Dear Moreno Valley residents,
Summer is here, and, as your Mayor, I’m pleased to say that your city government is ready with both great summertime activities and some important safety tips. First, the tips.
Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death of children under the age of five, and most drownings occur in residential swimming pools and spas. So, please, never leave children unattended around the water. The Moreno Valley Fire Department encourages you to learn these easy-to-remember ABCs of pool safety: “A” is for Adult Supervision; “B” is for Barriers, including fences, gate/door alarms, and pool safety covers; and “C” is for Classes that teach swimming, first-aid and CPR.
All of us – and especially the elderly and medically fragile – are susceptible to overheating. Here are a few things to remember during extreme heat:
· Drink plenty of cool water.
· Wear loose, light-colored clothing, sunscreen, and a hat for protection.
· Check on neighbors who might be vulnerable, especially those without air conditioning.
· Never leave children or pets in a car, even for one minute. Temperatures can quickly climb to deadly levels.
· Outside, take frequent breaks to hydrate and cool off in the shade.
· Symptoms of heat-related illness are dizziness, fatigue, headaches, and muscle cramps. If you experience these symptoms, get help.
If it gets too hot at home, you can take a break at one of the city’s designated Cooling Centers: at the Moreno Valley Public Library at 25480 Alessandro Blvd. during regular hours; or, when it’s over 100 degrees, at the Moreno Valley Senior Center at 25075 Fir Ave. (Saturday – Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
And for some fun ways to cool off, especially for kids, the Splash Pads are open at Bethune Park (Friday – Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Celebration Park (each day, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
Moreno Valley is a wonderful community, full of opportunities for safe and fun activities for residents of all ages. To learn more about what’s available this summer, visit our website at moval.org.