September is National Preparedness Month

Sign up for CodeRED emergency notifications in Washoe County

Reno, Nev. Sept 3, 2019. In an effort to help to help our community prepare for emergencies, Washoe County Emergency Management, along with the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, City of Reno Fire Department, and City of Sparks Fire Department urge all residents to sign up to receive critical emergency notifications through the CodeRED system.

With the widespread use of mobile phone devices, Washoe County Emergency Manager Aaron Kenneston, says it is critical that your phone is registered to receive these emergency notifications.  “Many people do not realize they can receive CodeRED alerts on their mobile phone,” he said. “While we have issued CodeRED alerts during recent wildfire events, some residents still do not receive evacuation alerts, and are not aware they can sign up.  We want to make sure our community members are informed during times of crisis, and the CodeRED alerts are an integral part of our communication efforts.  It takes just a few minutes to sign up.”

“We cannot stop disasters from occurring, but we can prepare our community with knowledge. The CodeRED system provides that critical knowledge when there is an incident in Washoe County,” said Kevin Dick, district health officer for the Washoe County Health District.

Washoe County utilizes the CodeRED alert system in combination with other alert efforts including press releases, social media updates, and the Emergency Response System.  The process is just two clicks, and will take a few minutes to sign up including creating an account and inputting your address and phone number. The direct URL can be found here: https://www.washoecounty.us/em/RegionalAlerts.php or search CodeRED on the County’s website at www.washoecounty.us.

“In today’s world, citizens can use smart phones for a variety of emergency information. One of the most important announcements that will be made by phone is evacuation announcements specific to your neighborhood,” said Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Fire Chief, Charles Moore.  “Disasters are not planned, but we can plan ahead by signing up for emergency alerts.”

"Getting timely, accurate information out to the community during an emergency is vital," Reno Fire Chief Dave Cochran said. "Participating in the CodeRED system will help us get that information out to the people who need it most."

“As critical incidents can occur at any time, I strongly encourage all residents to sign up for Code RED,” said Sparks Fire Chief Jim Reid. “Depending on the size and type of emergency, first responders might not always be available to assist every resident. The Code RED system is an excellent way for residents to find out about life-saving information such as sheltering-in-place and evacuations.”

The best way to stay to start preparing is to put together a plan by addressing these four questions with your family or household:

• How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
• What is my shelter plan?
• What is my evacuation route?
• What is my family/household communication plan?

Additionally, all households should assemble a kit with 72 hours of supplies and essential documents and keep this at an accessible location.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign is an excellent source of preparedness information at www.ready.gov. 

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