Nevada Flood Information – Staying Prepared

Northern Nevada Flood Information – Staying Prepared:
 
This weekend, in preparation for the significant flooding forecast, the Washoe County Commission declared a State of Emergency for Northern Nevada and activated the Regional Emergency Operations Center. The full impact of the storm is expected into early Monday. Governor Sandoval has directed the Division of Emergency Management to activate the State Emergency Operations Center in Carson City. The Governor has also ordered the Departments of Public Safety, Health and Human Services, and Transportation to provide on-the-ground resources to local and county preparedness and emergency management centers.
 
Residents in Northwest Nevada should prepare for a challenging morning commute. Washoe County, City of Reno and City of Sparks emergency officials are urging citizens to avoid nonessential travel this morning as widespread flooding continues in Washoe County. Drivers should be extra cautious of standing water and debris if they must travel on area roads. Non-essential State employees in Northwest Nevada have been directed by Governor Brian Sandoval to stay home from work and off the roadways on Monday, January, 9, 2017.
 
We are tracking updates and staying in touch with local officials, Governor Sandoval’s office, and federal agencies. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to call my Reno office at: 775-686-5760 or visit my website and social media pages for up to date information. We’re happy to assist in any way possible. 
 
Key updates are as follows:
  • Wooster High School and Sparks High School have been activated as the primary regional shelters. People and small animals are welcome at these locations.
  • For large livestock animals, residents should use the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center (1350 N. Wells Avenue in Reno). They can enter at Gate 6 off of Sutro Street. 
  •  Sandbag information is available at the following links:
    •  City of Reno - a seventh sandbag location has been added today in the City of Reno
    • Citizens are urged to please use sandbags prudently, with respect to the high demand.
For the latest information regarding road closures, sandbag locations, avalanches, weather advisories, flooding, and more visit:https://www.washoecounty.us/emergency_alerts/weather-advisory.php
 
Basic Safety Tips:
  • Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.
  • Warning: It takes just 6 inches of water to knock you down and 2 feet of water to sweep your vehicle away.
  • If there is a chance of flash flooding in your area, move immediately to higher ground.
  • If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Never leave the car and enter moving water.
  • Avoid camping or parking along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.
  • Understand severe weather terms and know what to do for each:
    • Watch means a specific type of threat (flooding, tornadoes) could be forming;
    • Warning means take action. Life/property threatening conditions are occurring or imminent.
  • Additional flood safety tips can be found at www.ready.org/floods  
Steps to Take:
  • Know where to go. You may need to reach higher ground quickly and on foot. Click here for a list of evacuations by street.
  • Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
  • Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly
  • Follow the instructions of local law enforcement and emergency personnel
  • Prepare your home:
    • Clear drains and gutters of debris and snow
    • Bring in outdoor furniture and move important indoor items to the highest possible floor to avoid flood damage.
    • Disconnect electrical appliances and do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
    • If instructed, turn off your gas and electricity at the main switch or valve. This helps prevent fires and explosions.
Staying Informed:
  • Monitor local Government websites and social media pages, newspaper, radio, and TV reports of current and predicted weather conditions.
    • The latest storm information and updates can be found at www.washoecounty.us, www.nvroads.com, www.nevadafloods.org or by dialing 211
    • Track the latest updates via social media with the hashtags: #NVFlood17 or #RenoFlood and follow these pages on Twitter for real time updates: @fema, @CarsonCityGov, @CountyofDouglas, @washoecounty, @NWSReno, @StoreyCounty, @LYONOEM, @KRNV, @KOLO8, @KTVN, @rgj, and the @nevadaappeal
  • Set alerts on mobile devices with the latest weather information. Download the FEMA App to receive alerts from the National Weather Service and to locate open shelters, where to talk to FEMA in person or on the phone and receive additional safety reminders and tips. You can also receive important and timely weather alerts and accurate forecasts by downloading The Weather Channel app. Both of these apps are available on the Apple App Store and on Google Play.
Continuing Efforts by FEMA:
  • A FEMA Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) is in Carson City, Nevada and integrating into the State’s Emergency Operations Center.  An IMAT is a 15 member emergency management response strike team comprised of specialists in the fields of Operations, Logistics, External Affairs, Finance and Admin and other key management positions. 
  • FEMA has Liaison Officers stationed at the California Office of Emergency Services Operations Center and the Nevada Division of Emergency Management’s Operations Center.
  • FEMA is facilitating daily multi-agency conference calls and sharing situational awareness information.
  • The FEMA Region IX Regional Response Coordination Center will be standing up tomorrow morning and having representatives from the following agencies to provide technical support and resources if needed:
    • U.S. Department of Transportation – To assist with transportation related matters.
    • U.S. Army Corp of Engineers – To provide technical assistance with debris removal and power restoration matters.
    • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – To provide assistance with hazardous materials related matters.
    • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Provide assistance with public health related matters.
    • U.S. Department of Energy – To provide technical assistance with energy related matters.
    • U.S. Coast Guard
    • U.S. Department of Defense
  • FEMA is sending representatives from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the Nevada Emergency Operations Center to provide technical assistance.
  • The FEMA Region IX Office’s Watch Center remains at an “enhanced posture.”
  • FEMA is sharing Geographical Information Systems data with its State partners to assist with assessing threats and vulnerabilities.
Additional Resources:
  • Click here for information on filing a flood insurance claim through FEMA. 
Checklist for Applying for a Flood Insurance Claim through FEMA:
 
Before starting your application, you, your co-applicant or a minor in your home must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien. Please have a pen and paper and the following information ready:
  • Social Security Number: If you do not have a Social Security number, please apply for a Social Security number, then visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 to complete your disaster application. Your household may still be able to receive assistance if there is a minor in the household who is a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien with a Social Security number.
  • Insurance Information: Describe the type(s) of insurance coverage you have, such as homeowners, flood, automobile, mobile home insurance, etc.
  • Damage Information: Describe your damages caused by the disaster, including the type of disaster (flood, hurricane, earthquake) and type of dwelling (mobile home, house) or vehicle (car, boat).
  • Financial Information: Provide your family's total annual household income, before taxes, at the time of the disaster.
  • Contact Information: Give FEMA the address and phone number where the damages happened and the address and phone number where you can be reached after the disaster.
  • Direct Deposit Information (optional): If you are approved for assistance and want your funds deposited directly into your bank account, provide your banking information. This includes:
    • Bank name
    • Type of account (ex: checking, savings, etc.)
    • Routing number
    • Account number
FEMA’s mission is to support citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
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