Reno firefighters rescue three from Truckee River

The Reno Fire Department is asking the public to sign up for a new service that provides firefighters responding to emergency calls more detailed information about individual homes.

The voluntary service, called Reno Community Connect, is expected to be particularly useful for first responders during the COVID-19 crisis.

"It is vital for us to get the most information we can, especially in those first few critical minutes as we’re leaving the barn," Battalion Chief Jeff Voscamp said.

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Under the program, the public can voluntarily register their address with the fire department and provide such information as how many people live in the house, whether anyone has a disability or is elderly and whether a pet lives at the home.

People also can self-report COVID-19 information, such as whether they have tested positive for the coronavirus or if anyone is showing symptoms at the home. Firefighters will be able to view the information en route to a call.

That information helps protect both the community and first responders, said Chief Dave Cochran.

"It's very important for everybody involved to have the most information possible," he said.