CITY OF RENO NEWS RELEASE

With the upcoming storms and the potential impacts to the community, the City of Reno is continuing to monitor weather conditions, make advanced preparations, and coordinate with area agencies.

“Reno’s Fire and Police, Public Works, and Parks Departments are working together to ensure we are prepared for the upcoming winds and heavy rain and/or snow with potential flooding,” advises Reno City Manager Andrew Clinger. “We continue to work with area Emergency Managers, Flood Project members, and the National Weather Service to stay up-to-date on the latest conditions.”

City crews are inspecting and clearing drainage and irrigation ditches and monitoring areas that are prone to flash-flooding. Dam structures and bridges will also be monitored throughout the storm event.

With the potential for localized flooding, starting tomorrow, sandbags and sand will be available for the public at three locations: Idlewild Park (located at 1900 Idlewild Drive); First Street at Riverside Drive; and the parking lot of the Governor’s Bowl Park (located at the end of Line Drive which is off of East Fourth Street). The sites and materials will be available between 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., including Saturday and Sunday. Residents will need to bring a shovel to fill the sandbags. Should the potential for flooding and the need for sandbags increase, additional sandbag sites will be announced.

Residents should consider the following, which can assist the Reno Fire Department, Public Works, and the Reno Police Department by doing the following:

• Make a family disaster plan and emergency preparedness kit, allowing for self-sufficiency for up to three days.

• Limit outings to ones that are necessary. Non-essential errands or travels should be scheduled once the weather is better. Less traffic on the roadways makes it safer for everyone.

• Decrease driving speeds, keep a safe following distance, allow for extra travel time, and be cautious of roadways with snow drifts, ice, or standing water.

• Only use 911 for emergencies.

• Never drive or walk through areas with accumulated water. You often can’t tell how deep it is until it is too late.

• Avoid any moving water. Swift moving water is very dangerous, even when shallow.

• During a power outage when traffic control signals are out, treat the intersection as a four way stop and proceed with caution.

• Have an emergency “GO” kit with important items and warm clothing should you have to evacuate.

• Listen to radio and television news for up-to-date information.

Remember to visit www.reno.gov or contact Reno Direct at 334-INFO (4636) for information related to flooding, Emergency Preparedness, and the Snow and Ice Control Plan. Residents are also encouraged to visit www.readywashoe.com or www.floodawareness.com for more information.