61°F
weather icon Mostly Clear

Area Briefing, July 3-9

WORKSHOP PLANNED ON PROPOSED AMENDMENTS REGARDING DAM SAFETY

A workshop on proposed amendments regarding dam safety is scheduled for 10 a.m. July 10 at the Nevada Division of Water Resources office, 400 Shadow Lane, Suite 201, to solicit public comments regarding the issue.

The Nevada Division of Water Resources is proposing the amendments under Chapter 535 of the Nevada Administrative Code.

Proposed amendments include the addition of environmental loss as a factor in determining hazard classification and a requirement for a dam owner to maintain operating manuals and activity logs; inclusion of a hazard classification report for approval of plans and specifications; clarification of notification requirements for construction or alteration of a dam; revisions to conditions for abandonment of a dam or a closure of a file associated with a decommissioned dam; and the revision of language pertaining to storm water detention dams to reflect changes to Nevada revised statutes in 2013.

A copy of all materials relating to the proposal may be obtained at the workshop or at water.nv.gov. Written comments may be sent to the Division of Water Resources’ office by 5 p.m. July 14.

GATHERING SEEKS TO RAISE AWARENESS OF EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Fire prevention experts, residents and elected officials gathered June 24 at the Resort on Mount Charleston, 2755 Kyle Canyon Road, to discuss the impact of climate change on life, health and tourism revenue.

The event took place in conjunction with the July 1 first anniversary of the Carpenter 1 fire that consumed more than 27,881 acres on Mount Charleston.

The number of large wildfires — those covering more than 1,000 acres — has been increasing throughout the region over the past 12 years due to rising temperatures associated with climate change, according to experts and area officials.

Higher spring and summer temperatures and early snow-melt typically cause soils to be drier for longer, increasing the likelihood of drought and a lengthier wildfire season, particularly in the western United States, valley officials said. The hot, dry conditions also increase the likelihood that wildfires will be more intense and long-burning.

For more information, visit blm.org.

GROUP OFFERS WAYS TO PROTECT PROPERTY FROM LIGHTNING DAMAGE

The Institute for Business & Home Safety recently issued a reminder to take steps to prevent lightning-related damage at homes and businesses due to the increased chances for thunderstorms and lightning during summer.

The group recommended that residents inquire with utility companies or licensed electricians regarding a certified lightning protection system.

Other measures include:

— Plug electronic devices such as laptops and DVD players into a surge protection device, not a power strip. Also connect telephone, cable and/or satellite TV and network lines to the device.

— Check packaging labels to be sure the surge protection device has been tested to UL 1449.

— Purchase a surge protection device with a joule rating of more than 1,000. The rating typically ranges from 200 to several thousand; the higher the number, the better.

— Look for a surge protection device with a clamping voltage rating of between 330 to 400 volts.

For more information on lightning protection, visit disastersafety.org/lightning.

FIREWORKS CAN BE HAZARDOUS IN WRONG HANDS, GROUPS SAY

Fireworks pose a threat to people and property, according to the Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks and the National Fire Protection Association.

The groups offered some statistics:

— In 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1,200 structure fires, 400 vehicle fires and 16,300 outside and other fires. The incidents resulted in an estimated 40 civilian injuries and $32 million in direct property damage, with no reported fire deaths.

— On Independence Day in a typical year, fireworks account for two out of five of all reported fires, more than any other cause of fire.

— Fifty-four percent of the 2011 fireworks injuries were burns, while 23 percent were contusions and lacerations.

— Twenty-six percent of people injured by fireworks were younger than 15.

— Men accounted for 68 percent of the injuries.

— The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children ages 5-19 and adults 25-44. Sparklers, fountains and novelties accounted for 34 percent of the injuries. Sparklers caused 16 percent of fireworks injuries.

— Fountains, novelties and sparklers are designed to throw off showers of hot sparks. Temperatures may exceed 1,200 degrees.

For more information, visit nfpa.org/education.

OFFICIALS CELEBRATE UPCOMING NORTH LAS VEGAS IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

North Las Vegas and state officials celebrated the launch of four community improvement projects in the city during an event June 24 at Desert Horizons Park, 3750 Simmons St.

The four projects are expected to provide significant upgrades to local roadways and neighboring communities, allowing for improved pedestrian access, enhanced public safety and additional landscaping. The projects include:

— A pedestrian bridge at Losee and Lone Mountain roads.

— The rehabilitation of Carey Avenue from Revere Street to Interstate 15.

— The installation of traffic signals and repaving on Losee Road from Craig Road to the 215 Beltway.

— Enhanced pedestrian access and repaving on Simmons Street from Cheyenne Avenue to Alexander Road.

The projects are set to be funded by fuel tax revenues and are expected to create 262 new jobs.

For more information, visit rtcsnv.com/fri.

EVENT TO TEACH WOMEN CONFLICT-FREE SELF-DEFENSE

A free self-defense workshop for women is set for 6-8 p.m. July 19 at the Westgate Flamingo Bay Resort, 5625 W. Flamingo Road.

The workshop will focus on escaping attacks without physical conflict.

Donations will be accepted at the door to benefit the nonprofit Can You Identify Me?, dedicated to helping resolve cases involving unidentified crime victims.

For more information, visit simpleselfdefenseforwomen.com or canyouidentifyme.org.

LAWYERS, JUDGES HONORED FOR VOLUNTEERING IN TRUANCY PREVENTION PROGRAM

Volunteer lawyers and judges who oversee truancy sessions in more than 40 valley schools were recognized June 16 at Clark County Family Court inside the Regional Justice Center, 200 Lewis Ave.

The event celebrated the achievements of the Truancy Diversion Project, which involves judges and attorneys volunteering three hours per week to visit schools and meet individually with students to motivate them to attend school and excel in their education.

On a related note, the Eighth Judicial District Family Court recently renewed its commitment to the Truancy Diversion Project by approving $115,000 in administrative funding.

The project, established by Judge Gerald Hardcastle in 2002, is funded by Clark County Family Court and is overseen by Judge Jennifer Elliott in collaboration with the Clark County School District.

MEASURES CAN HELP PETS COPE WITH EXTREME HEAT

Pet owners can take simple steps to protect their furry friends from the heat, according to The Animal Foundation.

The nonprofit shelter’s tips are:

— Pet owners can be charged with a misdemeanor for leaving pets in unattended cars during extreme heat. Even with the windows cracked and the air conditioning on, pets can die in as quickly as 10 minutes in such situations. To report pets locked in cars, call 311.

— Bring your pets indoors. Shady outdoor areas are no longer cooling when the temperature gets too high.

— Provide plenty of clean, fresh water. Pets can get dehydrated quickly, and having access to water will help keep them cool.

— Walk pets during the early morning or early evening, when the sun is least harsh.

— Avoid burning your pets’ sensitive paw pads by walking them on grass or dirt instead of asphalt, when available.

— Know the signs of pet heat stroke. Symptoms include excessive panting, increased heart and respiratory rate, difficulty breathing, drooling, mild weakness, stupor/fainting and a body temperature of more than 104 degrees. Pets may also have seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Animals with flat faces, such as pugs and Persian cats, along with elderly or overweight pets, are more susceptible to heat stroke.

— If a pet shows signs of heat stroke, owners should move it to a cooler area, offer small amounts of water or ice cubes and take it to a full-service veterinarian immediately.

For more information, visit animalfoundation.com.

SITES PROVIDE SHELTER DURING HOT WEATHER

With triple-digit temperatures descending on the valley, shelters are scheduled to be open for homeless people and other individuals looking to escape the outdoors and keep hydrated.

Shelter is available daily during the summer from:

— 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for men at Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, 1511 Las Vegas Blvd. North.

—7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for adults at The Salvation Army, 31 W. Owens Ave., North Las Vegas.

— 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for women and children at The Shade Tree, 1 W. Owens Ave., North Las Vegas.

The Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition’s Inclement Weather Shelter Program also offers extra daytime shelter options to anyone in the community. In addition, some valley organizations and facilities offer cooling stations during heat waves.

Residents can dial 211 to find the nearest cooling station or visit helphopehome.org.

RESIDENTS ASKED TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST HEAT

The Valley Health System recently offered heat safety tips.

— Run errands in the early morning or later evening.

— Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, a hat and sunscreen while outside.

— Crack vehicle windows for ventilation, and cover steering wheels and car seats.

— Be aware that some medications may cause susceptibility to the heat.

— The very young and the elderly are more susceptible to heat; keep a close watch on younger children and create a communication plan with older relatives and friends so they know how to reach you in case of an emergency.

— Schedule hydration breaks throughout the day.

— Water is the best source to rehydrate your body, and sports beverages can help replace the salt and minerals lost during exercise. Alcohol and soda can dehydrate the body.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include muscle cramping; heavy sweating; weakness; cold, pale and clammy skin; a fast but weak pulse; and nausea or vomiting.

Heat stroke symptoms, meanwhile, include a body temperature of more than 103 degrees; hot, red, dry or moist skin; a rapid and strong pulse; and possible unconsciousness.

For more information, visit valleyhealthsystemlv.com.

RESIDENTS CAN INVITE POLICE TO NATIONAL NIGHT OUT EVENTS

National Night Out is set for Aug. 5, when neighbors gather to raise drug prevention awareness, strengthen police and community relationships and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are working together to prevent crime.

Neighborhoods and apartment/condo communities can hold events such as barbecues, potlucks, community park movie nights, block parties and child-related activities. Typically, most events take place between 4 and 9 p.m.

To request participation from the Metropolitan Police Department, contact crime prevention specialist Kathy Perkins at k2482p@lvmpd.com or 702-828-4305.

For more information about National Night Out, visit nationalnightout.org.

SAFE SUMMER NIGHTS TO FEATURE MUSIC, ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATION

Residents are invited to enjoy free entertainment, refreshments, health services and a resource fair while getting to know each other during a city of Las Vegas-sponsored Safe Summer Nights event set for 6-8 p.m. July 18 at the East Las Vegas Community Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave.

Music, children’s games and face painting are planned, and free hot dogs and water will be available while supplies last. Attendees also can learn about community resources, including summer activities for youths, health services, community safety, money management programs and adult education opportunities.

For more information, contact Lisa Campbell at 702-229-5406 or lcampbell@lasvegasnevada.gov.

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Dropicana road closures — MAP

Tropicana Avenue will be closed between Dean Martin Drive and New York-New York through 5 a.m. on Tuesday.

The Sphere – Everything you need to know

Las Vegas’ newest cutting-edge arena is ready to debut on the Strip. Here’s everything you need to know about the Sphere, inside and out.