Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

Like all regions of the country, the Las Vegas valley is not immune to natural disasters. Although not common, you may encounter flashfloods (especially during the summer), earthquakes and wildfires.

You may have to leave your home during a disaster. It's smart to put together your own Kid's Activity Survival Kit so they will have things to do and share with other children. May we suggest you pack:

A few favorite books.
Crayons & pencils.
Plenty of paper.
Scissors & glue.
A few favorite toys.
Board games.
Favorite stuffed animal.
Pictures of family pets.
Favorite blanket/pillow.

FLASH FLOODS

Perhaps the biggest cause of flood-related deaths and injuries is lack of public understanding of the severity and danger involved in floods and flash floods. During a flash flood, water can rise so quickly that there is little or no time for a warning to be issued and you may have only seconds to escape. Many people are killed while trying to drive or walk on roads and bridges that are covered by water. Even though the water might look only inches deep, it could be much deeper and with very strong currents. It only takes two feet of water to carry away cars. Six inches of swiftly moving water will sweep a person off his/her feet.

If you suspect a flash flood is about to happen, immediately climb to higher ground.
If on foot, do not attempt to walk through flood waters. Turn around and go directly to higher ground.
Never let children or pets play near flood waters, storm drains, washes and sewers.
If you are in a car, drive away from flooded areas - never try to drive through them. Even though vehicles in front of you have passed through the high water, you may not be so lucky.
If your car stalls, immediately abandon it and climb to higher ground.
Flooded areas are not safe for recreational boating. Many canoeists and kayakers have had to be rescued from dangerous rapids in flood-swollen waters.
If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Follow recommended evacuation routes. Shortcuts may be blocked.

EARTHQUAKES

The Nevada Earthquake Safety Council recommends:
If you are indoors, and feel an earthquake the first thing to do is look up and around and get your bearings.
Find cover and duck under a sturdy desk, table or other furniture. Hold on to it and move with it. Hold the position until the ground stops shaking.
Stay clear of windows, fireplaces, wood stoves, bookcases, file cabinets, heavy mirrors, hanging plants and lighting fixtures and appliances.
Stay inside - you may be injured outside by falling debris.
If you are in a crowded area indoors, take cover and stay where you are.
Stay calm and encourage others to do likewise.
If you are outside, get into the open, away from buildings and power lines.
If you are driving, stop if it is safe, but stay inside your car away from bridges, overpasses, tunnels, trees, light poles, power lines and signs.
If in a wheelchair, stay in it. Move to cover, lock the wheels and if possible protect your head with your arms.

AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE

Check for injuries.
Check for hazards - such as fire, gas leaks, damaged electrical wiring, damaged or downed power lines, fallen objects in closets and cupboards, downed or damaged chimneys and leaning or fallen trees.
Make sure each telephone is on its receiver. Telephones off the hook tie up the telephone networks unnecessarily.
Clean up potentially harmful materials or medicines that may have spilled.
Expect aftershocks. Most are smaller than the quake but may cause damage.

HOW CAN YOU PREPARE NOW FOR AN EARTHQUAKE?

Practice duck, cover and hold drills at home and at work.
Know the safest places in your house.
Know where your gas, electric and water main shut-offs are and how to turn each off.
Know the policy of your local school concerning release of children in any emergency.
Keep emergency supplies safe and handy.

WILDFIRE

More and more people are making their homes in the beautiful woodland settings and remote mountain sites that surround the Las Vegas valley. There homeowners and visitors enjoy the beauty of the environment but face the very real danger of wildfire. Wildfires often begin unnoticed and spread quickly, igniting brush, trees, and homes. Plan with your family where you would go and what you would do if your home or vacation spot is threatened by wildfire. The American Red Cross offers the following information:

People start most wildfires - find out how you can promote and practice wildfire safety.
Contact your local fire department, health department or forestry office for information on local fire laws.
Make sure that fire vehicles can get to your home.
Clearly mark all driveway entrances and display your name and address.
Report hazardous conditions that could cause a wildfire.
Teach children about fire safety. Keep matches out of their reach.
Plan several escape routes away from your home by car and by foot.
Plan how the neighborhood could work together after a wildfire. Consider how you could help neighbors with special needs.
Regularly clean roof and gutters.
Inspect chimneys at least once a year and equip with a spark arrestor.
Install a smoke detector on each level of the house. Test monthly and change batteries at least once a year.
Teach family member how to use a fire extinguisher and show them where it is kept.
Keep a ladder that will reach the roof.
Consider installing protective shutters or heavy fire-resistant drapes.
Keep handy household items that can be used as fire tools: a rake, axe, handsaw or chainsaw, bucket, and shovel.
Design and landscape your home with wildfire safety in mind.
Select materials and plants that can help contain rather than fuel a fire.
Create a 30-100 foot safety zone around your home.
Mow grass regularly, rake leaves, remove dead limbs and twigs. Clear all flammable vegetation.
Thin a 15-foot space between tree crowns and remove limbs within 15 feet of the ground. Remove dead branches that extend over the roof and vines that have grown onto the house.
Stack firewood at least 100 feet away and uphill from your home.
Place stove, fireplace and grill ashes in a metal bucket, soak in water for two days and bury the cold ashes in mineral soil.
Store gasoline, oily rags and other flammable materials in approved safety cans in a safe location away from the base of the building.

WHEN WILDFIRES THREATEN

Listen to your battery operated radio for updates and instructions.
Back your car into the garage or park in an open space facing the direction of escape.
Leave the keys in ignition.
Close garage windows and doors, but leave them unlocked.
Confine pets to one room and make plans to care for them if you must evacuate.
Arrange temporary housing outside the threatened area.
Close house windows, vents, blinds and heavy drapes.
Remove lightweight curtains.
Shut off gas at the meter and turn off pilot lights and propane tanks.
Open fireplace damper and close fireplace screens.
Move flammable furniture into the center of the house away from windows.
Turn on a light in each room to increase visibility in heavy smoke.
Place lawn sprinklers on roof and near above-ground fuel tanks.
Wet the roof.
Wet or remove shrubs within 15 feet of home.
Gather your family disaster supply kit.
If advised to evacuate - do so immediately. Watch for changes in the speed and direction of fires and smoke