Preparedness

Stake Preparedness Home Page

So many things in life can come at you unexpectedly with the potential to wreak havoc and even threaten your life.  However, there is much you can do in advance to be prepared for the unexpected and minimize the impact of these events.  Here you will find resources to help you get ready to face these potential calamities.

Tip of the Month

Self Reliant Christmas Gift Ideas

New to the Site

  1. Food Storage Ice Cream
  2. Powdered Eggs
  3. Hot Cocoa Nestle Quick
  4. Jenny's Baked Beans
  5. HAND SOAPS TO DISHES and Don't Forget The Teeth

Quick Links

1. Home Storage Order Form
2. Evacuation Locations
3. Washoe County Emergency Preparedness Guide

Emergency Kits

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS KITS FOR YOUR HOME AND VEHICLE ARE AN ESSENTIAL PART OF KEEPING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SAFE IN TIMES OF EMERGENCY. Being prepared ahead of time not only provides you with piece-of-mind but is the best insurance should disaster strike. Don’t Delay, Prepare Today!

Car Kits

Car Kits 3 types

96 Hour Kits

Government Emergency Check List
96 hour Kit Checklist- Adult Specific
96 hour Kit Checklist- Elderly Specific
96 hour Kit Checklist- Family Combo
96 hour Kit Checklist- Infant Specific
96 Hour Kit Food Ideas
96 hour Kit Checklist- Pet Specific
Emergency Contact Sheet for Pets
96 hour kit -- after 30 yrs. of trial and error

Evacuation Planning

A wide variety of emergencies may cause an evacuation. In some instances you may have a day or two to prepare, while other situations might call for an immediate evacuation. Planning ahead is vital to ensuring that you can evacuate quickly and safely, no matter what the circumstances. It is important that in advance of an emergency that you have regularly update information on your family members and especially your children. Important details to keep on file are:

     -Age
     -Height
     -Weight
     -Hair Color
     -Eye Color
     -Distinguishing Marks
     -Allergies
     -Blood Type
     -Medical Information
     -Thumb Prints
     -Photos
     -Social Security Number

Here are lists of important things to know and/or to have ready to go at a moment's notice:
1. You have to think of two types of evacuation
2. Emergency documents to have
3. Reno Stake Evacuation Locations
4. Washoe-County-Emergency-Preparedness-Guide
5. Wallet Card- important information
6. Emergency-Kid-ID-card
7. Basic Information to Have On Hand in and Emergency

"Before an Evacuation

  • Learn the types of disasters that are likely in your community and the local emergency, evacuation, and shelter plans for each specific disaster.
  • Plan how you will leave and where you will go if you are advised to evacuate.
    • Identify several places you could go in an emergency such as a friend’s home in another town or a motel. Choose destinations in different directions so that you have options during an emergency.
    • If needed, identify a place to stay that will accept pets. Most public shelters allow only service animals.
    • Be familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area.
    • Always follow the instructions of local officials and remember that your evacuation route may be on foot depending on the type of disaster.
  • Develop a family/household communication and re-unification plan so that you can maintain contact and take the best actions for each of you and re-unite if you are separated.
    • Assemble supplies that are ready for evacuation, both a “go-bag” you can carry when you evacuate on foot or public transportation and supplies for traveling by longer distances if you have a personal vehicle.
      • If you have a car: Keep a full tank of gas in it if an evacuation seems likely. Keep a half tank of gas in it at all times in case of an unexpected need to evacuate. Gas stations may be closed during emergencies and unable to pump gas during power outages. Plan to take one car per family to reduce congestion and delay.
      • Make sure you have a portable emergency kit in the car.
  • If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave if needed. Make arrangements with family, friends or your local government.

During an Evacuation

  • A list of open shelters can be found during an active disaster in your local area by downloading the FEMA app
  • Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local evacuation instructions. Take your emergency supply kit.
  • Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather.
  • Take your pets with you, but understand that only service animals may be permitted in public shelters. Plan how you will care for your pets in an emergency now.
  • If time allows:
    • Call or email the out-of-state contact in your family communications plan. Tell them where you are going.
    • Secure your home by closing and locking doors and windows.
    • Unplug electrical equipment such as radios, televisions and small appliances. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding. If there is damage to your home and you are instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving.
    • Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going. Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides some protection such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and a hat.
    • Check with neighbors who may need a ride.
    • Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts; they may be blocked.
    • Be alert for road hazards such as washed-out roads or bridges and downed power lines. Do not drive into flooded areas.

After an Evacuation

If you evacuated for the storm, check with local officials both where you’re staying and back home before you travel.

  • Residents returning to disaster-affected areas after significant events should expect and prepare for disruptions to daily activities, and remember that returning home before storm debris is cleared is dangerous.
  • Let friends and family know before you leave and when you arrive.
  • Charge devices and consider getting back-up batteries in case power-outages continue.
  • Fill up your gas tank and consider downloading a fuel app to check for outages along your route.
  • Bring supplies such as water and non-perishable food for the car ride.
  • Avoid downed power or utility lines; they may be live with deadly voltage.
  • Stay away and report them immediately to your power or utility company.
  • Only use generators away from your home and NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage, or connect it to your home's electrical system." (Source Ready.gov)

Gas and Propane Safety

Nevada Energy Natural Gas & Propane Safety
How to Shut Off Gas Supply

Do so ONLY if you notice structural damage to your house or if you smell or hear leaking gas.

  • The meter shut-off valve is located next to your meter on the inlet pipe.
  • Use a crescent or pipe wrench and give the valve a quarter turn in either direction.
  • The pipe valve will now run crosswise on the pipe.
  • The line is closed.
  • DO NOT turn on the gas again, let the gas company do this.


HOW TO HANDLE A GAS LEAK INDOORS
Natural gas/propane is colorless and odorless. Before gas goes into the distribution system, a substance called mercaptan is added, which provides a strong sulfur-like odor and warns us of gas leaks. If you experience a gas leak indoors, remember the following safety tips:
  • Evacuate everyone from the area.
  • Call 911 and NV Energy at (775) 834-4100.
  • Do not use a phone of any kind or any electronic device at the site that operates on batteries.
  • Do not light matches, candles or smoking materials.
  • Do not turn on or turn of any electrical switch or appliance.
  • Do not start a vehicle in a garage or near a gas leak, or operate a garage door opener near a gas leak. If you know where your gas appliance valve or your gas meter valve is located, you might consider turning it of by hand, with a pipe wrench or other appropriate tool. Once you turn it of, don’t attempt to turn it back on. Call NV Energy. If the leaking gas ignites, don’t try to put out the fames. Call 911 and then call NV Energy.

HOW TO HANDLE A GAS LEAK OUTDOORS
You may someday encounter a leak from a gas pipeline outdoors. You would recognize the “rotten eggs” odor, or you may hear a blowing or hissing sound near the pipeline. Despite all the safeguards that are built in, pipeline leaks sometimes do occur. Should you detect an outdoor leak, leave the area immediately and call NV Energy at (775) 834–4100.
QUESTIONS
Direct any questions or requests for gas safety training to NV Energy’s gas safety advisor or visit our website. Please see the information listed below.
PHONE LIST
Call Before You Dig: 811
NV Energy
Gas Safety Training/Questions: (775) 834-7709
Customer Service: (775) 834-4444
Gas Emergency: (775) 834-4100
Land Operations Department: (775) 834-4260
Distribution Design: (775) 834-4002
Public Utilities Commission of Nevada: (800) 992-0900 or (775) 684-6101
WEBSITES
Visit these websites for more information on gas safety:
Call Before You Dig: call811.com
NV Energy Safety: nvenergy.com/safety
Pipeline Information: phmsa.dot.gov
Transmission Pipeline Location (NPMS): npms.phmsa.dot.gov
Underground Utilities: usanorth.org
Public Utilities Commission of Nevada: puc.nv.gov/safety/safety

Communications

Communication


Stake Emergency Communication Methods
Block Captain Communications Overview
Communication Breakdown Ladder

Places to Meet

Outside Area Contact

First Aid

Having basic first aid knowledge is essential. It does more than just saving peoples lives, which it certainly can, but it also can increase their recovery time. First aid can be the difference between someone being permanently disabled versus someone that is has a short term recovery.

First aid 101: Emergency items you should have at home

First Aid Supplies for HOME
Reader's Digest First Aid Kit
Rubbing Alcohol What you Want and How to Use It
Hygiene for emergency situations
Personal Protection Equipment Masks and Gloves
What Everyone Should Know to Stop Bleeding After an Injury booklet
Nine Most Important First Aid Skills To Learn

Four Stop the Bleed Videos

Tips and Tricks

Work on your 3 month food supply

Start/add to your Food Storage for $20 or less a month.

Purchases in March and April:
--- 10 lbs. of rice (or 2 cans from the Home Storage Center)
--- 5 lbs. dry beans (or 1 can from the Home Storage Center)
--- 1 bottle of your favorite spice

Purchases in May and June:
--- 10 cans of Fruit
--- 10 cans of Veggies
--- 1 bottle of your favorite Spice
--- 1 can of Potato Flakes from the Home Storage Center
--- 1 Bottle of Pain reliever
--- 1 box of cold/flu multi symptom
--- 1 container of Allergy Medicine you normally use in the Spring/Fall (your choice)
--- 1 box Benedryl -- allergic reactions

Miscellaneous Tips and Tricks

DIY Disinfecting Spray and Wipes
Rubbing Alcohol What you Want and How to Use It
Cleaning and sanitizing with bleach
Soaps - What to Store
Uses of Vinegar
Uses for Salt
GLOWSTICKS uses of
To make your own fire starters
Using a Space Blanket
Self Reliant Christmas Ideas

Colored Door or Window Signs

Print out these signs to have ready in your emergency kits (either the colored version or print the non-colored version on colored paper).
Directions for using colored papers
Door Sign Black - We Have a Death (colored version)
Door Sign Black - We Have a Death (print on black paper)
Door Sign Green - Do Not Need Help (colored version)
Door Sign Green - Do Not Need Help (print on green paper)
Door Sign Red - Need Immediate Help (colored version)
Door Sign Red - Need Immediate Help (print on red paper)
Door Sign Yellow - Need Help but can Wait (colored version)
Door Sign Yellow - Need Help but can Wait (print on yellow paper)

Thoughts, Talks, and Quotes on Preparedness

 

How-Beautiful-to-Live-in-These-Times-and-Be-Prepared
2 Nephi 28-21, 25
Prepare for the Days of Tribulation
Preparation for the Second Coming
If Ye are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear (2004)
To the Boys and To the Men
If Ye are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear (1995)
Family Preparedness
Food Storage
Watch That Ye May be Ready
Prepare Yourselves for the Great Day of the Lord
Need not Fear His Coming

President Ezra Taft Benson said, "The scriptural parable of the five wise and five foolish virgins is a reminder that one can wait too long before he attempts to get his spiritual and temporal house in order. Are we prepared? A man should not only be prepared to protect himself physically, but he should also have on hand sufficient supplies to sustain himself and his family in an emergency." (Conference Report, April 1967, p.61)

At the April 1978 conference, Boyd K. Packer said: “When people are able but unwilling to take care of themselves, we are responsible to employ the dictum of the Lord that the idler shall not eat the bread of the laborer. D&C 42:42: Thou shalt not be idle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer.

Stake and Ward Emergency Preparedness Plans

Stake
Beaumont
Canyon Creek
Hunter Lake
Peavine Valley
Skyline

Building Security Guidelines