Alerts & Warnings
Washoe County partners with the cities of Reno and Sparks to institute a notification system for use in times of crisis. The Rave Alert/Smart911 system relays emergency messages simultaneously through various methods. Rave Alert/Smart911 is a cloud-based software solution that is trusted nationally by government agencies.
When a crisis occurs, local public safety officials use multiple methods to alert the public:
- The Emergency Alert System (EAS). This system delivers messages via broadcast on radio and television.
- Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). These messages come to your cell phone via text and voice.
- Reverse-dial. A pre-recorded message is sent to your landline.
- Email. By signing up for alerts you can choose to receive notifications via email.
- Social & Traditional Media. Follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook
What is the difference between Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and the Emergency Alert System (EAS)?
WEA is a public safety system that allows customers who own compatible mobile devices to receive geographically targeted, text-like messages alerting them of imminent threats to safety in their area. WEA enables Washoe County Emergency Management to target emergency alerts to specific geographic areas – Incline Village, for example. Learn more about WEA here.
The EAS is a national public warning system used by Washoe County to deliver important emergency information to affected communities. EAS participants – radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers, and wireline video providers – deliver local alerts on a voluntary basis, and they are required to provide the capability for the President to address the public during a national emergency. Learn more about EAS here.
Weather Alerts
Citizens can learn more about severe weather alerts through the National Weather Service.
**No system can ever be guaranteed to be disaster-proof during the chaos of an emergency and unforeseen circumstances can make some modes of communication inoperable. By using these five methods local officials make every effort to keep the public informed. Again, Washoe County makes no guarantees that you will be notified during an emergency, so we encourage self-reliance. However, by signing up you will be included in the database for emergency notifications.**