The Washoe County Sheriff's Office has some safety tips to help keep you safe this Memorial Day weekend. Read the full release below:
From the Washoe County Sheriff's Office:
As the community begins to think about lighting grills, launching kayaks in the river and playing with pets at the park, local officials have some important safety tips to share.
Washoe County have compiled their top safety tips for the holiday weekend and summer season.
Washoe County Officials share the following important reminders with the public:
Fire Safety
• Keep the coal contained. When barbecuing, keep charcoal in the grills that are provided in the parks. Washoe County Parks do not allow any natural material to be burned in the grills as natural material can spark and cause the fire to go outside of the grill.
• Green and mean. With the amount of vegetation growing on the ground this year, also known as ‘fuels’, these will dry out and create an increased risk of wildfires.
• Lookout when outdoors. Please use caution during outdoor activities that can spark a fire, such as yard work, target shooting, and operating motorized vehicles and equipment on dry vegetation. When engaging in these activities, keep a shovel and a fire extinguisher with you. Target shooters are encouraged to take advantage of the County’s Regional Shooting Facility and avoid the fire risks associated with shooting in wildland areas.
• Ash Can Program. DIY projects that results in oily rags that have absorbed linseed oil or turpentine will release heat as they oxidize and may spontaneously combust. It’s important to store oily rags in a tightly sealed metal ash can away from other flammables to prevent a fire. TMFPD reminds residents about our free Ash Can Program, which provides cans at no cost to Washoe County residents.
Water Safety
• Distance yourself. Enjoy the Truckee River from a safe distance this summer. If you want to get in the river, consider a river raft tour from a professional company instead of your own tubes. Due to the flood, there is a lot more debris in the river and the high flows are hiding potential entrapment issues which are extremely hazardous.
• A little space can keep you safe. Do not set up camp along the river bank. Campers often set up along the river at night assuming they are far enough away from the water, however peak flows occur at the pre-dawn hours, causing campers to wake up in freezing water.
• Fast & furious. The Truckee River has continued to see high flows moving much faster than normal. While it may not appear unusual, water experts are warning the public to stay a safe distance away from the river.
Park Safety
• Lock it or leave it. Please keep all valuables out of sight in vehicles when parking at any area park. Store them in a trunk or leave them at home. Each year we have many “smash & grabs” in the parking lots of our trailheads and parks.
• Hikers be ready & beware. When exploring the trails this summer, please be prepared. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and let someone know where you are planning to go. This year, trails received some flood damage. We advise the public to be prepared for washouts, snowpack at the higher elevations and less than ideal trail conditions.
• On a short leash. For the safety of your pets, please keep all dogs leashed in parks. There are two off-leash areas within Washoe County which are the only places dogs can be off-leash. Keep in mind that even at trailheads leading into the Forest Service properties, dogs are still required to be leashed for the first mile to avoid user group conflicts.
• Eat your snack, not the plants. Due to heavy precipitation this year, noxious weeds, like poison hemlock are growing taller than normal. Please do not ingest any weeds or native growing plants or let pets or horses ingest any plants or weeds growing along trails or in parks. If accidental ingestion occurs, please call Poison Control immediately at (800) 222-1222.
Animal Safety
• No ‘hot dogs’! Leaving your pet in your vehicle during extreme temperatures can be deadly and is illegal. Washoe County Regional Animal Services would like to remind pet owners that temperatures in your vehicle on a 70-degree day can reach 115 degrees in just one hour. On a 95-degree day, it only takes 10 minutes to reach 115 degrees. Never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle, even for a few minutes.
• No sweat for your pet. Your pets may have a difficult time cooling down during on warm days as they do not perspire like humans do. Keep this in mind while exercising your dog. A short hike can be very taxing on your animal in the heat of a Northern Nevada summer day.
Memorial Day Closures: Most Washoe County offices will be closed Monday, May 29, in observance of Memorial Day, including Administrative offices, Social Services, Libraries, Courts, Attorney's Office, Washoe County Sheriff's Office, Regional Animal Services and Health District. The County Clerk at the Washoe County Complex on Ninth St. and Wells Ave., in Reno will remain open throughout the holiday from 8 a.m. to midnight for the issuance of marriage licenses, fictitious firm names and notary bond filings, as well as property tax payments for the Treasurer’s Office.
From the Washoe County Sheriff's Office.
