Desert Living: Tips for Smart Living in the Mojave Desert

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Desert Living: Tips for Smart Living in the Mojave Desert	Upcoming Events
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Clark County is located in the Mojave Desert. The Mojave Desert is an arid region encompassing portions of California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah. The local climate has mountains, basins, flats, and sparse vegetation. Silver, gold, and iron have been found and mined in these areas. The Mojave a desert is home to more than 4,000 species of plants and animals.

The circumstances of the Mojave Desert are distinctive. The daily temperatures vary greatly from more than 110 degrees in the summer to freezing conditions in the winter. The average precipitation is less than 5 inches per year usually occurring in the winter months. Summers are hot, dry and windy. These unique conditions make living in the Mojave Desert a unique experience. While the extreme temperatures can be challenging, they also provide us with some beautiful conditions and local sights.

The following tips and reminders will help you adapt and thrive while living in the Mojave Desert:

Replace the air filters in your home monthly. Check them more often if they are full of dust when you do replace them or your doors and windows have been left open for extended periods of time.
Always be aware of your surroundings. Never leave valuables unsecured. Report crimes, abandoned vehicles and extremely suspicious activities immediately. Call 911 for emergencies, and 311 for non-emergencies.
When traveling in the desert, always observe plants and animals from a safe distance.
Leave the desert as you found it. Do not take plants, wildlife, soil, rocks or artifacts from the desert. All of the natural components of the desert contribute to biodiversity and survival of species. Walk the inside and outside perimeter of your home this month to check for cracks, leaks, damage, and pests. Make arrangements to fix damage that is excessive, dangerous, or may lead to water or energy waste.
Call the Department of Air Quality's dust complaint hotline at 385-DUST (3878) to report excessive amounts of blowing dust from construction sites and other sources. Every complaint is investigated.

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