Reno, NV (May 1, 2020) – As the beginning of wildfire season nears, the American Red Cross of Northern Nevada would like to remind area residents to be prepared if they live in an area that may be prone to wildfires. Please keep the following tips in mind during wildfire season. For more detailed information and to learn how to make an emergency kit, visit www.redcross.org 

What should I do if there are reports of wildfires in my area?

-Listen to local radio and television stations for updated emergency information.

-Limit exposure to smoke and dust.

-Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in.

​What should I do to prepare ahead of time?

-Keep the areas surrounding your home clear of brush, debris, and other materials that may catch fire.

-Check your emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply.

-Don't forget to include critical documents, medications, and food and water for your entire family.

-Incorporate local social distancing protocols into your preparedness plan, such as: having personal protective equipment (PPE) on hand, packing disinfectant supplies in your to-go bag, and continue to keep 6 feet of distance between yourself and others in public.

​-If your pets will evacuate with you, don't forget to include their food and supplies.

Don't wait. Evacuate.

If ordered to evacuate, leave immediately and head to your identified shelter-this can be with family or friends, or at a hotel, Red Cross shelter, or other location you select.

Have a Family Plan

-If separated, have a meeting place near your home.

-If you cannot return home, or are asked to evacuate, identify a meeting place location outside of your neighborhood.

-Plan your evacuation routes. Your primary role may not be accessible, so list two routes.

-If your household is separated or unable to communicate with each other, have an outside emergency contact.

Returning home after a wildfire

-Do not enter your neighborhood or home until fire officials say it's safe.

Use caution when entering burned areas-hazards may still exist, including hot spots which canflare up without warning.

Be Red Cross Ready

Residents can take advantage of Red Cross disaster preparedness training through the Be Red Cross Ready program, which helps families and individuals become “Red Cross Ready” for an emergency. The online materials help participants gain the skills to evacuate safely and efficiently from a home fire, emergency, or disaster area. When you use Be Red Cross Ready Online participants will learn how to Get a Kit; Make a Plan for safe evacuation; and Be Informed of changing and potentially hazardous conditions. Learn more about Red Cross Ready at: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies.html

Download the Red Cross app

The Red Cross app “Emergency” can help keep you and your loved ones safe by putting vital information in your hand for more than 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts. The Red Cross First Aid App puts instant access to information on handling the most common first aid emergencies at your fingertips. Download these apps by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in your app store or at www.redcross.org/apps

About the Northern Nevada Chapter

The American Red Cross of Northern Nevada serves 13 counties and over 87,000 square miles. Volunteers in the Northern Nevada Chapter respond to disasters both locally and nationwide, in addition to providing training on CPR and community preparedness. The chapter has served northern Nevada for more than 100 years. It receives generous support from the Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation.  Follow us on social media! FB | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram