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County emergency manager showcases Smart911, PerimeterMap and ongoing evacuation study
Summary
Washoe County emergency management demonstrated Smart911 and PerimeterMap tools that send targeted alerts and map evacuation zones; staff described a multi‑zone evacuation modeling project and coordination with shelter partners and NV Energy.
Kelly, the county emergency manager, told the advisory group that the county tracks 13 hazard types and prioritizes wildfire, flood and earthquake for planning. She described how an alert is drafted after an incident and how emergency management confirms evacuation or shelter locations with partner agencies, including Red Cross, school districts, animal services and search‑and‑rescue teams.
“We use a tool called Smart911,” Kelly said, describing a user‑registered alerting system that allows residents to mark access and functional needs so responders can identify households that may need assistance. She also demonstrated PerimeterMap, a situational‑awareness mapping tool the county uses to define evacuation zones and preferred evacuation routes; staff said PerimeterMap expanded from a four‑county pilot to 13 counties with support from homeland‑security funds.
The presentation covered the county’s evacuation study: analysts are running models across hundreds of zones, incorporating special‑use sites (casinos, hospitals), event crowd data and traffic modeling to identify likely choke points and recommended traffic flow. Kelly said NV Energy’s safety policy requires the utility to notify duty chiefs and may result in a power shutoff about 15 minutes after a reported fire if the incident is not controllable, giving incident commanders a short window to confirm control measures.
A guest presenter with search‑and‑rescue and military experience gave practical household preparedness guidance—packing a 3–5 day go‑bag, keeping copies of important documents on phone and USB, having communication backups (crank radio, hand radios), and preparing for pets and medication needs. Candy Ramos (Washoe County staff) closed the public portion by walking attendees through the county’s Get Involved hub at washoeCounty.gov and pointing out district mailing lists and neighborhood meeting signups.
Kelly said the evacuation study is back on track after delays and that staff will use real‑world incidents to validate and refine zone boundaries and traffic plans. She encouraged residents to sign up for Smart911 and county alerts and noted that PerimeterMap links will be included in many alert messages.
