Possible Disasters for Reno/Sparks

Earthquake and Flood Preparedness: Essential Measures for Truckee Meadows Valley Residents

This webpage focuses on two of the most significant natural threats we face here in Reno and Sparks: Earthquakes and Floods. The urgency of preparing for these events must be addressed, particularly in light of the vulnerabilities of the Prosser, Stampede, and Boca dams.

**The Potential Threat of Dam Failure**

Experts have raised concerns about the potential for a significant earthquake to compromise the integrity of these dams. In the unfortunate event that these structures fail, it is estimated that our valley could be inundated with up to 15 feet of water. This is not a distant possibility but a real threat that demands immediate and serious attention.

**Delayed Flood Awareness and Its Consequences**

The aftermath of such an earthquake poses a unique challenge. If homes are severely damaged, the awareness of the ensuing flood could be delayed, possibly reaching homes 5-10 hours later. This delay could be catastrophic, leaving residents with little time to react appropriately.

**Essential Preparations for a Swift Evacuation**

In light of this, one of the most crucial preparations you can make is to have a 'bug-out' plan. This involves preparing to evacuate to higher ground following an earthquake quickly. Such preparation includes:

  • Food and Water Storage: Enough supplies to sustain you and your family for a prolonged period.
  • Shelter and Clothing: Ready-to-deploy shelter options and appropriate clothing for various weather conditions.
  • Medication and Essential Documents: A stock of necessary medication and copies of important documents and records should be stored in waterproof, easily transported containers.
  • Fuel and Transportation: Ensuring vehicles are always sufficiently fueled, in good condition, and have an extra supply if needed.
  • Communication Devices: Keeping communication lines open and functional.

**Long-Term Aftermath Considerations**

It's crucial to understand that the effects of such a disaster could last for days, weeks, or even months. Our community's water, sewer, power, gas, and communication systems might be severely impacted. While a 72-hour emergency kit is a good start, extended preparedness is essential to navigate the complexities of the aftermath.

**Community Emergency Plan**

The Stake has proactively developed an emergency response plan. In the event of such a disaster, individuals are first to ensure the safety of their families and then meet at the designated church. Volunteers will be organized to search for other community members, assess their conditions, and coordinate with First Responders for urgent assistance. Each Ward within the Stake has a tailored version of this plan to serve their members best.

**Conclusion**

Understanding these risks and preparing accordingly can significantly impact our Stake's resilience to these natural disasters. We encourage every member to take these warnings seriously and to act now to prepare themselves and their families for these potential emergencies. Together, we can ensure our Stake's safety and readiness in the face of natural disasters.

Here is an excellent video discussing essential items to store for an emergency.

INCLUDED EMERGENCY ITEMS: This emergency backpack survival kit includes the following: 1 x Triple-Pocket Reinforced Grab-N-Go Backpack, 1 x Dust Mask, 1 x Pack of Food Bars – 2,400 calories (5 year shelf life), 1 x Tissue Pack, 1 x Emergency Blanket, and 1 x Emergency Rain Poncho.


THE BLUE 72 ALSO INCLUDES PREMIUM SURVIVAL GEAR: This survival backpack also includes the following survival gear: 1 x Emergency Whistle/Compass Combo, 1 x Battery-free crank flashlight , 1 x 36 piece First Aid Emergency Kit and 5 x 4.22 oz. emergency drinking water pouches (5 year shelf life).


PERFECT PREPARATION KIT FOR NATURAL DISASTERS: This Backpack emergency kit is perfect to help you stay prepared in the case of the following emergencies or natural disasters: Hurricanes, Wildfires, Floods, Tornadoes, Earthquakes or even Power Outages. Be prepared with the Blue 72 Backpack Kit.


INCLUDES THE 3 ESSENTIALS TO SURVIVE: Each kit contains enough emergency supplies to sustain one person for three days (72 hours). The three basic essentials of food, water and emergency blankets (as recommended by the American Red Cross), are included in every handy backpack.


VERSATILE SURVIVAL KIT BACKPACK: The Blue Seventy-Two is a simple yet versatile 3-day emergency kit for one person. Whether you barely planned what you are going to eat for lunch today or you have step-by-step contingency plans for surviving an EMP attack, this kit is a must have.



  • 72-HOUR SURVIVAL KITS - The first 72 hours after disaster are the most critical, making it essential to have an emergency kit with all the supplies, gear, nutrition, and water needed for the comfortable survival of two people


  • SUPERIOR QUALITY EMERGENCY BAG - Survival backpacks include 12 Wise Company non perishable food servings with bowls and utensils, 2 Aqua Literz 33.8oz Emergency Water Pouches, 2 water filtration straws, 4 Cyalume SnapLights, 2 blankets, 2 InstaFire fire starters, 2 whistles, 1 LED lantern, 1 first aid kit with bath wipes, 1 portable stove, 1 MoraKniv knife, and 1 Ferrocerium rod


  • EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOR ANY DISASTER - Sustain Supply Go Bag contains hurricane preparedness items, power outage supplies, earthquake emergency kit essentials, nuclear survival kit gear, and other doomsday prepping supplies for your home, car, office, or bomb shelter


  • SURVIVAL BACKPACK WITH LIGHTING AND HEATING EQUIPMENT - Be ready for power outages with a bug out bag survival kit that includes a fire starter device, safety tinder, a Ferrocerium rod, LED lantern, and SnapLights to illuminate the night even during an apocalypse


  • ULTIMATE FIRST AID AND FOOD SURVIVAL KIT - Emergency backpack includes a variety of basic first aid supplies with a healthcare guide along with bags of premium emergency meals, boxes of water, and Sustain Survival drinking straws for tactical hydration


  • UNMATCHED ORGANIZATION: Why do survival backpacks out there keep all their supplies in a jumbled mess of disorganization? The Responder Survival Backpack different from any other survival system out there. This emergency bag was designed for optimal organization with personalized pouches and grid system. Food, Water, and Personal Items are evenly divided and stored in dedicated pouches for each person. This means quick access to any disaster preparedness supplies in the Responder.
  • UNMATCHED ORGANIZATION: Why do survival backpacks out there keep all their supplies in a jumbled mess of disorganization? The Responder Survival Backpack different from any other survival system out there. This emergency bag was designed for optimal organization with personalized pouches and grid system. Food, Water, and Personal Items are evenly divided and stored in dedicated pouches for each person. This means quick access to any disaster preparedness supplies in the Responder.
  • TRUSTED BRANDS With over 5000 5-Star reviews on our first aid kits and outdoor products, you know that your family's safety is in good hands. We have also partnered with LifeStraw and SOS Emergency, to provide you with the best water filter, water sachets and food bars on the market.
  • THE ESSENTIALS The Responder takes preparedness to the next level. Custom engineered from durable tarpaulin material, this emergency kit delivers on all of the essentials in methodical, systematic order: the right amount of water, food, and survival gear to weather Natural Disasters.
  • PACKS A PUNCH At 27 pounds this bag is not light and for good reason; it’s designed to withstand whatever nature throws at you and contains the right amount of food, water and gear for two people for three days. The Responder is crafted with ergonomic handles and straps to ensure weight is evenly distributed so that you can carry it comfortably and concentrate on what matters most, surviving those critical 72hrs.
  • Warning: This product can expose you to chemicals including DI(2-ETHYLHEXYL) PHTHALATE (DEHP), which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.


NOTE: This is a better option than just a Lifestraw because you can collect water for cooking and such.


•Hollow fiber Membrane: 0.2-micron pore size. Removes 99.999999% of bacteria, 99.999% of protozoa, and 99.999% of Microplastics


•Carbon fiber capsule: improves taste while reducing lead, other heavy metals, chlorine and organic chemical matter (pesticides, herbicides, VOC)


•Performance: exceeds US EPA drinking water standards for bacteria and parasites. Exceeds NSF 53 standard for reduction of lead and other heavy metals


•Longevity/lifetime: 2, 000 liters/500 gallons (hollow fiber Membrane) 100 liters/26.4 gallons (replaceable carbon capsule)


•Make an impact: for every Life Straw product purchased, a school child in need receives safe drinking water for an entire school year


BUILD YOUR OWN 72 HOUR KIT

While I have shown here several pre-made and prepackaged kits for sale from various vendors, you can make one yourself. You don't have to buy anything from someone else. In fact, that's the recommended solution because you know what's in there, and hopefully, you know how to use it. A lot of these kits have all kinds of things that are cheaply made and should not be depended on.

Here is a list you can download and print out yourself to provide you with the information you need on what to put together. The more time you take gathering all of this information and materials into a backpack, bag, tote, or something else you can carry in an emergency, the better your life will be.

BUILD YOUR OWN HERE:

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