Community Update
By John Muhr, Fire Chief

Hiking Safety Tips

• The single most important consideration in hiking here in the valley is to stay hydrated. As they say, the best place to store water for a hike is inside your body. Bring the amount of water with you that is appropriate for the length and intensity of your hike. Water backpack devices in our desert are highly advisable. A good rule of thumb is to pack one liter of water for every hour of strenuous hiking you plan to do, the more water the better.
• Know Your Environment. The spring, summer, and fall months here in the Coachella Valley can be brutally hot and humid. It is imperative that you plan your hike well, which includes knowing where you are going. There are literally hundreds of miles of hiking trails here, all of which vary in level of difficulty.
• Avoid long hikes, especially in the afternoon hours when the sun is high. This is one of the most important considerations in not becoming a victim to the heat.
• If night hiking is your plan, make sure you pack a headlamp or flashlight that is dependable with fresh batteries.
• It is always a good idea to keep energy bars and snacks with you through your hike, even if you don’t plan to eat them. Always be prepared for the worst.
• Learn to recognize signs of heat‐related illnesses. Heat exhaustion occurs when a person is exposed to high temperatures and does not properly replace their fluids. During strenuous activity, the body is especially susceptible to heat exhaustion. Heatstroke which is a much more serious condition is a result of the body being unable to regulate its internal temperature. Body temperatures can quickly rise to over 104°F. Heatstroke is a life‐threatening emergency. It is important to take preventive measures and know-how to provide first aid immediately if it does occur.
• Wear breathable, lightweight, light‐colored, and loose‐fitting clothing when hiking in the desert. Long sleeves and pants are recommended. Also, be prepared for the weather to change suddenly, and bring layers.
• Responding to a snake bite. While most snakes are not venomous, we have more than our share of those that are. If a venomous snake bites you, call 911 immediately, especially if the bitten area changes color, begins to swell, or is painful. Many emergency rooms stock antivenom drugs, which may help you. If possible, take these steps while waiting for medical help:

• • Move beyond the snake's striking distance.
  • Remain still and calm to help slow the spread of venom.
  • Remove jewelry and tight clothing before you start to swell.
  • Position yourself, if possible, so that the bite is at or below the level of your heart.
  • Clean the wound with soap and water. Cover it with a clean, dry dressing.
• THE DONT’s:
  • Don't use a tourniquet or apply ice.
  • Don't cut the wound or attempt to remove the venom.
  • Don't drink caffeine or alcohol, which could speed your body's absorption of venom.
  • Don't try to capture the snake. Try to remember its color and shape so that you can describe it, which will help in your treatment. If you have a smartphone with you and it won't delay your getting help, take a picture of the snake from a safe distance to help with identification.

• Last of all, never hike alone. Always ensure that you let friends or family know what your plans are, and in the event that you get injured or lost, your friends will know where you were planning to hike. It’s easy to pin a trailhead on your phone and share it with others to avoid confusion. It also helps rescuers know where to look. It is not enough to have a properly charged phone, it takes more preparation than that to keep you safe.

COVID 19 Information

News

2022 State of the City Happens Thursday, May 19th

Panorama Dog Park Grand Opening
Set for Friday, May 13th

COVID-19 Vaccinations Available at Cathedral City Senior Center on April 27

Photos of the Week

Events

Yoga at the Amphitheater

First Fridays Art Walk on Perez Road

Ocotillo Park Neighborhood Meet-Up

Grand Opening of the Panorama Dog Park

2022 State of the City

Tejano Music Festival

Halloween Spooktacular

Job Openings