Thomas Catri
It’s a dry heat, and the metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, residents again are gearing up for another brutal summer season. Remember everyone to protect yourselves from the extreme heat that can be deadly as temperatures regularly creep and stay in triple digits. Extreme heat is no joke and is known for being the deadliest kind of weather. Know the signs of heat illness, like heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and here in the southwest deserts, consider a bottle of water to be your most important fashion accessory.
About the summer heat. It’s important to remember that if it’s too hot for you, then it’s too hot for your pets. When walking your dogs the roads get extremely hot, and your dog’s paws can get burnt on the scorching hot pavements and even on artificial grass. Your dog’s feet can be just as sensitive as humans’ feet. Check the pavement before you decide to head out for a walk by touching the pavement. If it’s too hot for your hand, then it’s too hot for your dog’s paw pads. Booties are available for your dog’s paws to prevent burning, but it’s always much easier and safer to take walks in the early morning hours, after sunset, or just walk on the grass and stay off the asphalt.
Get to know your neighbors. Whether you’re new to the community or have been here for years, getting to know your neighbor is an important part of being a good neighbor. It strengthens connections within the community and allows you to create a strong home network where you can build important relationships that can offer security, friendship and much more. When one neighbor helps another, we strengthen our communities.
Important reminder especially for our newer residents: Be sure that the HOA office has a current emergency contact on file for you. Whether you’re a snowbird, you’re away travelling for a few weeks or even if you’re here year-round and you happen to be at work, a lot can happen while you’re away. We want to be able to keep you informed in the event of an emergency or for just something as simple as an irrigation leak, if a water heater gives out and leaks or if the garage door was left open. Call the SunBird HOA Office at 480-802-4901 and they’ll review the information with you or update your emergency contact list if needed. Make it a very safe and enjoyable summer wherever you are.