In recent years, nature has been restless in Nevada – there have been a swarm of earthquakes rattling the western portion of the state, recent flash flooding due to summer thunderstorms, and every year there are major wild land fires in or near Washoe County and throughout the state. All of these emergency events demonstrate that Washoe County can be vulnerable to disasters. The risks from such hazards will continue to increase as the County’s population continues to grow.
Washoe County has launched a planning effort to prepare a Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan will assess and prioritize the risks posed by natural and man-made hazards and identify ways to reduce those risks. This plan is required by the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and is a prerequisite to acquiring federal funding for mitigation or recovery from disasters.
Washoe County began this effort this past August. Shortly, a questionnaire will be distributed to the public asking for input on local disaster mitigation and recovery needs. Washoe County, City of Reno, City of Sparks, Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and the Truckee River Flood Management Authority plan on submitting a draft plan to local governing boards in the fall of 2015 for their approval. The final plan will then be sent to FEMA for final approval.
Public comments and participation are welcomed and encouraged. For additional information to become a volunteer or to make comments, please contact Aaron Kenneston, Washoe County Emergency Management and Homeland Security at (775) 337-5898 or [email protected].
SOURCE: Washoe County.
