If there is an emergency situation in your neighborhood that calls for an evacuation, getting that cell phone call alert is now even easier. The Washoe County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security has improved the reverse-911 notification system which alerts residents of an emergency in the area.
“Public safety officials and first responders use several methods to alert the public in case of emergency,” said Washoe County Emergency Manager Aaron Kenneston. “We use door-to-door notifications, media releases, Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages on radio and television, and reverse-911 calls.”
Kenneston said one of the public safety items that resulted from the Caughlin Fire a year ago was the improvement to the reverse-911 system, and he wants to remind citizens to sign up for emergency alerts for their cell phones. The Code Red system was implemented within the last year and allows for faster communication with residents than the previous reverse-911 system. Residents should visit www.ReadyWashoe.com, click the “Get the Message” banner, and fill out the brief form.
“The Lyon Fire last week was another example of how quickly some neighborhoods have to evacuate and we know that cell phones can make a difference in these extreme situations.” Kenneston continued, “By getting a reverse-911 call to your cell phone, residents can make their evacuation plans even sooner.”
For more information on the Washoe County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, please visit www.washoecounty.us/em.
