Extreme Heat

While the desert climate is ideal for active lifestyles, with 300 days of sunshine per year and a healthy mean temperature of 66 degrees, there are summer days where the temperature exceeds 115 degrees. It is important to note the dangers of this extreme heat we often experience.

Walking barefoot on pavement especially blacktop, may cause 2nd and 3rd degree burns to your feet. Always wear shoes in these areas to prevent injury.

When the temperature outside is 115 degrees, the temperature within a vehicle can reach upwards of 165 degrees. Therefore, it's a good idea not to leave anything in your car that is perishable, could melt or be damaged by intense heat. Examples of items to remove from your car are:

• Children - Never leave a child alone in a car.
• Pets - who can die.
• Cans of soda, which may explode in this heat.
• Electronic devices such as cellular phones, laptops, personal digital assistants - the heat may cause these devices to fail.
• Other things to avoid leaving in the car include crayons and lipstick/lip balm; both get very messy when melted.

If you become stranded, do not leave your car, do wear a hat and sunglasses and drink lots of water. It's a good idea to always have a bottle of water in your car.

For more information, visit the city's Emergency Management page.

Windy Weather

The desert winds also pose hazards to health and property. Here are some tips for windy days:

• Be cautious with car doors as they can blow open and/or closed, possibly causing personal injury.
• Patio furniture should be secured and patio umbrellas should be closed as winds often toss these items around, possibly into your swimming pool if you have one.
• Dust clouds are common in wind storms and the dust is easily inhaled, so if you have respiratory problems stay inside on windy days.
• High profile vehicles can be blown from one lane to the next, so drive with caution in windy conditions if you own or drive one of these vehicles.

Flash Flooding

Due to the few rainy days we experience, the desert ground isn't absorbent. When it rains, the water runs off the ground and flash floods are common, and happen in just seconds. Here are some tips for staying safe in flash flood conditions:

• Never drive through flood areas; water erodes the soil under roads and causes the pavement to collapse.
• Stay away from moving waters and low areas.
• Stay out of dry washes
• Avoid flood-prone areas; look for alternate routes.
• If a flood is coming, shut off the gas and electricity and move valuable contents upstairs.
• Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The number two flood killer is electrocution. Electrical current travels through water. Report downed wires to the power company.

For more information on flash flooding, visit the city's Emergency Management page or the Clark County Regional Flood Control District.