Wrapping Up a Year of Community Service

As 2015 comes to a close, we’re wrapping up a successful year of volunteerism around the Oklahoma City metro. We organized a team in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® Series, the world’s largest and most successful fundraising and education event for breast cancer. We also participated in the OU Medicine Corporate Challenge which supported the University of Central Oklahoma’s Endeavor Games. The Endeavor Games provides children, adults, and military service members with physical abilities an opportunity to display their talents in a competitive atmosphere with other individuals with similar disabilities. In September, we worked with the Norman United Way effort in tackling service projects for non-profit agencies in the area. Talk about staying busy!

We also had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of the Red Andrews Christmas Dinner initiative this winter which provides warm meals, gently used coats, and toys to approximately 5,000-6,000 citizens each year in Oklahoma City. We continued our efforts, supporting Leah’s Baskets, the Norman Youth Soccer Association along with Norman, Edmond, and Deer Creek Public Schools.

Recently, we were recognized at the Zenith Awards for our amazing team. Michael Atchison was honored with the Lead Technician of the Year award, with his service spanning across 300 units. Ashley Robinson, one of the Tulsa area managers, was also named a recipient, where she was recognized as a 2016 TAA Ambassador. We can’t begin to share how proud we are to have a talented staff who not only performs well but takes strides in serving the community.

For more information regarding Northstar Properties or upcoming service projects, please call (405) 310-6450 or visit www.northstar-ok.com.

Apartment Essentials

Moving into your first apartment can be a bit intimidating. You’re forking out many expenses for moving so it’s confusing as to what items you need to purchase for your space first. We’ve gathered up ten essentials to make you feel right at home!

Bedroom, where you recharge your batteries.
Bedding
Lamp
Desk

Bathroom, where you perfect the selfie.
Towels
Shower Curtain
Toiletries

Kitchen, where you get your grub on.
Plates and Silverware
Trash Can
Table and Chairs

For more info: http://www.northstar-ok.com

Zombie-Proof Your Apartment

Whether your obsessed with the Walking Dead or just a little paranoid of a zombie outbreak, make sure your apartment is ready! In the case of a zombie apocalypse, you won’t have access to electricity, phone or other amenities. Lucky for you, we’ve dug up some pretty spiffy knowledge for you to enjoy this spooky season.

Know Your Zombie

Let’s be honest, not all of your encounters are going to be with a cute zombie from “Warm Bodies.” In the case you run into something a little more… well, terrifying. We’ve broken it down into three categories: basic walkers, runners, and stalkers. Basics are a low threat and usually pretty slow. Watch out though, these travel in packs! Runners are a bit more tactful, you won’t be able to outrun them. Fortify your apartment and wait it out, you’ll thank us later. As for stalkers, these are the biggest threat. They can scale buildings, which means apartments will become giant zombie vending machines. 

Your Defense Starts at the Door

It’s all about the materials. Did you know that you have multiple options? For example, while a MDF door may repel 3 zombies at a time, a solid door repels 7. If you’re really getting down to business, we suggest investing in a steel door that repels 14 or more. You may have a strong day, but some zombies are pretty dexterous. It only takes one zombie to break through a lock. We recommend a deadbolt or bar lock for maximum safety.

Next Step: The Windows

Your best bet is finding an apartment with tempered glass; often used in car windows, underwater equipment or bulletproofing. The reason behind it is that it breaks into cubes instead of shattering. If you don’t have this option, there are other things you can also do to ensure your safety. Consider iron bars in the case of broken glass. They’ll keep 4-5 zombies at bay while you make a quick escape. Blackout curtains are also a must-have. Not because of zombies, but for potential raiders who may take your supplies!

Safeguard Your Stockpile

When you don’t have the luxury of making a quick trip to the grocery store, be sure your pacing yourself with the food supplies you do have. To maintain current weight, men need to intake 2,000 to 3,000 and women need 1,600-2,400. Speaking of food, it’s wise to have the essentials on hand. Peanut butter is high and protein and doesn’t need to be refrigerated. Whole grain crackers and dried fruit are also great options that will last you a long while. Canned soups, chills and vegetables are the best you can find. So buy plenty and often because they’ll last for years! 

Prepare for the Worst

If the apocalypse lasts a little longer than expected, you’ll find yourself running out of the essentials. There’s no need to worry though, we have a few tips to help you increase your stockpile supplies. If you’ve got a balcony on your apartment, secure it and start a garden! Set up rainwater collection buckets to draw from when your water finally goes out. It’s also worth investing in a good tool like a sledge-hammer. Not only handy in defense situations, but to break through walls into neighboring hallways without risking zombie-infested corridors! 

Battle the Undead

Find yourself in a sticky situation? If you must face a zombie head on, be sure you know its vulnerabilities. First, the head: 100% effective. Torso? Not so much, we suggest aiming elsewhere. Arms and legs are a safe bet. Especially the legs, slow down those monsters if anything! There are plenty of things lying around your apartment to fight off zombies. Baseball bats, pots and pans, fire extinguishers, kitchen knives and household tools are all useful in the spur of the moment. To defend yourself, grab a cooking board or cookie sheet to use as a shield!

Plot your Escape Route

If any of you have every seen a zombie movie, you know that rooftop helicopter rescues are the best thing since sliced bread. Make sure you know the escape to the rooftop when the time comes!

About Author:

Formed in 2004 at the request of the investors (Edmond Carlson, Pat Cooney, and Sal Di Mercurio) to protect and safeguard their investments. The company is focused on delivering a high rate of return while preserving and enhancing the long term value of multi-family real estate investments.www.northstar-ok.com