Neighbors have been expressing concerns on evacuation orders for the Van Fire. While some people did receive evacuation notifications the night it broke out, others did not.
Rick Millsap, a Sun Valley resident who was in the evacuation warning zone, says, "It was about nine o' clock last night and my daughter happened to be up for dinner, and she checked the news for some reason and saw the evacuation alert - but we had received no alerts on our phones."
Millsap says he finds this very concerning because he was already signed up beforehand to receive these alerts.
Washoe County Emergency Management, who's responsible for sharing evacuation updates, says that's the downside of technology. Unfortunately, it doesn't always work.
Jessica Adams-Lopes, Homeland Security Program Coordinator for Washoe County, explains, "It's not a perfect system. We are dealing with technology, so it might not always work how we want it to. But we do send alerts through many means; so text, email, phone call, social media, RSS feeds through the Smart911 app itself."
Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue (TMFR) says if you hear about a nearby fire in your area and don't feel safe, then evacuate on your own. Don't wait for first responders to tell you to do so.
TMFR's Communications Coordinator, Adam Mayberry, says, "Recognize that we need to protect ourselves and our loved ones including our neighbors if they're disabled, if they're senior, make sure you help your neighbors and work together - particularly as we move into what has been a very robust wildfire season so far."
Mayberry says you should also always keep a go-bag ready with at least three days' worth of all your essentials in order to leave faster and not have to worry about packing last second and possibly forgetting anything.
Millsap says, "We had a brush fire closer a couple years ago and since then we've had a go bag; and the cats and I are ready to bug out if we have to."
Mayberry adds, "But also be very mindful of evacuation points in and out of your neighborhood."
To sign up for notifications you can check out the Smart911 website. You can also download our free 2 News Nevada app where we post the latest updates on wildfires and evacuation orders.
