Washoe County residents should stay informed during disasters

County Emergency Manager reminds residents how to prepare for an emergency.

Reno, Nevada. Sept. 16, 2015. September is National Preparedness Month and Washoe County's Office of Emergency Management is reminding residents what to do to prepare for disasters and emergencies. Each week in September, Washoe County is distributing tips to help people prepare by making emergency plans, assembling emergency kits and staying informed.

Preparedness Tip #3: Stay Informed: It is important for all members of our community to learn what disasters or emergencies may occur within our communities. Washoe County plans for approximately 13 different hazards that could greatly impact our area. These events can range from those affecting only you and your family, such as a home fire or medical emergency, to those affecting your entire community, like an earthquake or flood.

Local emergency management officials will continually be updating the local media during the events of an emergency. Residents should monitor local television stations and radio emergency alerts. It is a good idea to have a battery operated radio included in your emergency kit in the event of a power outage. Know where to tune your radio during an emergency, such as AM 780 KOH for civil alert emergencies and AM 1150 for public health emergencies.

When a crisis occurs, local public safety officials have multiple methods to alert the public:

1. Media press releases. These are written by agency public information officers and delivered to local radio, television, and newspapers.

2. Emergency Alert System (EAS). These messages are broadcast through radio and television and are often known as earthquake or severe weather alert systems. It is important to learn about different weather alerts, such as watches and warnings. Pay close attention to any potential instructions provided at the end of the alert.

3. The Code Red Notification System. This system is used for reverse telephone notification and uses a series of remote computers and telephones lines to relay a recorded message. If you no longer have a land line in your home and are only using a cell phone, traditional reverse dialing systems will not call your cell phone. If you have an unlisted number, or wish to list your cell or work phone number for emergency notifications through Code Red please visit: https://www.washoecounty.us/em/RegionalAlerts.php.

Disasters can have a significant impact on communication systems. While no system can ever be guaranteed to be disaster proof, by using these various methods local officials make every effort to keep the public informed.

For more information on staying informed during a disaster, please visit: www.readywashoe.com

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