LAKEPORT, Calif. – Summer is rapidly approaching and the Lakeport Police Department wants to remind the community of some important safety tips and general information.

Lt. Jason Ferguson said traffic safety will be extremely important this summer as pedestrian and vehicular traffic increase.

The summer concert series and Independence Day celebration at Library Park bring heavy traffic flow through the downtown area, said Ferguson.

He said police ask that drivers take extra care to watch for pedestrians and bicyclists as they travel about Lakeport.

The Lakeport Police Department will do its best to enforce this, and all other traffic laws, but
will also be counting on the public to be mindful of the risks to drivers and pedestrians alike, Ferguson said.

Another seasonal concern relates to pets, which Ferguson said are often innocent victims during the summer months.

The police department reminds the community that leaving your pets in your vehicle is very dangerous and owners should use good judgment when taking your pet for a ride. Vehicles can very easily become ovens even with the windows down.

Always be prepared with water if your animal is traveling with you. For those with pickup trucks, please remember that even though the animal is in the open air, the bed of the truck can become extremely hot. Always have a bed or platform that your animal can lay or sit on to protect their feet from the heat.

Summer is garage sale season and Ferguson said the city of Lakeport has an ordinance prohibiting the posting of any type of handbill or advertising on any public property.

He said the ordinance is designed to keep public areas free from clutter and resulting litter when the signs fall down.

In addition, signs can obstruct the view of motorists, therefore, Ferguson said signs should only be posted on private property and only after obtaining permission from the property owner.

Ferguson said the police department will be monitoring compliance with this ordinance.

The Lakeport Police Department team is always happy to hear from the community, Ferguson said. The agency invites the public to contact it with any questions or concerns.

The department is headquartered at 916 N. Forbes St., telephone 707-263-5491. Visit the agency on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Lakeport-Police-Department-176101292414821/?fref=ts or at http://www.cityoflakeport.com/departments/page.aspx?deptID=76&id=108 , and follow Lakeport Police on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lakeportpolicedepartment/ .