Emergency Management and Homeland Security

Response

The Washoe County Emergency Management Program (WCEM) functions as a  coordination agency during a disaster, to provide assistance as may be needed by affected communities to safeguard life and property.  The intent is to assess and address the impacts of the event. We use the Incident Command System (ICS) as part of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) during the response phase. WCEM organizes personnel at the Regional Emergency Operations Center (REOC) in the ICS structure to better support our partners in field operations in the community. WCEM aims to provide response support via vetted information, coordination, and resources. 

Ready, Set, Go!

Illustrated wildfire preparedness poster with three panels. Top green panel: a family watches a “Wildfire Warning” on TV and packs an emergency kit with supplies. Text: “Be Ready—monitor information and prepare a two-week emergency kit.” Middle yellow panel: the family stands by the door with packed bags; the father is on the phone. Text: “Get Set—be ready to leave at any moment.” Bottom red panel: the family drives away in a car. Text: “Go Now—leave immediately; you are in danger.” Logos for California Emergency Management Agency, Washoe County Emergency Management, and North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District appear at the bottom.This is a simple color-coded model:
(Green = Ready, Yellow = Set, Red = Go)

This model has been proven to increase compliance and reduce response time and aligns with established and frequently used evacuation and emergency applications.

 

 

 

Evacuations

Disasters can mean a threat to the public. When that occurs, evacuations are ordered by first responders. Please view the video below to understand more about what to expect in an evacuation scenario and how you can be prepared. 

Spanish Version

 
Call 311 to find resources, ask questions, and utilize Washoe County services. Learn More »
Call 311 to find resources, ask questions, and utilize Washoe County services. Learn More »