Bee Season Safety Tips
March and April typically mark the beginning of swarming season for bees, a time when the bees will be moving from place to place. Warmer weather and increased outdoor activity leads to the increased possibility of bee encounters. Some basic safety tips will help you be prepared.

Flash Flood Hazards
Las Vegas is prone to unstable weather patterns that can develop over the southern Nevada region producing sudden and heavy thundershowers resulting in flash flooding with little or no warning. People should be alert to the weather conditions. Avoid low-lying areas when it rains. If you hear thunder move indoors or seek cover to avoid lightening. And never attempt to walk or drive through flooded areas.  If a flash flood "watch" is issued it means that conditions are present that could develop into hazardous weather and people need to be watchful of changing conditions. If a flash flood "warning" is issued it means that flooding is imminent or occurring somewhere in the region.

Emergency Preparedness in Las Vegas
You should routinely review your state of personal emergency preparedness by ensuring the following:

1). Have a family disaster plan including a pre-determined meeting place if separated from your loved ones. Review this plan with everyone in your family.

2). Have a family communications plan. In case you can't get in touch with your family members pre-designate a person for everyone to call and check-in to let them know you're okay and where you are. Preferably this pre-designated person should reside out of the local area.

3). Have an emergency preparedness kit including non-perishable foods, water, medications, and basic necessities. Remember to include any required specialty items for infants, elderly persons and your pets. You should have enough supplies to sustain yourself and your family members for 72-hours.

4). Severe weather/flash flooding can occur with little forecasted notice in Las Vegas. Be smart and remain alert for changing weather conditions. Avoid low-lying areas if it starts to rain, seek higher ground. Go indoors if you hear thunder or see lightning. Never drive vehicles through flooded roadways.

5). Sandbags. When rain and thunderstorms occur in Las Vegas people will often call the city looking for sandbags. If you think you might need to sandbag doorways and other areas around your home or business you should do it before it starts raining. It's usually too late to sandbag once flooding starts. In the City of Las Vegas empty sandbags are available at all city fire stations and both the east and west service centers. Piles of sand for public access are located at the east and west service centers. People should bring their own shovels to fill the bags.

Northwest Service Center is located at 2900 Ronemus Drive (Cheyenne @ Buffalo)
East Service Center is located at the corner of N. Mojave Road and Bonanza Road

# # #

The national terrorist threat level is currently at yellow or elevated. If you believe you have any information on suspicious activity that would relate to a terrorist attack, please contact the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department by calling 3-1-1 or the local FBI office at 385-1281.

For police, fire and medical emergencies, please call 9-1-1.