RENO, Nev. – The Washoe County Emergency Management is urging residents to get ready as wildfires, floods, and extreme heat waves continue to have a negative impact on many people in our area.

Create escape plans, go-bags, and organize for pet care now while September is National Preparedness Month.

The question is “when,” not “if,” according to Kelly Echeverria, Washoe County’s emergency manager.

Having a kit, a strategy, and being informed are some preparedness suggestions.

“We all did fire drills as a kid in school but what does that look like for your family?”  Echeverria said.

“If you have a meeting place within your neighborhood, outside of your neighborhood, you all know whom to call long distance or close by, and then staying informed so knowing where to go for information.”

Basic emergency kits are available for purchase at stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot, but you can also make your own.

Echeverria displayed an emergency bag and remarked, “Duct tape is everyone’s best friend, light sticks, whistle,”

Water, non-perishable food, first aid and sanitary supplies, as well as tools, are some of the essentials you should keep in it.

It’s crucial to consider your comfort and the items you use on a daily basis, according to Echeverria, who was evacuated during the Pine Haven Fire.

We had pet emergency kits as well, which was beneficial, she added. “It was helpful to have important documents and things ready to go, in an easily accessible area that I can just throw in the car, we had kits for our pets,”

The camping option at Shelly’s Hardware in Sparks may be useful for gathering supplies.

According to store manager Kathy Tester, they have a wide variety of goods, including water carriers, flashlights, gas cans, and emergency blankets.

“Even the little things that you can do, if you can’t afford a kit, just taking some clothes from your closet and putting it in a bag, taking a screenshot of your vital information.”

The emergency supply bag should be durable and contain enough food, water, drugs and other consumables to last up to seven to ten days, according to the state’s website.

Credits: KoloTV

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