South Jordan Focus Newsletter August 2024

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Medical emergencies account for a significant portion of South Jordan’s emergency calls, which prompted the City to establish a dedicated medical division in 2023. This division uses cutting-edge medical technologies and follows the latest patient care protocols, ensuring residents receive optimal care during medical emergencies.

COMMUNITY SAFETY & FUTURE GROWTH

Ensuring the well-being and safety of residents has long been a cornerstone of South Jordan City’s commitment to its growing community. From strategic growth planning to proactive initiatives, the City continues to prioritize creating a safe and thriving community. This dedication is made clear through the City’s past, present, and planned future initiatives.

The Past

One of South Jordan’s newest facilities, Station 64, located on the City’s west side, demonstrates this commitment. Planned during the early stages of the area’s development, Station 64 shows the foresight of city leadership and ensures swift emergency response times. The facility hosts a fire station, police substation, and community spaces that ensure service levels for all residents. The station also stands as a way to mitigate the fire risk posed by the urban-wildland interface areas and prepare for future expansion.

The Present

The Fire Department has evolved into a full-service, comprehensive Emergency Services Department. Employees complete extensive daily training in advanced emergency medical

services, critical care paramedicine, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, water rescue, ladder company operations, and more. This broad range of expertise allows us to meet our growing community’s diverse and changing needs and has significantly boosted our ability to strengthen public safety services.

Similarly, the Police Department builds community engagement through initiatives like D.A.R.E., neighborhood watch programs, and fun events such as “Coffee With a Cop.” Recent technological integrations such as drones and an upcoming online crime reporting system highlight our commitment to accessible and efficient law enforcement services.

The Future

The City plans to add patrol divisions to address localized issues and growth on both the east and west sides of South Jordan. While future planning is crucial, our partnership with you, our residents, is what truly enhances public safety.

Whether participating in neighborhood watch programs or reporting traffic concerns, every resident plays an essential role in enhancing public safety now and into the future. With continued recruitment efforts for skilled first responders and prospective public safety projects, the City remains steadfast in its mission to provide a secure environment for all who call it home. For South Jordan, public safety is not just a priority—it’s a commitment we uphold daily.

Additional Safety Tips for Students and Drivers

For Students and

Pedestrians:

BACK TO SCHOOL Stay safe with HAWK signals and other safety tips

As summer winds down, students will soon head back to school. This exciting time also brings increased traffic, both vehicular and pedestrian. It’s crucial for everyone— students, parents, drivers, and pedestrians—to prioritize safety during these busy months.

One of the tools designed to improve pedestrian safety is high-intensityactivated-crosswalk (HAWK) signals, also known as pedestrian hybrid beacons.

Understanding HAWK Signals

The City installs HAWK signals at locations where pedestrians need to cross busy streets, but where a full traffic signal isn’t warranted. The City especially considers them in areas with high vehicle speeds or volumes and significant pedestrian activity, such as near schools, parks, and churches. Key factors for installing a HAWK signal include:

• Pedestrian volumes: The number of people crossing the street.

• Relative age of pedestrians: The City specifically considers the needs of elementary school children and older people.

• Adjacent land use: Proximity to schools, parks, and other

community spaces.

• Traffic volumes and speeds: The amount and speed of vehicle traffic.

• Crash history: Previous incidents involving pedestrians.

• Roadway geometry and visibility: General layout and sightlines of the road.

Currently, our City has six HAWK signals installed at critical points: three on SJ Parkway, two on 4000 W, and one on Jordan Gateway.

How to Use a HAWK Signal

Pedestrians should always use a HAWK signal if available, even if it means going out of their way. Here’s how they work:

1. Push the button: Pedestrians activate the signal by pressing a button.

2. Wait for the lights: The HAWK signal will flash yellow, then turn solid yellow, and finally, solid red, signaling drivers to stop.

3. Cross safely: When the light turns solid red, pedestrians can cross the road. If the light flashes red, drivers must stop and proceed if the crosswalk is clear.

• Use crosswalks and signals: Always cross at designated crosswalks and use pedestrian signals when available.

• Stay alert: Avoid distractions like phones or headphones when crossing the street.

• Make eye contact: Ensure drivers see you before entering the roadway.

For Drivers:

• Slow down: Especially in school zones and residential areas.

• Be vigilant: Watch for children who may suddenly dart into the street.

• Obey traffic signals: Always stop for red lights and stop signs, and be extra cautious around HAWK signals.

Requesting Pedestrian Safety Improvements

Residents can request an analysis of pedestrian safety in their area. The City’s Traffic Committee will evaluate the request based on the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices guidelines. This evaluation includes assessing pedestrian volumes, the relative age of pedestrians, adjacent land use, traffic volumes, vehicle speeds, crash history, and roadway geometry and visibility.

When considering pedestrian crossing improvements, the Traffic Committee also reviews options like pedestrian crossing signs and stripes, flashing signs, stop signs, HAWK signals, or even full pedestrian traffic signals. Each solution is tailored to specific scenarios, ensuring the City implements the most effective safety measures.

As the new school year begins, let’s commit to making our streets safer. Whether walking, biking, or driving, remember that safety is a shared responsibility. Staying alert and following these tips can help ensure a safe and successful school year for all.

Kids Crossing – Kids are returning to school. The City and School District work hard to maintain a safe route for the kids to walk, but kids often wander so watch out for them in unexpected places. Don’t speed, and stop at stop signs.

August 2024

City Event Calendar

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME

6:00 PM-9:00 PM

Public Safety Building, 10655 S. Redwood Rd. sjc.utah.gov

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

6:30 PM

City Hall at 1600 W. Towne Center Dr. & Online sjc.utah.gov/city-council

DUELING PIANOS

7:00 PM-9:00 PM

Community Center, 10778 S. Redwood Rd.

Visit sjc.utah.gov/637/killer-keyz-dueling-pianos for tickets.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

6:30 PM

City Hall at 1600 W. Towne Center Dr. & Online

sjc.utah.gov/city-council

SENIOR PROGRAMS: GENERATION DAY

8:00 AM-8:30 PM

Community Center, 10778 S. Redwood Rd.

Space is limited. Call 801-302-1222 to reserve a spot.

ny dream will do!” About a month ago I had a most incredible opportunity as I performed in South Jordan’s very successful production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. To the extremely talented cast, brilliant production team, supportive family and friends, and many appreciative audience members who came to see our production, I express a heartfelt thank you! All ten performances were sold out (and then some!) For a couple of hours, the South Jordan Community Center was transformed as people were taken back in time, with toe-tapping music, a live alpaca, and every color you can

imagine. Stress was relieved, air conditioning was on point, and for a solid week we had a party every night (twice on Saturdays!)

Thank you to Sandbox Theater and the South Jordan Arts Council for your support of this show. Thank you to our City Council and staff for making the arts a priority, and thank you to all who support and enjoy these types of programs in our city. It was fun to visit with so many of you after our performances.

I had a great time dusting off my voice and performing again, but the best part of the entire experience for me was the many new friends I made. We have extremely talented folks in this city, and it was an honor to share the stage with so many of them.

And good news! The City will be putting on another production later this year. More details to follow.

#WeAreSoJo

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