Are you prepared for an emergency? While Las Vegas doesn't see hurricanes or tornadoes, the valley and its residents are always at risk of fires, flooding, earthquakes and extreme heat.
Safety in our area has been front of mind in the wake of the Palisades and Eaton fires in Southern California, which have killed two dozen people and burned tens of thousands of acres, leaving many Los Angeles-area residents without a home.
“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 in a written statement on Thursday.. “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.”
Clark County provided a slew of tips on Thursday to stay prepared.
Key steps to preparedness
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.
How to prevent wildfires in our area
In Nevada, wildfire season spans May through October, when our area is driest, but fires can spark anytime, and wildfire season doesn't appear to be letting up in the years ahead.
- Clear dead vegetation 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: those 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.
- 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.
Resources
CodeRED public safety alerts
Southern Nevada community preparedness app
LivingWithFire.info
YouLightItWeWriteIt.Vegas
