Clark County emergency managers are reminding the public that resources are available to help people prepare for risks and disasters of all types, including wildfires.
“The wildfires in Southern California have caused a historical amount of devastation and serve as an important reminder that there are steps all of us can take to be prepared for emergencies of all types,” said Clark County Fire Department Deputy Chief Billy Samuels, who oversees the County’s Emergency Management Office.
“Fires, floods and other emergencies are unpredictable by nature, but there are things people can take to help themselves in any emergency situation. A key is to identify your specific needs, whether you are an older person living alone, have children or pets or family members with special needs.”
The top hazards identified in Southern Nevada by local emergency managers include communicable disease, wildfire, flooding, earthquakes and extreme heat. Power outages also can happen sporadically.
Local emergency managers encourage residents to download the free Southern Nevada Community Preparedness App to help prepare and plan for emergencies. The app offers free weather alerts, safety tips and resources to help families create personalized emergency preparedness plans and disaster supply kits. More information is available in English and Spanish at https://southern-nevada-community-preparedness-app-lasvegas.hub.arcgis.com/. The public also can sign up to receive free public safety alerts via text or email through a community notification system called CodeRED at https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BF1085069456. Apps for both tools are available from the Apple Store or Google Play. More details are on the Emergency Management Division section of the Fire Department’s website pages at www.ClarkCountyNV.gov/Fire. The key steps for preparedness include:
- Make a plan. Talk to your family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster, and how you will connect if separated. Choose a primary and secondary meeting place in case an emergency affects your home or neighborhood and designate an out-of-state contact for family members to call if separated. Consider specific needs for your household including dietary and medical requirements and cultural considerations. Teach youth to prepare for emergencies. Businesses, community organizations and families should participate in safety drills and exercises.
- Build a kit. Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living in your household including food and water. Consider the unique needs each person or pet may have in case you have to evacuate quickly. Include provisions for infants and medically fragile family members. You also should prepare an emergency kit for your car.
- Be informed. Know the risk of dangers in your area and check your insurance coverage. Learn how to make your home stronger in the face of storms and other common hazards and act fast if you receive a local warning or alert. In an emergency, stay tuned to local TV or radio stations for alerts, instructions, and official notifications. Follow Clark County on social media @ClarkCountyNV.
Wildfire season in Nevada typically spans May through October when vegetation is driest, but people can help reduce the threat of wildfires throughout the year. Information about wildfire prevention is available at www.LivingWithFire.info. Tips to reduce the threat of wildfires include:
- Clear dead vegetation (trees, grass, leaves etc.) and debris around your home to limit potential fire fuel.
- Properly soak and dispose of cigarette butts, charcoal briquettes and any materials that can start fires.
- Adhere to posted fire restrictions in National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Bureau of Land Management areas in Southern Nevada, including Red Rock, Mount Charleston and Lake Mead.
- Follow the rules on fireworks. Fireworks labeled “safe and sane” are the only type of consumer fireworks allowed in Clark County and the local cities and only from June 28 through July 4 each year when nonprofit groups are allowed to sell them for fundraising purposes at locally licensed and inspected stands. Illegal fireworks are dangerous in Southern Nevada’s dry climate. The inter-agency “You Light It, We Write It” campaign is active over the July Fourth holiday: YouLightItWeWriteIt.Vegas.
- Equip all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and similar vehicles with spark arrestors.
- Remember that roofs constructed from fire resistant materials such as tile, metal or asphalt can significantly increase the survivability of your home, while wood shingle roofs are more burnable.
County Emergency Management staff may be available to talk to community groups. Requests can be directed to (702) 455-5715. A Clark County Television (CCTV) PSA about earthquake safety features The Scott Brothers, Drew and Jonathan Scott: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwbJhENzVCg. Officials also encourage the public to remember the “See Something, Say Something” campaign. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security developed the campaign to thwart terrorism and other criminal activity by encouraging citizens to report suspicious activity to the proper state and local law enforcement agencies. As part of the effort, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and Southern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center have set up a 24-hour hotline for the public to report suspicious activity at (702) 828-8386.
These additional emergency preparedness resources also may be helpful:
- Federal Emergency Management Agency: Ready.gov (Tips are available in multiple languages.)
- American Red Cross: redcross.org
- Southern Nevada Health District: southernnevadahealthdistrict.org
- Nevada Division of Emergency Management: dem.nv.gov
- Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department: lvmpd.com.
- Clark County Regional Flood Control District: https://www.regionalflood.org/
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Clark County is a dynamic and innovative organization dedicated to providing top-quality service with integrity, respect and accountability. With jurisdiction over the world-famous Las Vegas Strip and covering an area the size of New Jersey, Clark is the nation’s 11th-largest county and provides extensive regional services to 2.4 million citizens and 45.6 million visitors a year (2023). Included are the nation’s 5th-busiest airport, air quality compliance, social services and the state’s largest public hospital, University Medical Center. The County also provides municipal services that are traditionally provided by cities to 1 million residents in the unincorporated area. Those include fire protection, roads and other public works, parks and recreation, and planning and development.