I've gotten a couple pleas for for Valley residents to follow some safety tips. The Spokane Valley Police Department is advising that thieves have broken into mailboxes at the Franciscan Apartments twice in the last month. Mail theft is often up this time of year because thieves are looking for Christmas cards with cash or gift cards. People sending such cards are advised to mail them at the post office rather than in their streetside mailbox. Those expecting such cards should get their mail as quickly as possible after it is delivered.

The Spokane Valley Fire Department is also asking residents to make sure all fire hydrants are shoveled out. Now that most of the streets have been plowed, snow berms are covering many hydrants. If there is a fire in a home, firefighters could lose several minutes if they have to shovel out a fire hydrant before they can start putting out the flames.  

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