Stop signs mean a full stop, even when other vehicles are not present. Don’t forget to use turn signals.

Walking

Instead of the streets, use the walkway paths and trails where they are available. When walking on the streets, observe the elementary safety rule: North Carolina law requires that you walk along the edge and off the roadway as far as possible on the LEFT side, facing oncoming traffic and step off the roadway whenever a vehicle approaches. If you are approaching the crest of a steep hill or a blind curve to the left, and you cannot be seen by oncoming traffic (a common experience, e.g., on Spindlewood), you may be safer walking briefly on the right until you can see oncoming traffic again and then carefully return to walk on the left when it is safe to do so.

Drivers are required to SLOW DOWN and give walkers a break. Here in this Village, the ground on the side of these roadways is often narrow, rough, and uneven and can be unsafe for walking.

House Numbers

Make sure yours is visible from the street, day and night, so an emergency vehicle can quickly spot it. Make sure a plant or  shrubbery does not cover it. Contrasting colors are best (e.g., black on white is more visible than brass on yellow or gray on gray.)

Ice and Snowstorms

While severe snowstorms are rare, they can occur, and some precautions are appropriate:

• Keep a bucket of sand and a bag of rock salt on hand to treat your front steps and walk.
• Neither Fitch Creations nor the FHA is responsible for clearing or treating Fearrington roads. The state gives priority to clearing main highways, so patience may be necessary for state secondary roads in the village. Small neighborhood HOAs (Service Groups) are responsible for maintaining their own streets and are responsible for any winter storm clearing or treatment they may feel is necessary or advisable. In most instances, residents should plan on limited driving conditions and possibly slippery walking conditions for 12 to 48 hours following relatively rare instances of heavy snow and/or ice; conditions typically improve quickly within that time. For emergency medical transportation in such weather, contact 911.

Fallen Trees

If a tree has fallen on a power line, DO NOT TOUCH; call 911. If it has fallen in the street, and your friends and neighbors cannot handle it, call 911 to schedule a state road crew. If a tree has fallen on your property, you must arrange removal with a private contractor.

Burning Brush

Open fires in the Village are discouraged. According to the Chatham County Fire Marshall, state law prohibits open fires exceeding three feet in diameter and two feet in height (flames included). They must be at least 50 feet from any dwelling, except that recreational fires can be within 25 feet and portable stoves within 15 feet of a dwelling. Check www.ncforestservice.gov for drought notices and general guidelines.

Dead Animals

Removal of a dead animal from your property is your responsibility.  For removal of other animals or for other contractors, consult the Chatham County phone book under the listing, “Animal Removal Service.” Dead animals on a state road right-of-way (such as most of the roads in the village) will be removed by the NC Department of Transportation. Use this NCDOT Contact Form: (https://bit.ly/3dod1jd) fill out the form and submit it.

Hiring Domestic Help

When hiring someone to do services in your home:

• Check their references.
• Ask if they are covered by insurance, and ask for proof of coverage.
• Ask if they are bonded, and ask for proof of coverage.
• Resource: Reviews and comparisons of professional background check services, (https://bit.ly/3EuvmqD) *
• Resource (fee based): Intelius.com

To check for past violations:

• N.C. • N.C. Health Care Personnel Registry System (requires employee’s social security number) https://bit.ly/3lHJcyC
• N.C. Department of Public Safety: Offender Public Information/Offender Search: (https://bit.ly/3DBkxSw)