Be Proactive About Summer Vacation Safety
Summer is upon us and that means vacation plans are underway! Goodyear Police would like to remind you to include these important home and travel safety tips into your vacation planning. Before you travel Submit a Vacation Watch Request to have police volunteers periodically check on your home while you are away, at goodyearaz.gov/vacationwatch. It’s free! Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to watch your home. Stop mail and newspaper delivery. Leave your travel itinerary and emergency contact number with someone you trust. Place lights on a timer to give the appearance of an occupied home. Arrange for yard maintenance if away for an extended period.
Ensure all doors and windows are locked. Remove any exterior hidden house keys. While you travel Do not post vacation photos to social media; wait until you return home. If flying, keep valuables in carry-on luggage. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Notify credit card companies of international travel. Use the hotel safe to store valuables. Sightsee in groups and be aware of surroundings.
Prep Your Car for the Heat Ah, the open road, the wind in your hair… sounds like summer. But don’t forget about the scorching Arizona sun relentlessly beating down on your vehicle as you drive towards your destination. Although we don’t have ice and snow to navigate during the winter months, we do have some unique hot weather conditions to overcome in the summer. Make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape to beat the heat. Heat can zap your battery. Make sure your battery is up to par before it goes out on you. Check coolant levels and top them off, if needed. Top off vital engine fluids such as motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid and power-steering fluid. Check your tire pressure. The combination of underinflated tires and hot pavement can lead to a blowout. Make sure your vehicle’s air conditioning system is functioning properly. 2
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Never drive in extreme heat without a fully-charged cell phone and extra drinking water for all passengers, including pets. Other must-haves include: Cooler to keep extra drinking water cold Umbrella for shade First-aid kit Flashlight with extra batteries A tool kit and battery cables Safety flares Extra radiator water
From the Mayor I’ve noticed by the number of morning joggers and evening bikers that our summertime heat hasn’t hindered your commitment to exercising, and I am impressed! Seeing the constant activity makes Mayor me think about all the Georgia Lord healthy choices being made in Goodyear and how easily one choice can impact your overall wellbeing. Right now, we’re seeing a national epidemic impacting the health of many – prescription drug abuse. Thankfully, with an increase in awareness, I believe that a majority of citizens try to monitor their intake and properly dispose of leftover pills. To make it easier to prevent prescriptions from entering the wrong hands, there are prescription drop boxes located at the Goodyear Police Administrative Building and the Goodyear Police Operations Building.* It is my hope that everyone takes advantage of these secured locations in
lieu of tossing drugs in the trash or throwing them down the drain. The drop boxes not only allow professionals to securely dispose of the drugs, but also prevents them from contaminating our environment. It is fascinating how one choice can affect various aspects of our life and I encourage all of you to make the healthiest of choices!
* Goodyear Police Administrative Building, 11 N. 145th Ave., or
Goodyear Police Operations Building, 14455 W. Van Buren Street, Suite E101
Council Corner As the calendar turns to June, there is one undeniable fact -- it’s about to get really hot. When the temperatures soar, one of the best ways to escape the heat is by heading to the pool. Whether it be a Council Member great public pool, a pool party Joe Pizzillo at a friend’s house, or in your own backyard, spending time around water is a great way to wallow away a hot summer day. As we spend more time at the pool, everyone must watch their children around water. As a councilmember, father and grandfather, it breaks my heart when I hear about another drowning in the news. Last summer, tragedy struck Goodyear when a two-year-old child died after being pulled from a backyard pool. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death amongst children ages one to four.
These devastating drowning events can be prevented. The most important step is to always watch your kids around water. Designate a watcher to monitor the pool at all times. This person should not be distracted by their phone, a book or television. Even two short seconds of distraction is too long. It’s also important to teach children how to be safe around water. The Southwest Valley YMCA in Goodyear offers water safety programs that teach basic skills kids can use if they unexpectedly find themselves in the water. The city of Goodyear also offers swim lessons at the Goodyear Community Pool. Helping kids feel comfortable around water improves their safety and allows them to enjoy all the fun that the pool has to offer. I hope that everyone has a safe and fun summer. Southwest Valley YMCA: valleyymca.org Goodyear Community Pool: goodyearaz.gov/aquatics June 2019
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Fun in the Sun School is out and summer is here. There are plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy, even when the temperature spikes well over 100 degrees. It’s important, though, to take extra precautions during some of the most popular summertime activities.
POOL SAFETY 101 The drowning rate for children in Arizona, ages one to four years old, is nearly double the national average. Since 2001, there have been 23 water related incidents in Goodyear resulting in three drownings. Ensure pool time is a safe summertime activity by following these simple reminders:
Adults and children should never swim alone and keep a phone and address of the pool handy Stay close and be alert
Keep children under active supervision at all times. Two seconds is too long!
The city of Goodyear offers swim lessons taught by American Red Cross certified instructors. The program starts at six months of age and requires parent involvement. Cost per session: $30 ($35 Non-Resident)
Maintain a self-closing, self-latching childresistant gate
For more information on Goodyear swim lessons, visit goodyearaz.gov/aquatics.
Prepping your pool for summer? A reminder, it is unlawful to backwash swimming pools or allow large amounts of water to flow into a city street or alley. For information on properly draining a pool in Goodyear, visit goodyearaz.gov/poolwater.
Goodyear Community Pool is now open through September, 430 E. Loma Linda Blvd. CAR SAFETY 101
Traveling takes on a new danger when the temps rise. Phoenix Children’s Hospital says temperatures can reach between 131 and 172 degrees inside a parked car within 15 minutes. They also recommend when out with your kids to make sure they drink 16 ounces of water every four hours. Never leave a child alone in the car Look for kids (and pets) before you lock your vehicle Call 911 if you see a child alone in a vehicle
For Safetyʼs Sake
Put a fence around it
Drowning is 100 percent preventable
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FIREWORKS SAFETY 101 There is a short window of time when certain fireworks are legal in Arizona. Some types are allowed from June 24 to July 6. “Ground spinners, sparklers and some novelty items are allowed,” said Goodyear Fire Chief Paul Luizzi. “Anything that launches into the air or explodes is not.” Even the legal fireworks can be dangerous! On average, 280 people nationwide go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries during the July 4th holiday period. Always supervise children around fireworks – sparklers burn at about 2,000° F Have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of accidents or fires Never throw or point fireworks at someone or hold them in your hand Never try to relight a dud Leave jumbo fireworks to the professionals
LOVE TO WATCH FIREWORKS? Learn more about the city’s upcoming signature event, the Star Spangled Fourth by visiting
goodyearbp.com
Maureen Carney
Goodyear Fire Department How long you’ve worked for the city? Six years.
Favorite thing about working for the city? The people I get to meet and help. What are you currently working on? Fire Pal’s school presentations on water safety awareness. How old were you when you learned to swim? Five years old.
See how Maureen works with students by watching On the Job with Julie:
Goodyearaz.gov/YouTube
Click on the GY@Work playlist
What do you think is the #1 summer safety tip? Anyone can drown in less than 1 inch of water. Always have adult supervision around water! Favorite Core Value? Optimism.
Fast Facts
Childhood nickname: Mo (still is) If you won $1 million: I would travel the world! Favorite ice cream: Rocky Road Next on your bucket list: Cruise the Mediterranean (next year!) Favorite quote: “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.” —Winston Churchill June 2019
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Stay Cool When the Temps Rise Stay cool. Stay hydrated. Stay informed. The desert heat can cause severe illness to those sensitive to high temperatures such as the elderly, individuals
spending time outdoors, and those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress into heatstroke, which may be life-threatening. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, above-average temperatures or unusually humid weather kills more than 600 people in the United States each year. Heat related illness and deaths are preventable. When possible, exercise indoors If you must exercise outdoors, do so in the early morning or evening hours Drink more water than usual while avoiding sugar, alcohol and caffeine. When outdoors, wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15 and re-apply often Wear a hat, lightweight clothing and sunglasses Some medications, both prescription and overthe-counter, may increase the risk of heat-related illness. Check with your doctor if you have questions. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
HOW DO YOU STAY COOL WORKING IN THE HEAT?
“Working outside in the summer means extra safety precautions. I make sure I’m hydrated 24/7. Even after work, I’m drinking water to stay hydrated for the next day.“ — Chris Alcorn, Goodyear resident and business owner
Working Up a Sweat in the Yard Unfortunately, yardwork doesn’t take a break when it’s blistering hot outside. Goodyear had a lot of rain earlier this year and that means everything is growing quicker, including weeds. Make sure to pull or trim weeds so they are no more than six inches to prevent receiving a notice and having to pay a possible fine. What’s your responsibility could lay beyond your fence. Visit goodyearaz.gov/codecompliance
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HEAT EXHAUSTION Faint or dizzy Excessive sweating
Cool, pale, clammy skin
Rapid, weak pulse
Nausea or vomiting
Muscle cramps
Get to a cooler, air conditioned place Drink water if fully conscious Take a cool shower or use cold compresses
OR
HEAT STROKE Throbbing headache No sweating
Body temperature above 103° Red, hot, dry skin
Rapid, strong pulse
Nausea or vomiting
May lose consciousness
CALL 9-1-1 Take immediate action to cool the person until help arrives
DO YOU KNOW WHAT TRIGGERS AN EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING? An Excessive Heat Warning is issued by the National Weather Service when there is a high or very high heat risk. The hottest day in the Phoenix-area last year, was on July 24. The Valley hit 116 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. June 2019
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The Right Way to Take a Hike A hike up one of our beautiful mountain trails provides scenic views and an escape from the hustle and bustle. But it can also be dangerous, especially in the summer. The Goodyear Fire Department can’t stress enough, if you’re going for a hike, know your limits, bring plenty of water, and take the heat seriously. Every year, more than 200 people are rescued in the Valley while hiking in parks and preserves. Don’t be a statistic.
Trails Rating Guide
easiest
easy
moderate
moderate/difficult
When it’s hot, leave pets at home.
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Obstacles: 12” or less; loose rocks, ruts, and possible drops. Surface: Large elevation change over mostly uneven footing.
Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for hiking.
Before hiking, check the rating of the trail at MaricopaCountyParks.net. Factor in an additional level of difficulty when the temperature is in the triple digits.
Obstacles: 8” or less; rocks and ruts. Surface: Elevation change over mostly uneven footing.
Don’t hike alone and carry a cell phone.
Did You Know? Estrella Mountain Regional Park in Goodyear, located at 14805 W. Vineyard Ave., became the first regional park in the Maricopa County Park System in 1954.
Obstacles: 2” or less; rocks and ruts. Surface: Elevation change over areas of uneven surfaces.
Use maps, know where you are going and what kind of terrain you are hiking on. Bring plenty of water and when your water is half gone, turn around and return to the trailhead.
Obstacles: None
Surface: Slight elevation change over minimally uneven footing.
Watch the Weather: On days over 100 degrees or if an Excessive Heat Warning has been issued, reconsider your hiking plans. Hike in the early morning and evenings when there’s more shade.
Surface: Minimal elevation change over, accessible, paved or hard footing.
difficult
Obstacles: 12” or greater; loose rocks, ruts, and drops. Surface: Maxiumum elevation change over extremely uneven footing.
extremely difficult
Obstacles: 12” or greater; loose rocks, ruts, large drops, and increased exposure to the elements.
Protect Your Pets from the Heat If you think summers are hot in Arizona, imagine what your experience would be like if you were wearing a fur coat 24/7 that you couldn’t take off, like your pets! Keep them safe when the mercury starts to rise:
Never leave a pet in the car! 75% of the temperature rise occurs within five minutes of leaving the car and large cars heat up just as fast as smaller vehicles.* *Leaving an animal confined to a hot vehicle is a violation of A.R.S.
13-2910 and is subject to prosecution.
Keep pets indoors Limit outdoor walks to early morning or evening Avoid long walks, hikes and excessive play Provide pets with extra, cool water Consider dog booties for hot pavement Play in the sprinklers or kiddie pool Never chain your pet
Did you know that dogs can experience heat stroke? It is important to know if your dog is predisposed to heat stroke, which is true of breeds with short snouts such as bulldogs and pugs. Here are some telltale signs of heat stroke in a dog: Body temperature 104 degrees+ Vomiting Excessive panting or difficulty breathing Increased heart rate
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Here Comes the Monsoon
FLASHBACK
SANDBAGS
In August 2018, a powerful monsoon damaged homes and took down huge powerlines and trees in Goodyear. Along with strong winds, monsoon storms often dump heavy rain, even hail, causing flash flooding.
In advance of monsoon storms, Goodyear makes sand and sandbags available at the following locations:
The monsoon runs from June 15 to September 30; storms peak between mid-July and mid-August. To prepare for the summer storms, it’s important to have a plan before, during and after they hit.
Roscoe Dog Park
BEFORE THE STORM
Don’t forget to bring a shovel.
Create a communications plan with your family. Storms can disrupt cell phone towers, so it’s important to have another plan to connect with each other. Keep an emergency kit in your home with at least three days of food and a gallon of water per person per day. Sign up to receive emergency notifications to your phone at Maricopa.gov.
Pro tip: Replace your windshield wipers before the monsoons start and be sure to check the weather before traveling. 10
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Thomas Park
14433 West Thomas Road (east parking lot)
15600 West Roeser Road
Goodyear Fire Station 182 10701 South Estrella Parkway
Hotlines Life-threatening emergencies: 911 24hr Non-emergency Police assistance: 623-932-1220 Report a weather-related problem (traffic signal outages, storm debris): Goodyear app or head to goodyearaz.gov and click on “I Want To” at the bottom of the homepage to report a problem. Report power outage: APS: 855-688-2437
DURING THE STORM Pull Aside, Stay Alive
Visibility can quickly be reduced during a storm either from heavy rain or thick blowing dust. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) advises drivers to “Pull Aside, Stay Alive.” Once pulled over, turn off your lights including emergency flashers, and take your foot off the brake. Stay buckled up, set the parking brake, go dark and wait for the dust storm to pass.
Stay Inside
On average, 47 people die from being struck by lightning in the United States every year, according to the National Weather Service. During a storm, it is best to stay indoors and if you hear thunder, avoid using plumbing and electrical equipment and keep your distance from windows.
Watch for Flash Flooding
Avoid rivers and washes during a monsoon. They can fill with water quickly and it can be difficult to determine how deep a flooded street is. Moving water as low as one foot has the ability to carry a car.
Don’t forget! Anyone who drives their vehicle on a street or highway that is closed due to flooding is liable for the costs of the emergency response to rescue them under Arizona’s “Stupid Motorist Law.”
Supplies on the Go
A basic emergency kit in your vehicle should include: Three gallons of water in clean, closed containers for each person and pet First aid kit A stock of food that requires no cooking or refrigeration Portable and working battery-operated radio, flashlights, and extra batteries (candles and oil lamps are fire hazards) Necessary medications Back-up power source for life support or other medical equipment that requires electricity to function
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Where does the word “monsoon” come from? It comes from the Arabic word “mausim” meaning season. “Haboob” also comes from an Arabic word – habb, meaning “to blow,” originally to describe the wind and sandstorms/ duststorms in Sudan.
Dangers After a Storm Passes High winds and lightning strikes can cause power lines to break, occasionally falling in the roadway. Always assume a power line is charged and never touch or drive over it. If lines come in contact with your vehicle, remain inside until help arrives. Flooded streets can also pose health risks. Avoid contact with flood water due to potentially elevated levels of contamination associated with raw sewage and other hazardous or toxic substances that may be in the water.
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See it. Snap it. Share it.
Goodyear residents have captured some amazing photos of monsoon storms over the years. But always remember, safety first. Goodyear shares photos and videos from residents on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to keep you updated on storm activities. Use the hashtag #GYSTORM
photo courtesey of Mike Olbinski Photography
Please share your storm photos with the city at communications@goodyearaz.gov.
RAD Starts Service on July 1 Starting July 1, you’ll see a new sanitation truck in the neighborhood. RAD is our new service provider and with them, we are also improving the holiday pickup schedule. Trash and recycle pickup days will stay the same for all holidays except: Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year. Trash and recycle pickup will be delayed one day following these holidays. The bulk pickup schedule won’t change. Remember, all containers need to be at the curb by 6 a.m. For general information on trash, recycling and bulk pick-up services, visit goodyearaz.gov/trash. June 2019
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“Cool” Places to Visit When temperatures consistently hit the triple digits, it can be hard to leave the comfort of an air-conditioned home. If you brave the short drive, we have a list of “cool” places in Goodyear to visit with the family this summer.
COLD TREATS Baskin-Robbins 15530 W. Roosevelt St., E105 Cold Stone Creamery 3301 N. Litchfield Rd., Ste 400 Dairy Queen 13365 W. McDowell Rd. Dream Swirls Frozen Yogurt 15557 W. Roosevelt St., #102 La Calle Snacks and Ice Cream 13778 W. McDowell Rd., Suite #301 Roll It Up Ice Cream 13370 W. Van Buren St.
INDOOR PLAY Elevate Trampoline Park 701 N. 137th Ave. Southwest Valley Family YMCA 2919 N. Litchfield Rd. Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park 15305 W. McDowell Rd.
MOVIES Harkins Theatres Estrella Falls 16 15010 W. McDowell Rd.
WATER PLAY
The Frozen Monkey 15661 W. Roosevelt St., #105
Community Pool 430 E. Loma Linda Blvd.
Yogurtini 14175 W. Indian School Road, #A-5
Splash Pad Goodyear Community Park, 3151 N. Litchfield Rd.
What’s That in Goodyear?
fairlife
300,000 square foot production and distribution facility Cotton Ln. and Thomas Rd. Opening: 2020
Navy Federal Credit Union
4,200 sq. ft. bank with drive-thru Northeast Corner of Pebble Creek Pkwy and McDowell Rd. Opening: 4th Quarter 2019
Club Pilates Now open! 783 S. Cotton Lane, Ste. C2 14
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Tru by Hilton & Springhill Suites by Marriott 3.7 acres I-10 and North Bullard Ave. Opening: Spring 2020
Want more news? Subscribe to updates at goodyearaz.gov/news and join the conversation online by following us on social media.
Thanks to everyone who voted for
Goodyear’s Top Teacher on social media!
GOODYEAR CITY COUNCIL CALENDAR June 3
5:00 p.m.
Work Session
June 10
4:30 p.m. 5:45 p.m. 6:00 p.m.
Special Session Community Facilities District Meeting Council Meeting
June 17
6:00 p.m.
Special Session, Council Induction
June 24
6:00 p.m.
Council Meeting
Work Session times are subject to change. Visit goodyearaz.gov/council-calendar to view updates. Council meetings and work sessions are held at Goodyear Justice Center, Goodyear Municipal Complex, 14455 W. Van Buren St., B101. Visit goodyearaz.gov for meeting schedules and to watch City Council meetings.
Mr. Eric Wiederlight
BASIS Goodyear, Kindergarten
Ms. Carolyn Meeks
Incito Schools, 2nd Grade GOODYEAR CITY COUNCIL
InFocus Magazine Goodyear Communications Questions or comments, email: communications@goodyearaz.gov (l to r): Joe Pizzillo, Vice Mayor Wally Campbell, Bill Stipp, Mayor Georgia Lord, Sheri Lauritano, Laura Kaino, and Brannon Hampton. June 2019
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ECRWSS Postal Customer 190 N. Litchfield Rd. Goodyear AZ 85338 goodyearaz.gov 623-932-3910
