Area Briefing, June 19-25

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.

SPARKY THE FIRE DOG VISITS BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS SITE

Sparky the Fire Dog, the official mascot of the National Fire Protection Association, paid a visit June 9 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada’s James Clubhouse, 2530 E. Carey Ave., North Las Vegas.

The mascot helped kick off the first day of the club’s summer program, offering an educational presentation regarding fire safety. Firefighters from the North Las Vegas Fire Department also took part in the event.

Sparky was set to be in town from June 9-12 for the NFPA Conference & Expo at Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South.

For more information, visit nfpa.org.

EX-OFFENDERS GRADUATE FROM HOPE FOR PRISONERS PROGRAM

Twenty-six former offenders graduated June 6 from a pre-vocational leadership workshop offered by HOPE for Prisoners.

Local and state officials attended the event, and Clark County Judge Jennifer Togliatti led the graduates in an oath to remain productive, law-abiding members of the community.

HOPE for Prisoners is a nonprofit that helps ex-offenders re-enter society.

For more information, visit hopeforprisoners.org or call 702-586-1371.

WEEKEND LANE CLOSURES PLANNED ON MARTIN LUTHER KING BOULEVARD

Weekend lane closures caused by median island improvements are planned through June 29 on Martin Luther King Boulevard, according to the city of Las Vegas.

The closures are set for 5:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays on sections of the inside northbound and southbound lanes on Martin Luther King Boulevard between Washington Avenue and Lake Mead Boulevard.

City Operations & Maintenance Department staff members are conducting the work and managing the $50,000 project.

LANE RESTRICTIONS SET IN SOUTHWEST VALLEY DURING FIELD SURVEY WORK

Lane restrictions are planned through at least June 20 on Birtcher, Banning Creek and Saddle Tree drives as the Clark County Water Reclamation District conducts field survey work.

The westbound lane on Birtcher is set to be restricted from Banning Creek to Saddle Tree, with traffic directed around the work zone. One lane on Birtcher will remain open, the district said.

Work is planned from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information and traffic updates, call 702-668-8668.

SUMMER IS SEASON FOR INCREASED VEHICLE AND HOME BURGLARIES

Vehicle and home burglaries typically increase during summer, and police advise residents to take precautions.

The North Las Vegas Police Department offered tips for securing vehicles and homes:

— Always lock the windows and doors to your residence before leaving.

— Make sure to close your garage door.

— Roll up the windows and lock the doors to your vehicle before leaving it unattended.

— Keep valuables out of plain view if they are inside your vehicle.

For more information, visit cityofnorthlasvegas.com/departments/police/police.shtm or call 702-633-9111.

CONTRACTORS BOARD PLANS EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR

The Nevada State Contractors Board plans a free educational seminar from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 25 at the Clark County Building Department, 4701 W. Russell Road.

The seminar is set to include six sessions on topics of interest to Nevada contractors. The event will be led by local and regional experts, and lunch will be provided. Topics were determined through feedback from attendees at last year’s seminar.

Space is limited to 100 participants. To RSVP, contact Scott Smith, contractors board public information specialist, at ssmith@nscb.state.nv.us or 702-486-1165. Provide the company’s name and attendees’ names.

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.

TRANSPORTATION FAIR HIGHLIGHTS UPCOMING FLAMINGO ROAD PROJECTS

A transportation fair took place May 29 at the West Flamingo Senior Center, 6255 W. Flamingo Road, to share information and gather input from residents and businesses regarding transportation projects surrounding Flamingo Road between Interstate 15 and Hualapai Way.

The event included the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, local elected officials, the Nevada Department of Transportation and Clark County.

Improvements along Flamingo Road, including repaving portions of roadway, adding dedicated transit lanes and new transit shelters, upgrading traffic signals and improving pedestrian crossings, are scheduled to begin this fall.

Enhancements are expected to benefit all modes of travel, including for drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians and transit passengers.

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.

PORTION OF MICHAEL WAY CLOSED DURING CONSTRUCTION

Michael Way is scheduled to be closed at the north side of the Vegas Drive intersection through 3 p.m. June 27 to allow for the installation of new water line, a high pressure gas line and roadway paving, according to the city of Las Vegas.

Michael Way is set to remain open on the south side of the intersection. Traffic will be able to access all businesses and residences on Michael Way up to the north side of the Vegas Drive intersection, the city said. Detours are slated to be in place to direct Michael Way through traffic to Jones Boulevard.

The city of Las Vegas began work on the $15 million Vegas Drive Improvement Project in January 2013. It is scheduled for completion in August. Motorists can continue to expect traffic delays in the area while the work is being done.

The work consists of constructing an underground storm drainage system on Vegas Drive from Michael Way to Rancho Drive to alleviate heavy storm water that has traditionally flowed down Vegas Drive. The work also will include an upgrade to the sanitary sewer main line from Saylor Way to Valley Drive and along Shadow Mountain Place on the north side of Vegas Drive.

Contri Construction Co. is the contractor, and the city is managing the project. URS Corporation is the construction manager. Funding is provided by the Clark County Regional Flood Control District, the city and the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada.

HENDERSON ROLLS OUT BICYCLE PATROL

The city of Henderson recently launched an 18-member bicycle unit to better serve the community’s growing population of bicyclists.

The unit, which includes 15 patrol officers and three sergeants, will serve an educational role in support of Henderson’s recent designation as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists.

The unit also will provide law enforcement on trails, parks and events. It can also quickly deploy to incidents in high-density residential areas.

Police officials expect that officers in the unit will be more approachable than those in vehicles. Members will work in part-time shifts during their regular patrol hours.

A $45,627 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice paid for bicycles, uniforms, helmets and bicycle racks for patrol cars.

SITE OFFERS WAYS TO STEER CLEAR OF TROUBLE DURING SUMMER PARTIES

The Rape Crisis Center encourages residents to visit partysmartinlv.com for tips on staying safe during summertime parties.

The site reminds residents that sex without consent is sexual assault. Visitors can learn ways to avoid unwanted sexual situations and watch videos from Strip performers Carrot Top and Criss Angel. Statistics about sexual assault also are included on the site. Tips include:

— Get your own drinks, and never leave them unattended.

— If you start to feel sick or overly intoxicated when you have had little or no alcohol, get to a safe place immediately and call someone for help.

— Always be aware of your surroundings and location, and be aware of security personnel, using them as a resource if necessary.

— If you see something, say something. Be a responsible bystander.

— Make sure your cellphone is charged.

— Watch for red-flag behavior, such as if someone keeps encouraging you to drink or doesn’t take no for an answer when asking you to talk or dance with him.

Site visitors also can download the Rape Crisis Center app Circle of 6, which can alert friends when someone is in an uncomfortable situation.

The center launched the website last year in cooperation with the Metropolitan Police Department and funding support from TAO Cares.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS ADDED AT STATE PARKS

Additional fire restrictions were implemented May 15 at Big Bend, the Valley of Fire and Spring Mountain Ranch State Park because of the high potential for wildfires, according to the Nevada Division of State Parks and the Nevada Division of Forestry.

The following acts are prohibited in the designated areas:

— Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or in an area that is barren or cleared of flammable vegetation.

— Operating vehicles or motorized equipment off of paved, gravel or dirt roads.

— Operating vehicles or other motorized equipment in wildland areas without an ax, shovel and at least 1 gallon of water.

— Igniting fireworks.

— Operating a welding torch or any other device that may cause a fire.

— Building or using a fire or stove outside an established fireplace in a picnic area or campground or places of habitation. Portable stoves using jelled petroleum or pressured liquid fuel are an exception. Charcoal grills are allowed in designated areas but will be restricted on windy or critical fire days. Restrictions will be implemented as indicated by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Agency and the National Weather Service. Daily information is available at wrh.noaa.gov.

Violations are considered misdemeanors and are punishable by fines of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to six months or both.

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 upcoming Safe Summer Nights events put on by the city of Las Vegas.

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.

The events are set for 5:30-7:30 p.m. June 25 at the Stupak Community Center, 251 W. Boston Ave., and 6-8 p.m. July 18 at the East Las Vegas Community Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave.

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