NEWS

City officials are reminding residents that reporting street light outages is a simple step that plays a major role in keeping neighborhoods safe. A burned-out or malfunctioning street light doesn’t just create an inconvenience — it can increase the risk of traffic accidents, pedestrian injuries, and criminal activity. Prompt reporting helps crews respond quickly and maintain safe, well-lit streets. Why Reporting Matters Street lights improve: Driver visibility at intersections and crosswalks Pedestrian safety on sidewalks and trails Crime deterrence in neighborhoods and parking areas Emergency response visibility for police, fire, and EMS Even one dark light can create a hazard — especially in high-traffic areas. Simply text "LIGHTS OUT" to 724-888-0000 to report an outage Provide the following as requested: The exact location (nearest address or intersection). The pole number (usually printed on a small metal tag on the pole). A brief description of the issue (completely out, flickering, light stays on during the day, damaged pole, etc.). Community Safety Starts With You Public works departments rely on residents to help identify outages quickly. Taking a moment to report a dark or malfunctioning street light can prevent accidents and improve safety for everyone. If you notice a problem, don’t assume someone else has reported it - make the call or submit the request. A well-lit street is a safer street.

As temperatures plunge below 0°F (-18°C), public health and emergency officials are urging residents to take immediate precautions. Sub-zero conditions dramatically increase the risk of frostbite, hypothermia, dangerous travel conditions, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Even brief exposure can become life-threatening without proper preparation. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe: Dress for Survival, Not Style When wind chills drop below zero, exposed skin can freeze in minutes. Follow the three-layer rule: Base layer: Moisture-wicking fabric (avoid cotton) Middle layer: Insulating fleece or wool Outer layer: Windproof and waterproof coat Don’t forget: Insulated gloves or mittens Thermal socks and waterproof boots Hat that covers your ears Scarf or face covering Know the Warning Signs Frostbite: Numbness Pale, gray, or waxy skin Tingling or stinging sensation Most commonly affects fingers, toes, ears, nose, and cheeks. Hypothermia: Shivering (early sign) Slurred speech Confusion or drowsiness Weak pulse Call emergency services immediately if someone shows signs of hypothermia. Move them to warmth and remove wet clothing. Travel Only If Necessary If you must drive: Keep your gas tank at least half full Pack a winter emergency kit (blankets, flashlight, food, water, jumper cables, ice scraper) Let someone know your route and expected arrival time If stranded, stay in your vehicle. Run the engine for 10 minutes each hour for heat — and ensure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow. Heat Homes Safely Improper heating methods can be deadly. Never use ovens or grills to heat your home Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from flammable items Install carbon monoxide detectors Never run generators indoors or in garages Carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible — and can build up quickly. Check on Vulnerable Neighbors Older adults, young children, and people with medical conditions are especially at risk. Check in on neighbors, friends, and relatives. Pets should also be brought indoors. Limit Outdoor Exposure When temperatures fall to extreme levels: Avoid prolonged outdoor activity Take frequent warm-up breaks Stay dry — wet clothing accelerates heat loss Bottom Line Sub-zero temperatures are more than uncomfortable — they can be deadly. Preparation, proper clothing, and awareness of warning signs can save lives. Stay informed through local weather alerts and follow guidance from emergency management officials. Stay warm. Stay safe.

Summer is here! The weather is warm and families are heading outdoors. XEO Valley is home to many rivers, lakes, and Valley Pool. We encourage both residents & visitors to keep water safety a top priority this summer. Drowning can happen quickly and silently, but many incidents are preventable with proper precautions. Please review the following safety guidelines before heading to the water: River Safety: Respect the Current Rivers can be unpredictable and fast-moving. Check water conditions before entering. Swimming near the Valley Dam is prohibited. Avoid swimming near strong currents. Enter water feet-first to avoid hidden hazards Never attempt to rescue someone in trouble without proper equipment; call 911 immediately. Currents can overpower swimmers in seconds, even in shallow water. If someone is struggling in the water: Call 911 immediately. Use the “Reach or Throw, Don’t Go” method - extend an object or throw a flotation device instead of entering the water. Quick action can save lives. Lake Safety: Wear a Life Jacket Open water presents unique risks, including changing depths and boat traffic. Children and inexperienced swimmers must wear a life jacket. Never swim alone. Be aware of designated swimming areas and boating lanes. Avoid alcohol when swimming or operating watercraft. Pool Safety: Supervision is Key XEO Valley has an accredited Lifeguard Course and offers Swim Lessons to beginners of all ages. However, parents and guardians are always responsible for their child's safety at Valley Pool. Whether at Valley Pool or your backyard pool: Never leave children unattended. Stay within arm’s reach of young or inexperienced swimmers. Ensure pools are enclosed with proper fencing and self-latching gates. Keep rescue equipment and a phone nearby in case of emergency Heat & Hydration Matter Spending long hours in the sun increases the risk of heat exhaustion. Drink plenty of water. Take shade breaks. Apply and reapply sunscreen. Watch for signs of heat-related illness. XEO Valley encourages residents to follow posted signage, respect lifeguards and park staff, and report unsafe conditions at public facilities. By practicing supervision, wearing life jackets, and staying aware of surroundings, we can ensure a fun and safe summer for everyone.

School is back in session! School zone safety is everyone’s responsibility. Increased traffic during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times means extra caution is essential to prevent accidents and keep children safe. Slow Down in School Zones & Watch for Pedestrians Watch for flashing beacons indicating active school hours Be prepared to stop quickly Obey posted speed limits — they are strictly enforced in school zones. Violations will result in higher fines and penalties. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Follow the directions of crossing guards. Avoid blocking intersections or crosswalks Eliminate distractions, including mobile phones Stop for School Buses Drivers must stop when a school bus extends its stop arm and activates flashing red lights. Remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and the arm is withdrawn. Never attempt to pass a stopped school bus - children may cross unexpectedly in front of the bus. Tips for Parents & Guardians Use designated drop-off and pick-up zones. Avoid double parking. Teach children to use crosswalks and look both ways. Arrive early to reduce traffic congestion. Law enforcement officers will be monitoring school zones to ensure compliance and protect students. Community members are encouraged to report ongoing traffic concerns near schools to local authorities. By slowing down, staying alert, and following traffic laws, we can ensure a safe and successful school year for everyone.

It is vital to prioritize health and wellness, especially during Back-to-School season. Taking a few simple steps now can help ensure a safe, healthy, and successful school year for all. Stay Up to Date on Immunizations Vaccinations protect not only your child, but also classmates, teachers, and the broader community. Parents and guardians should compare their child's immunization records against XEO Valley City School District's required vaccines. Contact your healthcare provider or local health department with questions about required immunizations. Schedule Annual Check-Ups Back-to-school season is an ideal time for: Annual physical exams. Vision and hearing screenings. Sports physicals, if needed. Keep Sick Children Home If your child has a fever, vomiting, or contagious symptoms, keep them home. Ensure they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication before returning. Notify the school of any diagnosed contagious conditions. Promote Healthy Hygiene Habits & Healthy Routines Teaching children proper cough etiquette and frequent handwashing also helps reduce transmission. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds. Use hand sanitizer when washing isn’t possible. Avoid sharing water bottles or personal items. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow. Set a consistent sleep schedules Eat nutritious meals and stay hydration. Daily physical activity. Limit screen time before bed. Don’t Forget Mental Health Returning to school can bring excitement, but it can also bring anxiety. Parents are encouraged to: Talk openly about feelings and expectations. Watch for changes in mood or behavior. Reach out to school counselors or healthcare providers if concerns arise. By planning ahead and reinforcing healthy habits, families can help ensure students are ready to learn, grow, and thrive throughout the school year.

XEO Valley's Public Works Department is reminding residents that proper recycling helps reduce landfill waste, conserve natural resources, and keep collection costs down. However, placing the wrong items in your recycling bin (often called “contamination”) can delay processing and cause entire loads to be rejected. Follow these simple recycling do’s and don’ts to help keep our program running efficiently! Recycling Do’s XEO Valley's recycling center accepts the following: Clean cardboard and paper. Aluminum cans and tin/steel food cans. Empty plastic bottles and containers labeled #1–#2. Glass bottles and jars. REMEMBER: Rinse containers to remove food residue. Empty all liquids before placing items in the bin. Keep recyclables loose in the cart (not bagged). Break down large boxes to save space. Recycling Don’ts The following items do not belong in curbside recycling carts: Plastic bags and plastic film. Greasy pizza boxes or food-soiled paper. Styrofoam containers. Garden hoses, cords, or wires. Diapers or sanitary products. Batteries or electronics These materials can jam sorting equipment, contaminate other recyclables, or pose safety hazards to workers. Why It Matters When non-recyclable items are mixed in, entire truckloads may be diverted to the landfill. Processing costs increase and equipment can be damaged. The safety of employees can even be risked. Reducing contamination helps protect both the environment and taxpayer dollars. Recycling is one of the simplest ways residents can make a positive environmental impact. By following these guidelines and staying informed about local requirements, everyone can help create a cleaner and more sustainable Valley!

XEO Valley proudly announces the swearing-in of three new police officers who have officially joined the Police Department. The new officers are: Eric Williams, age 24 Abby Cochran, age 38 Jarod Stone, age 29 During the ceremony, each officer took an oath to uphold the Constitution and faithfully perform the duties of a law enforcement officer. XEO Valley's Chief of Police, Greg Polis, expressed confidence that the new officers will strengthen the department and enhance public safety efforts.

As autumn arrives and trees begin to shed their leaves, the City’s Public Works Department is reminding residents that the Leaf Collection Program is now underway. Following program guidelines helps crews work efficiently, prevents stormwater issues, and keeps neighborhoods clean and safe. Collection Schedule Leaf collection begins in October and will continue on a rotating schedule throughout the month. Residents are encouraged to: Check the city website or service map for their designated pickup week. Place leaves at the curb before 7:00 a.m. on their scheduled collection day. Avoid placing leaves out more than 1 day early. Collection timing may vary due to weather conditions or high leaf volumes. How to Prepare Leaves for Pickup Rake leaves to the curb, not into the street. Keep piles clear of mailboxes, fire hydrants, and parked vehicles. Do not mix in sticks, rocks, trash, or pet waste. Loose-leaf vacuum trucks cannot collect materials that contain debris or contaminants. Residents are reminded to keep storm drains clear. Blocked drains can lead to standing water and icy conditions later in the season. Before and after heavy rain, check nearby drains and remove loose leaves safely when possible. Questions or Service Updates For schedule changes, weather delays, or program details, residents should visit the city’s website or contact the Public Works Department directly. By following these guidelines, everyone can help ensure a smooth and successful leaf collection season. Thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe, clean, and beautiful this fall.