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Are you prepared?

Posted by admin on August 20, 2020

Fire and quake season is upon us. Do you have an Emergency Plan to help you and your loved ones evacuate easily? It is a good idea to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car or to grab and go box that will be easily accessible for you and your family.

Build a basic Emergency Evacuation Kit Including:

Water (one gallon per person per day for at least 3 days)
Non-perishable food (at least 3 days supply)
Manual can opener (for food)
Bottled water
Prescription medications and copies of the prescription
Battery operated or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Flashlight
Extra batteries
Whistle (to signal for help)
Dust mask (to help filter potential contaminated air)
Plastic sheeting and duct tape (in case of a shelter in place)
Moist towelettes / baby wipes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
Local maps
Cell phone and chargers
First-aid kit
Cash
Copies of important documents (driver’s license/ID, SS card, proof of residency, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, etc.)
Extra change of clothes and bedding
Pre-pack non-replaceable, personal items like photo albums that you can quickly move to a vehicle if you are instructed to evacuate

Talk to your family and friends, make a plan! Decide where to meet, where to stay, where you are going. If you have pets or seniors to consider, plan ahead for them as well and have specific prepared go bags. If you do not have a car, make a plan ahead of time… ask a friend or a neighbor if you can ride off the hill with them if needed. If you have a car, keep 1/2 tank of gas in it at all times. If the power goes out, the stations may not be able to pump gas unless they have a generator and even then they may only be able to take cash payments.

Remember, in case of an emergency the number one priority is safety first. Proper advanced preparations can ease the stress of evacuation and help you make sure all the necessities are not left behind or forgotten.

You can get more detailed information at https://www.ready.gov/kit

Posted in: Around the District, Community, Emergencies, Fire

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Another hot weekend ahead

Posted by admin on August 14, 2020

Have you seen the weather reports for this coming weekend? It’s going to be a hot one.
I’m seeing reports of 85-90 degrees in the Mountains, 104-103 Inland, and up to 117 in the Desert.

When to be concerned about heat illness
If you’re unable to keep yourself cool, you may develop the symptoms of heat exhaustion, which, if left untreated, can turn into heatstroke — a serious medical emergency that can lead to organ damage or death without immediate attention.

When temperatures are high, such as during a heat wave, you may also want to check in more frequently on young children under the age of four, as well as older people above the age of 65, because they are more susceptible to heat-related illness.

Where is our Monsoon?!?!?
According to The Weather Channel (weather.com);
The monsoon in the Southwest has been generally inactive so far this year, which has led to an expansion of drought and record heat in the region.

The upper-level setup has not been ideal for ample rainfall to drench the Southwest or for heat relief to arrive this season, which lasts from June 15 through Sept. 30.

The monsoon usually brings relief from the scorching summer heat. However, with a generally absent monsoon, excessive heat can persist.

Several daily record highs and record warm lows are anticipated later this week and into the weekend from western Texas into Southern California.

What can you do to keep cool?
Last week, we wrote about 10 ways to beat the heat according to Lifehacker.com; here are some more ideas for the upcoming hot weekend.

5 best ways to stay cool according to Insider.com:

1. Keep out sunlight. Close the curtains or blinds, use shutters, shades, or awnings, apply high-reflectivity window film.

2. Utilize fans properly. Ceiling fans cool people, not rooms so be sure to turn them off when you leave the room. Window fans or portable fans are best used when the air outside is cooler than the air inside.

3. Drink lots of water. Your body needs water to effectively deal with hot temperatures. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty! Getting bored with water? Add frozen berries, grapes, or melon chunks to sparkling water to switch things up.

4. Use cold washcloths. The Mayo Clinic recommends placing a cold, damp cloth on your pulse points – such as the back of your neck, under your armpits, on your wrists, or groin.

5. Eat cool foods and avoid alcohol. Put your quaran-tini down and drink something with no alcohol since too much alcohol can cause your body to actually lose water. Food suggestions include salads, watermelon, mint, and ironically enough – hot peppers.

I hope these suggestions help. Stay cool Idyllwild.

Posted in: Community, Hazardous Weather Outlook, Weather, Weekend

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Beat the heat.

Posted by admin on August 7, 2020

Although this coming weekend is not looking like it’s going as hot as last weekend, it still looks like a nice comfortable warm one.

One of the many benefits of living on the hill is the lower temperatures due to the lush trees surrounding our town.
Trees provide an evaporative cooling effect that can decrease local air temperatures by several degrees Fahrenheit.

When the temperatures do rise again; here are the Top 10 Ways to Beat the Heat according to lifehacker.com.

10. Drink More Water
Seems like a no-brainer. Staying hydrated helps with so many things. When you’re sweating a lot, drinking enough water becomes even more important. Of course water isn’t your only option for hydration but with the quality water that the Pine Cove Water District supplies, why would you want anything else?!

9. Keep Excessive Sweat at Bay
Thankfully we don’t have some of the high humidity on the hill that some other places get as it can be the worst part of the heat. You can get the sweating under control with a few tricks, like applying antiperspirant at night and wearing breathable clothing materials, such as cotton.

8. Make a DIY Air Conditioner
Running the AC can get expensive so why not make your own? There are plenty of options to choose from if you do an internet search.

7. Optimize Your Fans
Did you know that if you face your box fan out, rather than in at night, your room will stay cooler and you might be able to sleep more comfortably?
If you have a ceiling fan, run it counter-clockwise (the “summer” higher-speed setting) for optimum cooling.

6. Keep Your Food Cool and Avoid Using the Oven
This is a great time to pull out that slow cooker you hid away after winter. You can make a whole meal without adding too much heat to your kitchen. There are rice cookers that also have a steamer tray that can serve the same purpose. Cold soups and salads are a great option too; pasta salad, bean salad, gatzpacho, cold shredded chicken on a bed of lettuce. Get creative and see what you can come up with.

5. Exercise Comfortably, Even in the Heat
If you enjoy exercising, you don’t have to stop just because it’s hot. Switch it up to water sports, avoid the sun at it’s strongest time (usually afternoon), and exercising in short bursts.

4. Optimize Your Windows (and black out curtains)
Close windows and use insulated drapes to keep the sun out during the day and open them at night when the sun is down. You can also hang a damp towel in front of the window to cool the air flowing into your home and open opposing windows or windows on the top and bottom floors for maximum air flow.

3. Cool Your Car Down Quickly
Prior to getting on the road, roll down one window and open and close the opposite door a few times to cool the car down.

2. Stay Cool While You Sleep
Cool your head with a special pillow like the Chillow, sleep on top of a wet sheet, or do some research online for other cool sleeping strategies.

1. Know Your Body’s Best Cooling Points
There are points on your body that react best to cooling. For me, it’s the back of my neck, for some, it could be your wrists or top of the head. By applying ice cubes or an ice pack wrapped in a towel (or any other cold object) to these pulse points, you’ll cool down more quickly and effectively.

What other tactics can you suggest for keeping cool?

Posted in: Community, Weather, Weekend

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Suspicious Seeds

Posted by admin on July 31, 2020

We often speak of using local wood to avoid transporting potentially-infested oak firewood within, to, or from the San Bernardino Mountains. Now we have something new to be aware of; mysterious seeds appearing to be from China.

San Bernardino County issued a warning that if you received unsolicited mailings of seeds that appear to be from China DO NOT plant them because they could be an invasive plant species.

“USDA is aware that people across the country have received suspicious, unsolicited packages of seed that appear to be coming from China,” the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) said in a statement. They are working closely with federal and state partners, including Customs and Border Protection, to investigate. State officials said some packages were labeled as jewelry and many have contained Chinese writing. According to checks done by China’s postal service, records on the packages appear to have been falsified.

As we are well aware, invasive species wreak havoc on the environment, displace or destroy native plants and insects and severely damage crops. Taking steps to prevent their introduction is the most effective method of reducing both the risk of invasive species infestations and the cost to control and mitigate those infestations. So until they figure out what is going on, it is best to follow the suggestions of the USDA and San Bernardino County.

According to Snopes.com people are reporting that they are receiving unsolicited packages of seeds in the mail with return addresses indicating they were sent from China. What’s undetermined is the motive behind these mailings, and whether or not it is a malicious one or not.

Posted in: Community, Garden, gardening, The Garden

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Conservation Basics

Posted by admin on November 15, 2019

It is always helpful to keep water conservation in mind on a daily basis. Creating conservation minded household habits can preserve our precious resource and save money in the process. Here is a friendly reminder of Do’s and don’t’s of basic conservation:

Do only wash full loads of laundry and dishes to spread out wash cycles.

Don’t hand wash your car. Instead, take it to a car wash, where recycled water is used.

Do look for leaky faucets and running toilets. Repairing a dripping faucet can save up to 150 gallons of water a week.

Don’t leave the sink running while brushing your teeth.

Do install a bathroom sink aerator to slow the flow of water.

Do purchase water saving shower heads. Or come into our District office, and we will give you a conservation kit for free!

Don’t take long showers. Keeping showers under 5 minutes can save up to 1000 gallons of water per month.

Do store water in the refrigerator instead of letting the tap run for cool water.

Don’t use the toilet as a waste basket!

Do collect water used to rinse fruit or vegetables, and use to to water your plants, both inside and out 🙂

Don’t keep water conservation tips to yourself! Share, share, share!

Do aim to do at least one thing per day to conserve water

Posted in: Community, Company News, Conservation, Customer Infomation

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Highway 243 to Banning Update

Posted by admin on November 1, 2019

State of California Department of Transportation PRESS RELEASE

October 30, 2019 Press Release Number: 19-424 Project ID: 08-1K520 District: 8 Riverside/San Bernardino Emergency Work Update on State Route 243 in Idyllwild RIVERSIDE – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is pleased to announce that the emergency work on State Route 243 (SR-243) is now complete. The route will reopen to the public from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Idyllwild on Friday, November 1 by 6 p.m. Know before you go! To stay on top of roadwork in the Inland Empire go to Caltrans District 8 and sign up for commuter alerts.

We are so happy the the road work on highway 243 to Banning is complete!

Posted in: Around the District, Community, Customer Infomation, Pine Cove Water District, Road Conditions

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Riverside County Emergency Reverse 911

Posted by admin on October 28, 2019

With Fires blazing all over Southern California PCWD wants to make sure our residents are best prepared if a disaster were to strike close to home again. Getting informed of an emergency is the first step. When you have an emergency, 911 is the number to call but did you know that Riverside County offers an emergency telephone alerting system? When disasters occur that are unknown to you, REVERSE 911 calls you. The system called REVERSE 911 and works through our telephones. It uses computer technology to quickly contact many residents and businesses in a specific area to communicate information. Early Warning Notification System (EWNS) allows public safety first responders to rapidly alert and warn the general public in the event of emergencies.

The EWNS is one of a group of alert warning tools used in Riverside County. Any Business or residence in Riverside county that has traditional land line phone service (listed or unlisted) is already a part of the EWNS. Cell phones or VoIP numbers have to be registered to receive these emergency alerts. Just visit Riverside County’s secure website homepage: www.countyofriverside.us and add the number you would like to be notified by.

The EWNS can make up to 250,000 calls per hour to reach the public of Riverside County. Registered phone numbers will be notified in the event of a small, medium or large emergency. It is important for us to get the notification as soon as possible in the event of a wildfire, flood, severe weather, hazardous material warning, law enforcement incidents, etc. Having an early warning can help keep you and your loved ones safe and informed about potential dangers in our community.

Don’t forget the important parts of evacuation- The P’s of Evacuation

People
Pets
Personal computer
Prescriptions
Papers
Photos
Phone (& charger)
personal needs
priceless items

Posted in: Around the District, Community, Customer Infomation, Emergencies, Fire

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Fall Preparation for Winter Precipitation

Posted by admin on October 17, 2019

When the beautiful fall leaves turn and the air becomes crisp is a good time to think about how to prepare for the coming cold months. It is important to make sure your home is ready for the coming winter. Winter can cause cause costly bills. Heating costs can double if your windows are poorly insulated or if the heating system is out-of-date. Plumbing can break or burst creating extensive damage to your home and high water bills. To prevent damage, it is just as important to winterize your home even if it will be vacant for long periods of time. Making proper precautions to ensure your home is prepared for winter can save you time, money and a lot of unnecessary hassle.

Learn how to properly shut off your water valve (in case a pipe bursts) and turn your water off every time you leave your mountain home.
Insulate pipes with insulation and wrap any exposed pipes.
Clean your gutters; make sure water can flow freely through your gutters to avoid icicles and ice dams.
Change your ceiling fans clockwise to force hot air at the ceiling towards the floor.
Replacing the filters in your forced heating unit improves the efficiency of your unit.
Window insulation film can help keep heat from escaping out your windows.
Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
The simple act of installing a storm door can increase energy efficiency by 45%, by sealing drafts and reducing air flow
Placing a rolled towel at the bottom of your exterior door or a draft guard prevents heat from leaking out.
Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year. Your chimney doesn’t necessarily need to be swept every single year, but it does need an annual inspection. Wood stoves, however, should be swept more often.
Trim tree branches near your windows, roof, or parking areas before the weight of winter ice and snow can cause them to snap.
Inspect your home for any openings where animals could use to get inside. Make sure your fireplace flue or damper is closed, as bats, birds and squirrels are known to get inside this way.
Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment.
Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
It is wise to communicate with a trusted friend or neighbor if you plan to be gone for a prolonged period of time and make sure they have your contact information. Taking these steps can help protect your home from theft, water damage, and heating or electrical system issues while you are away.

Early this year we experienced extreme low temperatures and lots of snow. Pine Cove lost of over a million gallons of water in February and March this year. This loss was a result of many leaks around the District and caused by freezing temperatures. PCWD always recommends turning your water off at the street customer valve to prevent any water disasters or leaks. Conserving water whenever possible is important to this District. Pine Covers are very aware and are cautious about conserving water as much as possible. If you aren’t sure how you can reduce your water usage, we have many water conservation tips here on the blog and on our website at pcwd.org that are useful for conserving water both inside the house as well as outside.

Posted in: Around the District, Community, Conservation, Customer Infomation, Customer Valve, From the Office, Frozen Pipes, Leaks, Pine Cove Water District, Storms, Water Conservation, Weather, Winter, winterizing

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Monarch Butterflies Flying South for the Winter

Posted by admin on October 11, 2019

The butterfly season is almost over and most of the Monarch Butterflies have emerged and will be heading south to mexico for the winter. Watching these majestic creatures over these past few months has been astonishing and we have learned a great deal through this experience.

It all started with a little bit of Milkweed and from there we stared seeing daily visits from Monarchs in our garden. Monarchs need Milkweed for their survival. The butterflies are attracted to the plant’s specific nectar. The life cycle for a Monarch from egg to butterfly is about 30 days. They lay their eggs on the leaves of the Milkweed and the eggs hatch after about three or four days. A tiny little caterpillar hatches and consumes the leftover egg as its first meal. The tiny caterpillar eats Milkweed for about two weeks and after weeks of caterpillars munching on Milkweed there was almost no leaves left of the plant. Caterpillars grows so rapidly that it sheds its skin five times and consumes its shed skin each time. When the caterpillar has fully grown it crawls off (traveling up to 30 feet away) to find the perfect spot to form a chrysalis. Once the caterpillar has chose a spot to transform it creates a small sticky disc to hang itself from and there it will sit for about a day in the shape of a J. Then the caterpillar is ready to begin transforming it starts to wiggle and squirm until the caterpillar’s skin is shed and a chrysalis emerges surrounding it body. The transformation or pupa stage takes about 10-14 days as the caterpillar is becoming a beautiful Monarch Butterfly. Once the butterfly’s transformation is complete it emerges with its wings all crinkled and wrinkled and has to hang upside down for a few hours while its wings dry and straighten out. When the wings have straightened and strengthened the butterfly is ready for some nourishment from flower nectar so it can brave the long adventure south to Mexico.

There are many predators, treacheries and possible sickness that the Monarchs have to endure and overcome. If you are interested in helping the Monarchs on their journey next year plant a Milkweed garden but don’t forget to pick up some free compost first.

Posted in: Animals, Community, Customer Infomation, From the Office, Garden, Monarch Butterflies

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Monarch Butterflies are Emerging

Posted by admin on September 27, 2019

We have been releasing Monarch Butterflies all week. Most of them look great but there are the few sad ones that emerge with some deformities like bent or shriveled wings. Below you can see three examples of chrysalis and the one on the far right will not make it to becoming a butterfly but the one on the left looks like it will emerge any minute and you can even see the beautifully formed orange wings. The green one in front looks healthy.