Safety & Emergency Preparedness: Rattlesnakes

Encountering a rattlesnake can be a dangerous situation, but staying calm and following these guidelines can help keep you safe:

  1. Stay Calm: If you come across a rattlesnake, avoid sudden movements. Back away slowly and give the snake space to retreat.
  2. Do Not Approach: Do not try to handle, provoke, or get closer to the snake. Keep a safe distance between you and the snake.
  3. Identify Venomous Snakes: It’s crucial to know how to identify venomous snakes, especially in regions where they are common. Rattlesnakes have triangular-shaped heads, vertical pupils, and a distinctive rattling sound at the end of their tails.
  4. Seek Medical Help: If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, seek medical attention immediately. Call emergency services or head to the nearest hospital. Do not attempt to treat the bite yourself.
  5. First Aid: While waiting for medical help, keep the affected limb immobilized and at heart level. Remove any tight clothing or jewelry near the bite as swelling may occur. Do not apply ice, apply a tourniquet, or attempt to suck out the venom.
  6. Do Not Panic: Remain as calm and still as possible to slow the spread of venom in your body. Panic can increase your heart rate and potentially spread the venom more rapidly.
  7. Note the Snake’s Appearance: If it’s safe to do so, try to remember the size, coloration, and other distinguishing features of the snake to help medical professionals determine the most appropriate treatment.

Prevention is key when dealing with rattlesnakes. Stay vigilant when hiking or working in areas where they may be present, wear appropriate protective clothing like sturdy boots, and always be aware of your surroundings.

A Special Invitation from the Shadow Hills Men’s Golf Club

The Shadow Hills Men’s Member Guest Tournament is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, February 29 and March 1. Some of our great sponsors will be there to meet our residents and offer everyone very nice giveaways and discounts on their products and services.

  • Palm Royal Collective, the #1 CBD dispensary in the Coachella Valley – offering great discounts on all products to Shadow Hills residents
  • Sun Community Federal Credit Union –  offering free give aways along with great rates on loans and very competitive interest rates on savings accounts
  • iGolf – offering credit in our pro shop for any new or used clubs you want to trade in.

You, your family, friends and neighbors are all invited and all will receive great FREE gifts. Our sponsors will be located in booths in front of the driving range from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm, on Thursday and Friday. Please come and support these great people who are supporting our great tournament.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Is your garden flourishing with the pride you take in it? If so, would you allow the Desert Gardeners Club to consider including it in our Spring Garden Tour? This popular event will be held on Saturday, March 23 – but our list of gardens is needed very soon.

We are looking for that “something special” -- such as a sense of serenity using our well-loved plants, a creative water feature, an artistic use of rocks and/or pots,  a theme such as roses, cactus or vegetables/herbs, or simply your unique personality. Size doesn't matter.

Please contact us at SCSHDesertGardeners.com or click on the link for more information. No commitment is involved and we'd love to hear from you.

Oasis Project Meeting

The City Development Coordinating Committee has been informed that a community meeting will be held this Thursday, October 12, 2023, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, at Shadow Hills High School, located on Jefferson Avenue just north of Avenue 40.

The meeting is to discuss the Oasis project to be developed at the intersections of Monroe, Avenue 42, and I-10. This is a massive development to include residential units, commercial space, and industrial/manufacturing activities. This meeting is essential to the developer obtaining approval of a final Environmental Impact Report (EIR).

Your attendance is important to let the City and developer know that Sun City Shadow Hills residents care about what development occurs on our southern border.

https://theoasisatindio.com/

Safety & Emergency Preparedness Tip: In Hot Weather, Be Sure to Keep Hydrated. Drink Plenty of Water

Absolutely, staying hydrated is crucial, especially during hot weather. When the temperature rises, your body sweats more to cool down, increasing the risk of dehydration. To maintain proper hydration and stay healthy in hot weather, follow these tips:

  1. Drink Plenty of Water: Aim to drink at least 8 cups (64 ounces) of water daily, or more if you are sweating excessively. Carry a reusable water bottle with you to ensure easy access to water throughout the day.
  2. Monitor Your Urine Color: The color of your urine can indicate your hydration level. If your urine is pale yellow or straw-colored, it indicates good hydration. Darker urine may indicate that you need to drink more water.
  3. Avoid Sugary and Alcoholic Drinks: Beverages like soda, sweetened iced tea, and alcoholic drinks can contribute to dehydration. Stick to water; if you want some flavor, try adding a slice of lemon, lime, or cucumber.
  4. Eat Hydrating Foods: Include fruits and vegetables with high water content in your diet. Watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and strawberries are excellent choices.
  5. Drink Before You Feel Thirsty: Thirst is not always a reliable indicator of your body’s hydration needs. Drink water at regular intervals, even before you feel thirsty.
  6. Limit Caffeine: Caffeinated beverages like coffee and energy drinks can have a diuretic effect, leading to increased urination and potential dehydration. If you consume caffeinated drinks, balance them with extra water.
  7. Avoid Long Exposure to Sun and Heat: Limit your time outdoors during the hottest parts of the day, typically from late morning to mid-afternoon. If you must be outside, seek shade and wear light, breathable clothing.
  8. Use Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
  9. Take Breaks and Rest: If you’re engaging in physical activity or spending time outdoors, take frequent breaks in shaded areas or air-conditioned spaces to rest and cool down.
  10. Know the Signs of Dehydration: Be aware of the symptoms of dehydration, which may include excessive thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness, fatigue, and confusion. If you experience severe symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

Staying hydrated, particularly during hot weather, is essential for your overall health and well-being. By drinking plenty of water and taking steps to prevent dehydration, you can enjoy the summer months safely and comfortably.

Safety & Emergency Preparedness Tip: Protecting Your Personal Identity From Hackers

Protecting your personal identity from hackers is crucial in today's digital age. Here are some important steps you can take to enhance your personal cybersecurity:

  1. Use strong, unique passwords: Create strong and complex passwords for your online accounts, and avoid using the same password across multiple platforms. Consider using a reliable password manager to securely store and manage your passwords.
  2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Utilize two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a unique code sent to your mobile device, in addition to your password.
  3. Be cautious with personal information: Be mindful about sharing personal information online. Avoid providing sensitive details like your full address, Social Security number, or financial information unless it is absolutely necessary and on trusted websites.
  4. Be cautious with emails and attachments: Be vigilant about suspicious emails, especially those requesting personal information or containing unexpected attachments or links. Avoid clicking on unknown links or downloading attachments from untrusted sources, as they may contain malware or phishing attempts.
  5. Keep your devices updated: Regularly update your operating system, applications, and antivirus software to protect against the latest security vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates whenever possible.
  6. Secure your home network: Set a strong password for your Wi-Fi network and enable network encryption (such as WPA2 or WPA3) to protect your internet connection. Regularly update the firmware of your router to ensure it has the latest security patches.
  7. Use secure Wi-Fi networks: Be cautious when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, as they can be vulnerable to hacking. Avoid accessing sensitive accounts or conducting financial transactions on public networks. Instead, use a trusted virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic.
  8. Be cautious on social media: Be mindful of the information you share on social media platforms. Limit the personal details you make public, review and adjust privacy settings to control who can view your posts and profile, and be cautious when accepting friend requests or interacting with unknown individuals.
  9. Regularly monitor your accounts: Regularly review your bank statements, credit card transactions, and other financial accounts for any unauthorized activity. Promptly report any suspicious or fraudulent charges or activities to your financial institution.
  10. Educate yourself about cybersecurity: Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices. Be cautious of new scams or techniques used by hackers. Consider attending cybersecurity workshops or following reputable online sources for updated information.

Remember, maintaining good cybersecurity practices requires ongoing vigilance and proactive measures. By implementing these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to identity theft or hacking incidents.

Pet Club Update

 

First off, what a fabulous presentation that our Indio Police Officers and their three badged K9s provided for us at our last guest speaker meeting. It scored a 10 plus! Also, thank you, SCSH Pet Club membership and new members, for the outstanding attendance we had!

A few reminders, mark your calendars: the Indio Elks Lodge is sponsoring a Pancake Breakfast, from 8:30 am – 11:30 am, Saturday, March 25, at the Elks Lodge on Madison Avenue. 100% of the proceeds will directly benefit the IPD K9 service dogs for additional equipment and training. All are invited to partake, and the cost is only $8. Let’s offer our support for our K9 unit!

SCSH Pet Club’s next meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 11, at 6 pm, Montecito Clubhouse Cambria Room. It will be an important meeting to discuss the mission statement of SCSH Pet Club. Please attend!

For more information, contact Jo Provenzano-King, VP and Presiding President: 818-848-5959 or j.n.provenzano@hotmail.com.