Summer has arrived in Carson City and with it comes dry conditions which, if we are not careful, can lead to brush and forest fires. If you smoke while driving, tossing a lit cigarette out the car window could prove expensive in more ways than one.
The cost to fight a fire caused by carelessness can be in the thousands and even millions of dollars and the fine for throwing a lit cigarette from a vehicle is $1,000.
Many vehicles manufactured today do not come with ashtrays or it is an accessory item. This being said, if you own a vehicle that does not have one, you should look at buying an aftermarket container which is designed for cigarette use and disposal. It only takes one small ember to create a major incident.
For those of you planning on driving out into the surrounding hills and canyons, remember to take with you a shovel, bucket, and water should a fire somehow get started due to brush contact with your vehicles exhaust system or catalytic converter.
While we are on the subject, in addition to water, make sure you have adequate food, blankets and warm clothing in the event your vehicle becomes disabled. Although the days are warm the nights can become cold in our desert climate. A strobe signal light is a good item to carry should you find yourself needing to be located at night by search and rescue.
Cell phones should be carried but they have limitations as some areas do not have cell coverage. Make sure that someone knows where you are going, what route you are going to take, and when you are expected back so that notification can be made if you fail to return home.
— Sgt. Scott McDaniel with the Carson City Sheriff's Office writes regular public safety columns.