Summer officially begins on Friday, but it feels like the season hit us weeks ago. Las Vegas is getting hotter every year — perhaps not at the rate of Reno, but still harder and faster than ever. Last year, Clark County recorded a record number of heat-related deaths and little has been done to fix the issues that caused them. So be prepared as we face the summer heat.
💧 Stay Hydrated
And no, that doesn’t mean adding a second ice cube to your Old Fashioned. Vegas is known for drinking, but balance out that alcohol with a glass of water in between. Dehydration can sneak up on you unexpectedly. Carry water on the regular.
🌬️ Get an A/C Tune Up
A good air conditioning is something we take for granted, until something goes wrong — and summer is the worst possible time for a breakdown. Experts recommend getting an A/C tune-up at least once a year, which typically includes a cleaning and parts inspection. A lot of services are offering tune-up specials this time of year (and you may get a nice discount through a program by NV Energy). They’re relatively inexpensive and can help extend the life of your unit.
☺️ Be a Good Neighbor
We’re not talking about our membership program, although that’s worth talking about too 👍 We’re asking you to check on your neighbors, especially the elderly and those with medical conditions.
🧊 Keep Ice on Hand
It doesn’t hurt to keep some extra bags of ice in the freezer. My electricity went out a couple years ago, and having a few bags of ice with us and our pets on the couch made a world of difference until the power came back on.
🚘 Keep your Car in Top Condition
Hot weather dries out your tires, increasing the risk of a crack or blowout. Get your tire pressure checked regularly throughout the summer. It doesn’t hurt to have the tires rotated too. And of course, park in the shade whenever possible. This is also a good time to get your car inspected for any lingering issues.
🐶 Double-Check Who’s in Your Car
The guesswork is over. Don’t even think about leaving pets or children in a parked car right now. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the shade or if the window is cracked. For the record, it’s legal to break someone's car window to save a child, but not an animal. If you see the latter in distress, call police and/or animal control and wait until help arrives.
🎰 Keep Cool in Casinos
I’m not recommending you hit the slots and other games of chance, but you don’t want to gamble with your health. Casinos have fat-ass air conditioners. Take advantage of them when you’re out and about. The same is true for libraries, cooling stations, and indoor shopping malls (if you can find any left).
🌳 Seek Higher Ground
We all want to enjoy the outdoors during summer, but remember — elevation is your friend. Lee Canyon is open for summer activities on Mt. Charleston. For more elevated fun, check out the summer pig roasts at the Mountain Springs Saloon, pizza and beer at Cottonwood Station in Blue Diamond, and performances by the Super Summer Theatre at Spring Mountain Ranch.
☀️ Protect Your Skin
I’m a firm believer in the benefits of real Vitamin D from the sun, but a good thing can turn dangerous in a hurry — especially if you have the skin of a Dayvid Figler. With that in mind, the City Cast Las Vegas co-host talked to a health expert about the benefits of sunscreen and limiting sun exposure this time of year. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]
