Summer Self Care Checklist

  1. Ditch the couch and relax outdoors. Grab a blanket or lawn chair and something to read and set up camp on a shady patch of grass.
  2. Go for a stroll. A long walk can be a great way to clear your head and enjoy a warm summer afternoon. You can also grab a friend and get your exercise while catching up.
  3. Explore your local farmer’s market. Take advantage of seasonal produce and local vendors. A trip to the farmer’s market can be a great opportunity to try new foods and incorporate healthier options into your diet.
  4. Start a garden or join a community garden. Gardening can be a nice way to meditate, enjoy the outdoors and get some sunshine. It can also serve as a bonding time with your family or a way to make new friends. And at the end of the day, you can enjoy the literal fruits (and vegetables) of your labor!
  5. Tidy one small space. Perhaps a drawer or the top of your desk – even having one space clean and free of clutter can help you feel calmer.
  6. Make a summer feel-good playlist. Bring on the summer tunes! Music can be an effortless way to improve your mood and motivate you to get moving. Bonus points for listening while exercising or cleaning.
  7. Have a picnic. Enjoying a meal outside can be an easy way to get some fresh air and sunshine and shake up your daily routine.
  8. Try a new exercise. Getting those endorphins flowing can help calm your mind and improve your mood. Think about doing something outdoors like hiking, tennis or swimming. Just don’t forget your sunscreen and bug spray!
  9. Look for things going on in your community. Search online or in the newspaper for events going on around town. Consider outdoor movies, yard sales, festivals, farmer’s markets, concerts or dance classes. Making fun plans can help you feel excited and give you something to look forward to.
  10. Start or continue a journal. Writing can be a great way to express how you feel and check-in with your emotions. Or, it can just be a place to doodle or draw. Make it whatever you need.
  11. Reconnect with someone. Call an old friend – or even a grandparent or parent.
  12. Do an at-home spa day. Taking a bubble bath, using a face mask or doing a DIY pedicure can all be affordable ways to help yourself feel cared for. A candle, essential oils and relaxing tunes can all add to the spa vibe.
  13. Go exploring. Pull up a map and find a new area of town that you haven’t been to yet.
  14. Practice mindfulness. Try meditation or make a list of 10 things you are thankful for.
  15. Do a needs assessment. How did your last week go? Is there anything you could do to make next week better? Maybe you need more sleep, more social time or to prepare some healthy meals before your next busy week. Take a moment to reflect and think about how you can make time for whatever you need to best care for yourself.

Use these ideas to make your own self-care checklist this summer. Even small changes to your routine can improve your self-care practice and overall mood. Focus on new ways you can be active, get outside and get involved with your community. Make this summer a season of self-care.

Posted in: Around the District, Community, Customer Infomation, From the Office, Pine Cove Water District, The Garden, Uncategorized, Weather, Weekend

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Heat Safety Tips for Working in Hot Weather Conditions

Maintaining good self-care practices as you carry out work activities can positively impact your health and work productivity. Professionals who work outside often can benefit from using heat safety tips to stay well-hydrated and energized throughout the workday. By reviewing heat safety tips, you can better prepare yourself for working outside during heat waves or hot weather and promote heat safety among your coworkers.

What is heat safety?

Heat safety is the process by which people take precautions to maintain their body temperatures during hot weather. It’s important to understand heat safety because it can help you prevent instances of heat exhaustion, heat stroke and other types of heat-related illnesses.

Your ability to take preventative measures to care for yourself and those around you during heat waves or outdoor work activities can also influence your productivity when working outside.

Know the signs of heat-related illness

When working in the heat, it’s also important to understand the signs of heat-related illnesses in yourself and those around you so you can take action and prevent more serious illnesses. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

  • Muscle cramps
  • Flushed face
  • Feelings of fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Over-sweating

In contrast, signs of heat stroke, the next phase after exhaustion, include:

  • Little-to-no sweating
  • Rapid pulse
  • Confusion
  • Inability to speak properly
  • Above-average body temperatures

18 heat safety tips

Review these 18 heat safety tips to stay healthy while working outside in hot conditions:

1. Wear light-colored and light-weighted clothing

If you don’t have to wear a specific uniform or protective gear for your job, try to wear light-colored clothing in shades like white, gray or any pastel colors rather than black or navy blue. This is because darker-colored clothing absorbs more heat, so light-colored clothing can help you stay cooler for longer. Similarly, light-weighted clothing can help you stay cool and more comfortable when working in the heat. An example of this would include wearing linen pants over denim jeans.

2. Drink plenty of water before and during working

Make sure you drink plenty of water before you start your workday as it ensures you’re hydrated enough to acclimate to the heat. Throughout the workday, drink water regularly to prevent dehydration. You can make sure you drink enough water by bringing one or more large water bottles that are insulated to keep your drinks cool.

3. Shorten work times with frequent breaks

Shortening work times and interspersing them with breaks can help you conserve your energy, rehydrate and cool down before continuing work. For example, a roofing company schedules work activities in 30-minute increments followed by a 10-15 minute break for employees. These breaks can help you assess your health and look for symptoms that the heat is affecting you.

4. Apply sunscreen throughout the day

Another important aspect of heat safety includes preventing extensive sun exposure and sunburns. You can do this by applying sunscreen to your face, ears, neck, arms and any other visible skin. Refer to the instructions on the sunscreen label to determine how often you need to reapply.

5. Wear a hat to prevent direct sun exposure

Wearing a hat can help prevent direct sun exposure while keeping you cool. When working outside, you can benefit from wearing a wide-brimmed hat with a loose fit over something like a baseball cap, as it shades all sides of your face and neck. This can also be a great way to prevent sunburns.

6. Stay in shaded or partially shaded areas as much as possible

When working in the heat, it’s important to ‌limit the amount of time you’re in the sun as much as you can. You can do this by setting up work tents or umbrellas or standing in the shade of trees or buildings during work breaks. This reduces sun exposure and heat exposure.

7. Refrain from drinking fluids other than water

Other fluids like soda or coffee can potentially cause dehydration, so it’s best to drink water when working in hot weather. Your water intake also helps sweat production, which helps you maintain your average body temperature. If you ‌ bring another type of beverage to work, try to drink an equal amount of water with it.

8. Use a cooling cloth

A cool washcloth, ice pack or specialized cooling cloth on the back of your neck can help you maintain your body temperature and provide relief when working outside in hot weather. It may be useful to bring several cooling cloths and keep them in your icebox or cooler when not in use. By doing this, you have a supply to use while working in the heat all day and can maintain your body temperature.

9. Eat smaller portions of food throughout the workday

When working in hot conditions, it’s helpful to eat light meals frequently to ensure you maintain your energy levels while refraining from causing discomfort or stomach aches. Good options include foods high in nutrients and with a high water concentration. If you’re able to take breaks, this is good for rest and provides time to get a snack.

10. Pace yourself

When working in hot weather, it’s helpful to pace yourself so you can maintain similar energy levels throughout the workday. Try to work at a steady pace throughout the day so you’re not completing more work during a certain time period or rushing to finish your work. Start activities slowly and take breaks when needed. This can help you avoid overexertion.

11. Check the weather each day

Another good heat safety tip is to prepare for working in the heat in advance. This means reviewing weather reports and referencing the heat index. If you live in a humid climate, it may also help to look at the humidity levels for the day. By understanding weather conditions, you can take extra precautions like wearing the right clothes, taking adequate breaks and working during lower temperature points during the day.

12. Try to take breaks in air-conditioned areas if possible

It’s important to ‌rest in air-conditioned areas as often as you can to ensure you give your body time to cool down before going back outside to work. This could include an air-conditioned store, restaurant or office building. Sitting in an air-conditioned car is another good option if there aren’t any buildings around the area where you’re working.

13. Complete outdoor work in the early mornings and evenings

If you operate your own business or work as a sole proprietor, you can try to schedule work activities for the mornings and evenings. This way, you avoid working during the hottest point of the day. You can also suggest this safety tip to your manager to see if it’s possible to change the work schedule.

14. Condition yourself to work in the heat and maintain your tolerance

If you haven’t worked outside for extensive periods of time before, it’s helpful to condition yourself to tolerate working in hot conditions before completing full work days in the heat. Much like learning to exercise in the heat, you also need to build your heat tolerance to work. This also means spending small amounts of time outside, even when you have a day off from work, to help you maintain your heat tolerance.

15. Set timers to make sure you take breaks and stay hydrated

Setting timers prevents you from losing track of time and spending too much time in the heat without water, food or shade breaks. For example, each time you finish a bottle of water, you set a timer for 20 minutes to remind yourself to get a refill. Another example would include setting a timer for one hour and immediately taking a break when the timer goes off.

16. Stop working if you experience heat illness symptoms

If you start to feel unwell as you work in the heat, make sure you communicate how you feel to your coworkers or direct superior and take a break in a shaded or air-conditioned area. This could include feelings of nausea, dizziness, cramping, headaches or fatigue. Taking a break immediately can give you an opportunity to recover from your symptoms before they become an issue.

17. Use fans to circulate airflow

You can use large fans connected to generators or nearby power sources to circulate airflow in your workspace. This doesn’t cool the air down, but it can provide a refreshing breeze as you work in hot conditions. Airflow can also improve breathing conditions and help you to stay energized.

18. Rest indoors after work to help your body cool down

Once your workday ends, you can promote your health and well-being by taking time to rest indoors, in a preferably air-conditioned or cool space. This means refraining from additional outdoor activities to give your body time to properly cool down. Resting inside limits your sun and heat exposure and helps maintain your body for the next day of work.

Posted in: Around the District, Community, Company News, Customer Infomation, From the Office, Pine Cove Water District, Uncategorized, Weather

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August Billing

Hello Residents of Pine Cove!

August billing (due September 1, 2024) has gone out. If you get emailed bills, you should have already received yours.

The bi-monthly minimum is $80.00 for two month billing period, excluding any water usage. Water usage is billed as follows:
$8.00 per thousand gallons from 0 to 7,500 gallons
$10.00 per thousand gallons from 7,500 to 15,000 gallons
$12.00 per thousand gallons over 15,000

Water bills are mailed around the 1st of the Billing Month (even months). All bills are due and payable by the 1st of the following month (odd months). Any bill not paid by the due date will be termed delinquent and subject to a $15.00 late fee and/or termination. If shut off, a reconnect fee of $75.00 will be charged, in addition to the current amount due, to re-establish service.

There are several ways to pay your bill. ACH Auto Draft is a free service; the payment is automatically taken out of your bank account (filled out form required). You can log on to your account online, and pay with a Visa/Mastercard/Discover, or E-check. To register your account online, you will need your account number, and the Municipality Code which is PineCoveWDCA. Go to www.pcwd.org and click the “Billing” tab and the Payment option link. Next, click on the www.ub-pay.com link and register your account from there. You can come into the office and pay by check, cash, or card (one person at a time). Call with a credit/debit card (Please note that there is a convenience fee of $3.00 per hundred dollars charged if using a credit card). Drop payments thru the slot on the front door or mail a check or money order.

Posted in: Around the District, Billing, Community, Company News, Customer Infomation, From the Office, Pine Cove Water District, Uncategorized, Water Bills

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Summer Tips

As we all head outside to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather this summer, the American Red Cross offers 20 steps you can follow to help keep you safe.

Do your plans include a road trip?

With more people on the roads, it’s important to drive safely.

1.     Be well rested and alert, use your seat belts, observe speed limits and follow the rules of the road.

2.     If you plan on drinking alcohol, designate a driver who won’t drink.

3.     Avoid distractions such as cell phones.

4.     Use caution in work zones. There are lots of construction projects underway.

5.     Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather. Don’t overdrive your headlights.

Drowning can happen quickly and silently. Unless rescued, it could take as little as 20 to 60 seconds for a drowning person to submerge.

6.     Prevent unsupervised access to water, provide constant, active adult supervision and know how to swim.

7.     Swim in an area with lifeguards.

8.     Designate a “water watcher” whose sole responsibility is to keep a close eye and constant attention on everyone in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over.

9.     Don’t just pack it, wear your life jacket — always on a boat and if you are in a situation beyond your skill level.

10.  Reach or throw, don’t go! In the event of an emergency, reach or throw an object to the person in trouble and tell them to grab on to it. Don’t go in! You could become a victim yourself.

Summer is a great time for a picnic. But be careful grilling, which causes 10,000 home fires every year.

11.  Wash your hands, utensils and workstation before preparing the food.

12.  Separate uncooked meats, poultry and seafood from ready-to-eat foods like salads, fruits, vegetables, cheeses and desserts. Use separate plates and utensils to prevent cross-contamination.

13.  Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use and never grill indoors. Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.

14.  Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.

15.  Don’t leave food out in the hot sun. Keep perishable foods in a cooler with plenty of ice or freezer gel packs. 

Camping is one of the most popular outdoor recreational activities in the U.S. But being prepared for emergencies is critical when you’re headed to an area with limited access to phone services and help.

16.  Know the level of ability of the people in your group and the environment around you. Plan accordingly.

17.  Pack a first aid kit to handle insect stings, sprains, cuts and bruises and other injuries that could happen.

18.  Sprains and falls are some of the most common misfortunes travelers may face. Dehydration is also a danger. Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR/AED course and download the free First Aid app so that you will know what to do in case help is delayed.

19.  Share your travel plans and locations with a family member, neighbor or friend.

20.  Bring nutritious food items and water, light-weight clothing to layer and supplies for any pets.

Posted in: Around the District, Community, Customer Infomation, From the Office, Pine Cove Water District, Uncategorized, Upcoming Events, Weather, Weekend

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Free Water Kits

PCWD invites all residents to come by the office and pick up your free water efficiency kit!

Kit includes:
Earth Massage 1.5 GPM Showerhead: Two-setting massage spray showerhead.
Kitchen Swivel 1.5 GPM Aerator: Dual-spray functionality with wide-spray radius and water pausing on/off valve.
(2) Bathroom Faucet 1.0 GPM Aerators: Half the flow, twice the power. Commercial grade aerators for the home.
Toilet Water Saver (Fill Cycle Diverter): This patented water saver takes excess water from the bowl and diverts it to the tank to reduce water consumption. (This is NOT a flow restricting device.)
Toilet Leak Detection Tablets: FDA-certified, non-toxic dye tablets used to detect leaks in toilets.
Flow Meter Bag: Kit bag doubles as a flow meter to identify water wasters throughout the home.
Water Conservation Wheel: Provides useful ways to conserve water around the house.

Stop by say hi, and get one of these for your mountain home.

Posted in: Around the District, Community, Company News, Conservation, Customer Infomation, Freebies, From the Office, Leaks, Pine Cove Water District, Uncategorized, Water Bills, Water Conservation

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Prepare your Garden for Summer Heat Waves

Think About Resilience From the Outset

If you have not yet established your vegetable plot, I recommend thinking about resilience from the outset. Think about weather conditions which may be experienced in our area. Plant for as much biodiversity as possible and make a climate-resilient garden through the plants you choose, and the ways in which you think about soil, water, and other factors.

Remember, growing in rows in a traditional vegetable garden is not the only option. Perennial planting schemes like forest gardens can make your garden far more resilient, whatever extreme weather conditions climate change will bring. 

Provide Plants With Shade During the Hottest Part of the Day

If you already have a vegetable plot and have been caught out by a heat wave, I suggest thinking about shade. Shade can reduce temperatures considerably. It can stop certain plants from bolting prematurely.

And, of course, shade can reduce water use. Typically, vegetable plots in temperate climate zones are positioned in full sun, or close to full sun. But when there is extreme heat, these spots can become scorching. So adding shade during the hottest periods could help. 

Shade cloth is one simple option. But remember, you can use reclaimed, natural fabrics for a more eco-friendly solution. 

Shading with other plants can also be beneficial. Think about using trees, shrubs, or even taller annual plants to provide shade for those other plants which need it. You might also place a trellis or other support structure with climbing plants that provide some shade. A good layout in a vegetable garden can make a big difference. In the northern hemisphere, remember that shade plants should be positioned to the south or west of other plants to provide shade during the hottest part of the day. 

Avoid Bare Soil

I advise making sure the soil is covered, either with mulch or living plants, to reduce water loss from the soil and reduce local soil temperatures. Remember, protecting your garden during a heat wave includes taking care of the soil and its complex web of life, not just your plants. And an area of bare soil will emit far more heat than a vegetated area. 

Improve Irrigation or Watering Systems

The best time to think about irrigation and watering is obviously before extreme weather arrives. But you can still beat the heat in your garden if you think about these things once the hot weather arrives. 

Obviously, during hot weather, watering needs will increase. So manual watering can be more of a challenge. If you do not already have sustainable watering systems such as drip irrigation, or clay pot, or water globe irrigation for a smaller space, now could be a good time to get them in place.

Consider adding automation to make it easier to make sure you meet the water needs of your plants. Though of course, you should also make sure you have a sustainable supply. And set up rainwater harvesting systems. 

Add Thermal Mass

Choosing the right bed edging could also help you beat the heat. Materials with high thermal mass catch and store the sun’s heat energy during the day and release it slowly when temperatures fall. So they can help keep temperatures more stable in an area.

While particularly beneficial in a greenhouse or other undercover growing area, adding thermal mass may also be beneficial in other areas of your garden. Choose materials like stone, clay, earth, etc., and consider carefully how these can be used within your garden design. They can help beat the heat in summer and help with the cold temperatures in winter too. 

Beat the Heat in Outdoor Living Areas

While growing food and other resources in your garden is important, you might also like to consider how you can continue to enjoy outdoor living areas during a heat wave. 

To make your garden a more pleasant place to spend time in summer, you might like to consider making sure that you have shaded seating areas—below trees, arbors, pergolas, or other structures clad with climbing plants, for example. 

In high temperatures, making sure your garden has water available for wildlife is even more crucial than usual. And when you attract plenty of wildlife, your garden can be an even more pleasing place to spend some time. 

In some gardens, taking a dip could be the perfect way to cool off on a hot day. A natural swimming pond or natural swimming pool could be the ideal eco-friendly solution. 

And finally, when enjoying your garden, think about ways to make the most of your home-grown produce. For example, create some cooling cordials, smoothies, ice-creams, or ice lollies using the fruits and berries (and even vegetables and/or herbs) that you grow.

Posted in: Around the District, Community, Compost, Conservation, Customer Infomation, Drought, Edible Landscaping, Freebies, From the Office, Garden, gardening, Homesteading, Mulch, Pine Cove Water District, The Garden, Uncategorized, Weather

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Independence Day

Our office will be closed tomorrow for Independence day. If you have a water emergency please call: (951) 294-8282.

The Idyllwild Rotary sponsored parade begins at 10:00am on Thursday, July 4th. Be sure to get there early and find a shady spot. Tons of local businesses are hosting small gathering events, so check it out while you are out and about. Join the community at the Butterfield Amphitheater for the first summer concert of the season featuring “The Diamonds.” If you would like to see fireworks you will have to venture off the hill, however. The Palm Desert Civic Center Park will be hosting fireworks beginning at 7:30pm. Nicolet Middle School in Banning will also be having a firework show and family fun beginning at 6pm, and Yucaipa High School will be having entertainment at 3pm and fireworks beginning at 9pm that same day.

Have a Safe Holiday and Happy Independence Day!!!!! 

Posted in: Around the District, Community, Company News, Customer Infomation, From the Office, Holidays, Pine Cove Water District, Uncategorized, Upcoming Events

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Summer Heat Preparation

Is your home ready to tackle the soaring temperatures of summer? While you may be excited about relaxing poolside on sun-soaked afternoons, your living space might need a little tune-up to ensure you stay cool and comfortable when you head back inside. The key to a home that’s perfectly equipped to beat the heat? Don’t let rising summer temperatures take you by surprise. Instead, prepare like a pro! And you don’t have to be an HVAC expert or spend a ton of cash to get the job done. With a few simple, effective tips and tricks, you can easily transform your home into a sanctuary from the heat throughout the summer. From optimizing your air conditioning system for maximum comfort to quick and easy cooling hacks, here’s how to prepare your home to beat that summer sizzle

  • Check your thermostat and make sure it’s programmed properly for summer temperatures. This will help reduce energy usage during peak hours, which can save money on energy bills. If you’re not sure when peak hours are, check with your utility provider.
  • Check your AC unit and make sure it’s in good working order before temperatures rise. If needed, it’s always helpful to have it serviced by a qualified technician before summer hits.
  • Clean vents and replace air filters regularly. Over time, pollutants can build up in vents and air filters, which can restrict airflow and make your AC unit work harder. Cleaning vents and replacing air filters regularly will help your AC unit run more efficiently and save you money on your energy bills.
    • Tip: If you live in a rented residence, call the maintenance team and have them service air filters and vents.
  • Keep shades closed during the day and open your interior doors. This will help block out the sun’s heat and circulate the cool air throughout your home.
  • Set your fans to move counterclockwise in the summer and clockwise in the winter. Fans that move counterclockwise create a windchill effect, which can help you feel cooler in the summer. Fans that move clockwise help circulate warm air in the winter.
  • Set your thermostat a few degrees higher in the summer and use fans to circulate the air. This will help you stay cool and comfortable without running your AC unit as much.
    • Tip: You can use multiple fans to create a cross breeze. This can be done by placing fans in opposite windows or doorways.
  • If you live in a temporary or rented residence, consider using window film. Window film can help block out the sun’s heat and keep your home cooler. It can also be removed without damaging your windows.

Posted in: Around the District, Community, Company News, Customer Infomation, From the Office, Pine Cove Water District, Uncategorized, Upcoming Events, Weather

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Do we have your correct information?

Have you moved recently?
Have you gotten a new PO Box?
Have you changed your phone number?
New email address?

When a situation arises, it is important to us that we can get a hold of you in a timely manner. Having to call multiple phone numbers that are disconnected or getting emails kicked back is not efficient and we really want to be as efficient as possible.

Please, please, please, make sure all of your information is updated in our system to avoid wasting time and materials.

Thanks much!

Posted in: Around the District, Billing, Community, Customer Infomation, Customer Valve, Emergencies, Freebies, From the Office, Pine Cove Water District, Uncategorized

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