Are You READY?

Be ready when Disaster Strikes. There are many different kinds of disasters that can affect the Reno area. Due to our terrain, dry summers and high temperatures, FIRE is a real threat to Northern Nevadans.  Is your home as safe as it can be?  Here are some tips to get ready.  Remember, the best defense for surviving a disaster is  being prepared.

Great sources of information can be found at the American Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and more: 

During an emergency often, resources are overextended and additional help may take time to arrive.  It is vitally important for you to be self-sufficient for up to three days.  Remember three important steps to being prepared.

Smoke Detectors

The Reno Fire Department has partnered with the American Red Cross to assist those in need of smoke alarms. 

A simple way to start protecting your home and family is to request a free smoke alarm installation from the Red Cross. Consider these fire facts: 

• Smoke alarms cut the risk of death from a home fire in half. 
  
  More than $7 billion in property damage occurs every year due to home fires. 
• Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries.
• You have two minutes to escape a burning house. 
• Three of every five home-fire deaths occur in homes without smoke alarms.

To request a free smoke alarm, contact the Red Cross of Northern Nevada chapter at 775-954-1185. Please leave your name, address, zip code and phone number. Smoke alarms are installed by Red Cross volunteers who will also customize evacuation plans and share education information during the installation visit. This is a free service and there is no obligation.  

Last year, local Red Cross volunteers installed more than 400 free smoke alarms in homes throughout Northern Nevada and delivered home fire safety information across the state.

 Assemble a Kit

There are several types of kits you can create.  The Red Cross offers great information on survival kits to help you get started.

A Home Kit for Sheltering In Place.  Be self-sufficient for at least three days, including water, blankets, food and a portable radio. Don't forget supplies for your pets any any medications you might need.

An Evacuation Kit if you need to leave in a hurry.  You can't take everything!  Take what's is most important.  Make a list ahead of time and know where you can get to it quickly.

A Vehicle Kit.  Always be prepared on the road.  Even for ordinary travel, these important accessories can be a life-saver for you or someone else.

Be sure to use a Checklist.

Have a Plan

Having a plan helps you do things without spending time under stress trying to remember things.  What do you do first? How do you evacuate?  Where does the family meet?  Who do you contact?  Have a plan and review it periodically with your family and practice using the plan at least twice per year.

Create a Home Fire Escape Plan.

Develop an Area Evacuation Plan, where do you go if you can't go home?  Where do you meet your family if the roadways are closed?  Figure out a rendezvous place and contingency plans just in case you can't get there. 

Remember, a little planning now can make all the difference in a stressful emergency situation.  

Stay Informed

There are several ways to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest information during an emergency.  The local news are available either via internet or apps on your IPhone.  Here are quick links to:

Be prepared by having a plan, stay informed and make sure to have supplies ready in case of an emergency.