City of Moscow Spring-Time Reminders

Vehicle Heat
With hot, sunny days forecast for the region, the Moscow Police Department would like to remind citizens that infants, young children, vulnerable adults and pets should not be left in cars.  This can create a dangerous situation for any person or animals as interior temperatures can rise rapidly even when the windows are left slightly open. For example, on an 85 degree day the interior temperature of a vehicle parked with the windows partially open can reach 104 in just 10 minutes and 119 degrees in 30 minutes. Studies show that parking a car in the shade will not significantly reduce the time it takes for a car to become dangerously hot. 
 
For pets, even though your dog may want to go with you in the car, the safest place for it on a sunny day is at home where it can remain comfortable and safe.  Animals can sustain brain damage or even die from heatstroke in just 15 minutes. Beating the heat is extra tough for dogs because they can only cool themselves by panting and by sweating through their paw pads. If you see a dog left in a hot car please contact the Moscow Police Department at 208.882.COPS (2677).
 
For more information on this or other vehicle safety tips, please contact the Moscow Police Department at 208.882.COPS (2677).
 
Flyers and Signs
As the weather warms up, many residents are starting spring cleaning projects. All of those unwanted items are a great reason to have a yard sale. The Moscow Police Department would like to remind residents who are planning for a yard sale or event, that Moscow City Code prohibits posting notices, signs, flyers, announcements or other advertising on public property or public right-of-way without prior approval. Residents also need to get permission from property owners before posting signs and flyers on private property. Finally, no signs or flyers can be posted on telephone or electrical poles within the City of Moscow. If you do legally post signs or flyers for an event or yard sale, you are responsible for removing the signs after the event is over so they don’t become litter.
 
If you are unsure about where you can post signs and flyers you can contact the Moscow Police Department Code Enforcement Division for advice or to clarify the law. Working together, we can keep our city looking clean for residents and visitors. 
 
Noxious Weeds
With the warm spring weather, the growing season is underway. Many plants and flowers are beginning to sprout, grow and bloom. This includes many weeds that have been declared noxious weeds.
Moscow City Code defines Noxious Weeds as “any plant having the potential to cause injury to public health, crops, livestock, land or other property, and which is designated as noxious by the Idaho Department of Agriculture or by Latah County pursuant to Idaho Code Title 22, Chapter 24.”
 
Noxious weeds are a nuisance and, if left unchecked, can spread rapidly to adjoining property. Some noxious weed seeds can be carried by the wind and spread great distances. It is the responsibility of the person owning or controlling real property to remove noxious weeds from the property and to ensure that they do not grow back. During the next several weeks the Moscow Police Department Code Enforcement Division will be taking a proactive approach to the identification and control of noxious weeds. Property owners or renters may find informational flyers on their door if noxious weeds are growing on their property. Failure to comply with the removal and control of noxious weeds could result in an infraction citation.
 
If you are unsure about weeds on your property, you can contact the Moscow Police Department Code Enforcement Division at 208.883.7070 for assistance in identifying noxious weeds. Working together with property owners to control noxious weeds now will help prevent the unwanted spread of seeds this summer and fall.
 
Summer Grilling
The Moscow Volunteer Fire Department reminds citizens to keep safe grilling tips in mind to keep summer barbeques from going up in flames.
 

• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grill and the tray below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.  Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill placed away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• If using charcoal, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
• If using propane, check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.
• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department.
• If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 15 minutes before re-lighting it.

 
For more information on grill safety, please contact Moscow Volunteer Fire Department at 208.882.2831.  In case of emergency, always call 911.