The Charlotte Fire Department reminds everyone to replace batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when changing clocks back on Sunday, October 30.

Replacing smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries twice a year is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce the number of deaths and injuries related to poisoning and home fires.

For more information, click here.

CharMeck 311, the City/County 24-hour customer service line, recently passed its 90-day mark, having received more than 300,000 calls since beginning operations on July 5.  Here are the facts and figures regarding 311's first 90 days of operation:

• 332,280                Number of calls (July 5 – October 5)
• 81.7%                   Percentage of calls answered within 30 seconds
• 3.95%                   Percentage of abandoned calls
• 23 seconds          Time it takes before caller is greeted
• 2 min. 58 sec.      Average time of call from beginning to end
• 10,135                  Number of calls by Spanish-speaking residents
• 28,554                  Non-emergency police calls
• Utilities-related    Majority of calls

For more information, call 311 or visit www.charmeck.org.

Looking for a new pet?  The Animal Control Bureau encourages potential pet owners to attend the following free adoption event to find the perfect pooch:

Saturday, October 29
11 am – 2 pm
YMCA of Greater Charlotte – University City Branch
8100 Old Mallard Creek Rd.

For more information, call 704-336-3786 or click here.

It's the time of year when leaves fall and homeowners rake them into piles in the yard.  Help protect the environment by properly disposing of yard waste.

The City's Storm Water Quality Ordinance prohibits the disposal of yard waste down storm drains, in creeks and on creek banks.  The storm drainage system flows directly to our creeks and lakes without any treatment.  When leaves are blown into the streets or piled on stream banks, they become a storm water pollutant.

To properly dispose of leaves, Solid Waste Services suggests that homeowners place leaves in a clear plastic bag at the curb for pickup.  Dark bags also may be used but must not be tied.  Yard waste will be collected during normal routes.

For more information on how to prevent storm water pollution, visit http://stormwater.charmeck.org.  To learn more about yard waste collection, visit http://curbit.charmeck.org.

More women than ever are choosing careers in policing with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD).  Learn more about the rewards of being a CMPD officer at the:

"Women in Policing" Career Fair
Saturday, October 29 at 10 am
Police & Fire Training Academy
1770 Shopton Rd.

For more information, including job benefits and qualifications, call 704-432-1603, 704-432-1616 or visit www.cmpd.org.

The City's Neighborhood Development Department is accepting registration for upcoming leadership classes that are informative, engaging and free to all Charlotte residents.  Remaining class topics include:

• Officers Board Training
• Elections Made Easy
• "Can-Do" Committees

For more information, including class descriptions and schedules, click here.

Do you want to be a car seat guru? Safe Kids Charlotte-Mecklenburg will be conducting a Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Certification Course to certify individuals as CPS technicians and instructors:

November 7-11
Police and Fire Training Academy
1770 Shopton Rd.

The national standardized course will include classroom instruction, hands-on work and a community safety seat checkup event.

For more information, including registration and course schedules, click here.

To raise local awareness of the dangers of lead-based paint, the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County will conduct one final event during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Month:

Lead Safe Activities - La Noticia Home Buyers Fair
Sunday, October 30
11 am - 6 pm
Charlotte Merchandise Mart, 2500 E. Independence Blvd.

Attendees will receive information and education on the hazards of lead exposure.

For general information about lead poisoning or testing your home for lead hazards, contact the LeadSafe Charlotte Hotline at 704-336-2114.  Spanish speaking residents may call 704-336-3500.

Tune in to The Government Channel – Cable 16 for the latest government news and information.

City Source – Thursday, October 27 at 5:30 pm
This week, learn more about the City's new on-street parking strategy for arena events.  Also, find out how to improve the quality of life in your neighborhood.

CMPD Today – Wednesday, November 2 at 8 pm
Take an in-depth look at issues presented during the 16th Annual International Problem Oriented Policing Conference.