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Clark County reminds residents to download preparedness app in wake of earthquake


While earthquakes could potentially lead to emergency situations, the main concern of the app is more-common events, such as flash floods and wildland fires
While earthquakes could potentially lead to emergency situations, the main concern of the app is more-common events, such as flash floods and wildland fires
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In the wake of this morning's earthquake that was felt across the Las Vegas valley, Clark County has taken the opportunity to download its emergency preparedness app. The app, which was released in 2016, is designed to help create a personalized emergency plan, and help users find their nearest emergency shelters and access evacuation maps and routes.


While earthquakes could potentially lead to emergency situations, the main concern of the app is more-common events, such as flash floods and wildland fires. Clark County Deputy Fire Chief John Steinbeck, who oversees the County's Office of Emergency Management, says that the app is particularly important to have during the summer months.

"The summer monsoon season creates storm conditions that make us vulnerable to flash flooding in the Las Vegas Valley and rural areas throughout Clark County," said . "Wildland fires and lightning strikes also are common this time of year. We encourage everyone to download our community preparedness app to receive weather alerts, safety tips and other useful information right on your smartphone."

The Fire Department pages on Clark County's website at ClarkCountyNV.gov offer a variety of safety tips. Some tips to keep in mind this summer include:

Flash Floods

  • Don't allow children or pets to play in or near floodwaters, which are fast moving and can contain dangerous debris and chemicals.
  • Never drive through a flooded road or around barricades. It can be difficult to determine how deep floodwaters are and floodwaters can rise dramatically in minutes.
  • If you are caught in a sudden storm that may cause flooding it is usually safer for you to stay where you are and wait out the storm rather than trying to drive through it.
  • If you are driving when the storm hits, think about finding some ground higher than the street to pull onto until the storm passes.
  • If you get stuck in a stalled car, it may be safer to stay with your vehicle. Fast moving water, even only a few inches deep can quickly sweep you off your feet.
  • Flood insurance may be a wise investment for some residents, especially those who live next to a wash, by a street that floods, or at the bottom of a hill or cul de sac. More information about flood insurance is available on this website: https://www.floodsmart.gov/.
  • Visit the Regional Flood Control District's website at: https://befloodsafe.com to learn more about flood safety and local efforts to prevent flooding.

Lightning

Summer is the peak time of year for lightning strikes and lightning fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to a storm to be struck by lightning. If you feel your hair stand on end and feel tingly, it means lightning is about to strike. Crouch down and make yourself as small as possible. Additionally:

  • If you are inside a home, don't stand near windows or doors.
  • Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity. Cordless and cellular phones are safe to use.
  • Avoid showering or bathing. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures conduct electricity.
  • If you are outside and get caught in a thunderstorm, seek shelter immediately. Move indoors or into an enclosed car with the windows rolled up.
  • If you in a boat or swimming pool, get to land and seek shelter immediately. Water is extremely dangerous when there is lightning.
  • Get off elevated areas such as hills and mountain ridges. Move to low-lying areas such as a ditch or valley, but watch for flash floods.
  • Move away from tall things such as trees, towers, fences, and telephone and power lines.
  • If surrounded by trees, take shelter under shorter trees.
  • Stay away from metal objects that conduct electricity such as umbrellas, motorcycles, bicycles, and wire fences.

Wildland Fires

Nevada's wildland fire season is May through October when vegetation is the driest. The following actions are recommended to prevent wildland fires:

  • Clear vegetation and debris around your home to limit the potential amount of fire fuel.
  • Properly soak and dispose of cigarette butts, charcoal briquettes and similar items that can start fires.
  • Adhere to posted fire restrictions at Red Rock, Mount Charleston, Lake Mead and other federal lands areas in Southern Nevada.
  • Equip all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and similar vehicles with spark arrestors.
  • Only fireworks labeled "safe & sane" are allowed and only July 1-July 4 in unincorporated areas of Clark County. (If you live in a local city, check with your jurisdiction for authorized sales dates.) Safe and sane fireworks include sparklers and fireworks that keep to a small, circular area on the ground and don't explode in the air. Please do NOT call 911 to report illegal fireworks. Usage complaints can be reported at www.ISpyFireworks.com as part of our You Light It, We Write It crackdown effort.
  • When using a barbecue grill, make sure it is placed on a flat surface away from homes, deck railings and out from under eaves, overhanging branches and dry brush. Never leave a hot grill unattended. When you are finished grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container.


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