Rural counties introduce emergency plans

Lyon and Storey counties' emergency preparedness plans came out this month - something done by each of the state's 17 counties.

Jeff Page, Lyon County emergency management director, introduced the Emergency Preparedness Guide at the Lyon County Commission meeting on Thursday.

He said the program was part of the Nevada Statewide Evacuation, Mass Care and Sheltering In Place Initiative, funded by a grant from the Department of Homeland Security.

Emergency management directors from across Nevada have put together guides with information unique to their counties.

The guides offer instructions on what to do in the case of a terrorist attack, wildland fire, flood, winter storms, earthquakes, flu pandemic, extreme heat and other situations.

Residents who get the brochure can learn how to establish a preparedness kit, with food, water, batteries, clothing and blankets, evacuation procedures and even how to take care of pets.

Preparedness kits should have water, food, anti-bacterial hand wipes or gel, a first-aid kit, blankets or sleeping bags, a battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries, a fire extinguisher, credit cards and cash, an extra set of car and house keys, extra pair of eyeglasses, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and toilet paper, a list of family physicians, a list of family information and phone numbers and special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.

Maps and directions in each county's guide show where residents should go during evacuations, and the brochures include phone numbers and what radio stations to tune in for emergency information.

Lyon County residents can obtain a brochure by calling 463-6551, ext. 10, or by picking one up at the Office of Emergency Management, 18 Highway 95A North, Yerington.

The intent of the brochures is to provide helpful tips and techniques in preparing your family, friends and pets for emergency conditions, said Joe Curtis, Storey County emergency management director.

Curtis sat on the statewide steering committee, the working group that put the brochure together, and said it took about a year to complete.

The first 500 copies of the Storey County guide will be mailed to residents in the Virginia City Highlands and Lockwood areas, which have been identified as high-risk areas in terms of flood and wildfire.

Later, copies will be mailed to residents in Virginia City, Gold Hill and Mark Twain Estates.

• Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 881-7351.