Winter weather is set to whip through Washoe County

With winds and snow on the horizon, preparation is key

Editor’s Note: Newly-released video footage of Washoe County Roads Crew in action, clearing roads, preparing for weather available for use, here:  WC Roads Crew video

Reno, Nev. Jan. 17, 2018. With winter weather predicted on the horizon, Washoe County officials want to be sure our community is prepared. As county staff works with local partners including NWS Reno, to monitor weather conditions, it appears the region will experience some winter weather this week and possibly into next week.

What you can do:

While Washoe County is prepared to provide resources to the community, area residents are still encouraged to plan for winter storm events, and protect their property.

Plan and prepare. Every resident should have a personal preparedness plan. This means understanding your risks if you live in a flood-prone area,  have experienced flooding in the past, or need special medication, food and water on hand in case of a prolonged snowstorm and scheduling more time for your commute and road travel.

Have a kit ready. In the event of another high precipitation year, Washoe County recommends all residents have an emergency kit ready. For recommendations on what to include in an emergency kit, please click here.

Flood insurance. Due to a number of homes that experienced flood damage last year, flood insurance is highly recommended. To see a map of the FEMA flood areas in Washoe County, please click here.

CodeRED Alerts. Washoe County Emergency Services urges residents to sign up to receive critical emergency notifications through the CodeRED system. To learn more and to sign up to receive these emergency phone alerts, please click here.

Sandbags. Washoe County highly encourages all residents to prepare for winter weather. Should the need arise, sandbags are available at various location throughout Washoe County. Please be prepared to fill the sandbags at the locations by bringing a shovel and assistance if possible.

The following locations will have sandbags available:

• Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Station #223, 130 Nectar St., Lemmon Valley

• Lemmon Drive and Pompe Way intersection, Lemmon Valley

• Blue Heron Circle and Warrior Lane intersection, Belli Ranch

• Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Station #30, 3905 Old Hwy 395, Washoe Valley

• Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Station #16, 1240 Eastlake Blvd, Washoe Valley

• Washoe County Operations Yard, 3101 Longley Lane, Reno

• Highland Ranch Parkway, one mile west of Pyramid Hwy, Sparks

• Andrew Lane and Paddlewheel Lane intersection, Pleasant Valley

Communication. Washoe County will continue to keep all residents informed throughout this winter season. To subscribe to receive Washoe County emails, please click here to be added to the list. Residents can also stay informed by following Washoe County on Twitter and Facebook. In addition, the community is encouraged to contact the Washoe 311 customer service center at any time for questions, concerns or to receive the latest information by dialing 3-1-1 from any phone or by calling 775-328-2003 or emailing washoe311@washoecounty.us.

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