It's official – you're a Las Vegas resident! Now that you're calling Las Vegas home, there are a number of things about our wonderful valley you'll want to know more about. This section is devoted to turning you into a true "local," with information on desert living, local government, history and community resources.

Desert Living

Life in the desert southwest is incredibly unique. New residents are often amazed at the stunning natural beauty of the desert. While there are countless positive aspects about desert living, new residents must adapt to the arid climate and factor in a number of things that will contribute to a healthy, happy adjustment to desert dwelling.

"My son Tom and I moved from Florida to Las Vegas two years ago. We absolutely love Las Vegas, especially the valley, the mountains, western landscaping, the friendliness of the people here, good schools, tremendous job opportunities and air you can breathe! Palm trees are the same as in Florida, and the only thing missing is grass. We don't miss not having to use the lawn mower. The lights at night are amazing, life is good here and we can highly recommend Las Vegas to everyone."

—Kellie Mendonca, Corporate Marketing Director, PEAK & Balance Centers of America.

It's a "dry heat"

Las Vegas is situated at the southern tip of Nevada in the Great Basin – the western region between the Sierra Nevada and Wasatch mountain ranges. Official elevation of the city at McCarran International Airport is 2,174 feet. The Las Vegas Valley itself is comprised of nearly 600 square miles and runs from northwest to southeast and slopes downward from west to east.

The mountains surrounding the valley extend as high as 2,000 to 10,000 feet above the valley floor. The Sheep Range bounds the valley on the north. The Black Mountains bound the valley on the south. The Spring Mountains are to the west and include Mt. Charleston, the area's highest elevation, peaking at 11,918 feet.

While a dry heat dominates in the summer months, winters are typically mild and pleasant, though occasional high winds are common in late winter and early spring. Summer temperatures can sometimes soar as high as 120 degrees, but there is very little humidity. Las Vegas' wonderful year-round climate allows for a good deal of outdoor recreational opportunities, although special care must be taken during the hottest times of the year.

Your home

When the temperatures start to soar, it's tempting to lower the thermostat as far as it will go. However, Nevada Power Co. warns of possible power outages during peak usage periods and encourages residents to maintain a regular thermostat setting in the upper 70-degree range. You can also keep your home cool by using ceiling and floor fans and "swamp coolers." For additional energy conservation tips for your home and vehicle, see the "Conservation Corner" of this guide.

Conservation Corner

There are a number of ways to save energy and save money through conservation efforts. A good deal of energy efficiency can be achieved through pre-planning and investment in energy-saving products. The U.S. Department of Energy provides a range of tips, from simple, low-cost household adjustments through long-term investment in energy-saving appliances and structural changes. You can conduct a home energy audit at www.eere.energy.gov to determine the best options for you.

–Low-cost "quick fix" tips:

            *           Use a programmable thermostat to control the heating and cooling in your home.

            *           Adjust air vents in infrequently used portions of your house to save on heating and cooling costs.

            *           Install energy-efficient lighting such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).

            *           Hire a professional to help you insulate and repair your ducts.

            *           Let dishes air-dry instead of using the heating element on your dishwasher.

            *           Use cold water instead of hot water in washing machines.

            *           Turn off lights and appliances in rooms when they are not being used.

            *           Use fans and evaporative "swamp" coolers to supplement your air conditioning system during the hotter parts of the year.

–Long-term conservation

investments:

            *           Purchase Energy Star-rated energy-efficient appliances.

            *           Install double-paned windows.

            *           Invest in solar panels to generate some of your own energy.

            *           Install ground-source heat pumps.

            *           Replace turf landscaping with desert rock or artificial turf. *

            *           Synthetic grass ("artificial turf") is quickly growing in popularity in desert climates. This easy-to-maintain, realistic-looking ground cover looks good year-round, requires little maintenance and is child and pet-friendly. The product cost starts in the $4-per-foot range.

Note: Homeowner associations in Southern Nevada have restrictions on the installation of synthetic grass. Consult your community rules and regulations prior to purchase.

Motor vehicles

The desert sun can turn the inside of a vehicle blistering hot within only a few minutes. The dry climate can also place wear and tear on car parts, such as hoses, windshield wipers and tires. Make sure your car's fluid levels are checked regularly, particularly in the summer months, and schedule routine maintenance to ensure a good-running vehicle.

–Conservation Driving Tips:

            *           Idling gets you 0 miles per gallon. The best way to warm up a vehicle is to drive it. No more than 30 seconds of idling on winter days is needed. Anything more simply wastes fuel and increases emissions.

            *           Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and hard braking) wastes gas and can lower your highway gas mileage by as much as 33 percent.

            *           Avoid high speeds – it's not only dangerous, it uses more gas.

            *           When you use overdrive gearing, your car's engine speed goes down. This saves gas and reduces wear.

            *           Use air conditioning only when necessary.

            *           Clear out your car - extra weight decreases gas mileage.

            *           Reduce drag by placing items inside the car or trunk rather than on roof racks.

            *           Check into carpooling and public transit to cut mileage and car maintenance costs.

–Car Maintenance Tips:

            *           Keep tires properly inflated and aligned to improve your gasoline mileage.

            *           Get regular engine tune-ups and car maintenance checks to avoid fuel economy problems due to worn spark plugs, dragging brakes, low transmission fluid or transmission problems.

            *           Replace clogged air filters to improve gas mileage and protect your engine.

            *           Combine errands into one trip. Several short trips, each one taken from a cold start, can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm.

            *           For long-term savings, consider investing in a fuel-efficient or hybrid vehicle.

Source: Excerpted from the U.S. Department of Energy

–Some tips for keeping your car cool:

            *           When possible, park your vehicle in a garage or shaded parking structure or in the shade of a tree.

            *           Government-approved window tinting and the use of removable window screens can greatly reduce the internal temperature of your vehicle.

            *           Covering your steering wheel, seats, and in particular, the belts and buckles on child safety seats, can help combat high temperatures.

            *           When possible, start your car and allow the air conditioning to run for a few minutes before getting in.

            *           Driving gloves can protect your hands from a hot steering wheel.

            *           Always carry water in your car.

            *           Remember, a good air-conditioning system is vital to desert living.

Above all else, never leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle. It's dangerous and it's against the law.

Pets

Pets need extra care when adapting to a desert climate. It's recommended that you limit the amount of time your animals spend outside during the hottest parts of day. Plenty of fresh water and shade should always be provided. Remember your pets' sensitive foot pads, which can easily burn on hot concrete or dirt during high temperatures.

–Pet licensing:

            *           Licenses are required for all dogs and cats in Clark County. Residents are limited to three adult dogs and three adult cats per household. Special pet fancier's licenses are available that allow up to six cats and dogs.

            *           All dogs must be restrained by a leash. Cats in the city must be restrained by leash. 

            *           All dogs and cats must have license and rabies tags. Rabies shots are required every two years.

For additional information contact one of the following organizations:

Las Vegas Humane Society

(702) 434-2009

Nevada SPCA

(702) 873-7722

–Veterinarians

Animal Emergency Center

1914 E. Sahara Ave.

Las Vegas, NV

(702) 457-8050

Civic Center Pet Clinic

2500 E. Lake Mead Blvd.

North Las Vegas, NV 89030

(702) 642-2625

Las Vegas Veterinary Referral Center

8650 W. Tropicana Ave., Ste. B107

Las Vegas, NV

(702) 871-1152

www.lvvrc.com

Park Animal Hospital

8400 S. Eastern Ave.

Las Vegas, NV 89123

(702) 361-5850

www.parkanimalhosp.com

Sunset Eastern Animal Hospital/NVA

6521 S. Eastern Ave.

Las Vegas, NV 89119

(702) 361-2566

Veterinary Ophthalmology Service

1914 E. Sahara Ave.

Las Vegas, NV 89104

(702) 457-6523

www.voslasvegas.com

GOVERNMENT

The City of Las Vegas operates as a council-manager government. The 19th Mayor of Las Vegas, Oscar B. Goodman, sits as a Council Member-At-Large, presiding over all City Council meetings. Mayor Goodman was re-elected to a second four-year term in April 2003.

The city manager, Douglas Selby, is responsible for the effective administration and daily operations of municipal services for the city. Other responsibilities of the office include economic development/redevelopment and the maintenance of relationships with other county, state and federal governmental agencies.

All municipal elections are open and nonpartisan. Only voters properly registered within the specific boundaries of the city of Las Vegas are eligible to vote in municipal elections. With regard to federal, state and county elections, Nevada is a closed primary state. As such, voters are prohibited from voting for candidates from another party. All registered voters may vote on nonpartisan races that decide which candidates advance to the general election. General elections are open.

–Voter Registration

You must be 18 years of age, a U.S. citizen, a resident of Nevada and Clark County for at least 30 days and a resident of your precinct for 10 consecutive days to register to vote. Applications are available at area post offices, libraries, schools and DMV locations, and may be completed either in person or through the mail. Mail-in voter registrations is also available.

–Resources:

Clark County Election Department

500 S. Grand Central Pkwy.

Las Vegas, NV  89106

(702) 455-VOTE (8683)

Clark County Bar Association

(702) 387-6011

Clark County Legal Services

800 S. Eighth St.

Las Vegas, NV  89101

(702) 386-1070

Public Safety and Emergency Services

Emergency: 911

Ambulance Dispatch Center

(702) 384-3400

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms

(702) 388-6584

District of Nevada U.S. Marshall

(702) 388-6355

Drug Enforcement Administration

(702) 388-6635

Emergency Road Conditions

(702) 486-3116

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

(702) 385-1281

Nevada Highway Patrol

311

non-emergency: (702) 486-4100

Police Departments:

(non-emergency)

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police

3141 E. Sunrise Ave.

Las Vegas, NV  89101

(702) 229-5538

Boulder City

(702) 293-9224

Henderson

(702) 565-8933

Las Vegas

(702) 795-3111

Laughlin

(702) 492-6565

Mesquite

(702) 346-5262

Mount Charleston

(702) 872-5483

North Las Vegas

(702) 622-9111

Secret Witness

(702) 385-5555

–Taxes:

Department of Taxation

555 E. Washington Ave., Ste. 1300

Las Vegas, NV  89101

(702) 486-2300

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

4750 W. Oakey Blvd.

Las Vegas, NV  89102

(702) 829-1040

–Veteran and Military Info:

American Legion

733 N. Veterans Memorial Dr.

Las Vegas, NV  89101

(702) 382-8533

American Wheelchair

Veterans Association

5355 Madre Mesa Dr.

Las Vegas, NV  89108

(702) 631-1900

Disabled American Veterans

(702) 649-1496

Las Vegas Armory Headquarters, Star South

250 N. Eastern Ave.

Las Vegas, NV 89101

(702) 385-0300

Nellis Air Force Base

1111 W. Bonanza Rd.

Las Vegas, NV  89106

(702) 652-1110

Nevada Army National Guard

4130 Sandhill Rd.

Las Vegas, NV  89121

(702) 435-7228

Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery

1900 Buchanan Blvd.

Boulder City, NV 89005

(702) 486-5920

Veterans Administration

Benefits Information

800-827-1000

Veterans Affairs

2915 W. Charleston Ave., Ste. 5-A

Las Vegas, NV  89102

800-827-1000

Veterans Hot Line

(702) 399-2880

Veterans of Foreign Wars

4717 Las Vegas Blvd.

Las Vegas, NV  89119

(702) 643-1623