Moderate Risk Nevada  ·  Wildfire / Flash Flooding

Washoe County NV

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  LAST UPDATED: Mar 2026

5/ 10
Threat Score
Population
481
Area
6,342
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Wildfire / Flash Flooding
FEMA Disasters
6
federally declared

Washoe County anchored by Reno sits at the foot of the Sierra Nevada and faces serious wildfire and flash flooding risk. The 2022 Washoe Fire burned through residential neighborhoods on Reno's western edge destroying homes. The Truckee River creates flooding risk through downtown Reno. The University of Nevada Reno creates institutional emergency planning requirements. Reno hosts major data centers and warehousing facilities including Tesla's Gigafactory in nearby Storey County creating critical manufacturing infrastructure emergency planning.

// Preparedness Recommendations

  • Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
  • Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
  • Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
  • Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.

// Recommended Supplies

Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.

// Risk Intelligence

Threat Score 5 / 10    Moderate Risk
Primary Hazard Wildfire / Flash Flooding
Secondary Hazard Earthquake
FEMA Flood Zone Moderate
Federally Declared Disasters 6
Last Major Event 2022 Washoe Wildfire
Event Frequency Annual

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (775) 328-2001
Emergency Shelters 14 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-80 US-395 NV-659 NV-341

// County Profile

County Washoe County NV
State Nevada (NV)
Population 481
Area 6,342 sq miles
FEMA Region Moderate

// Major Cities

Sparks NV Reno NV

// Cities in This County

// Other Nevada Counties

// Nearby Infrastructure Risks

Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.

🏥
Renown Regional Medical Center Reno NV
Major Hospital  ·  Reno, NV  ·  Renown Health  ·  25-mi risk zone
6/10 Moderate
🏟
Mackay Stadium Reno NV
Stadium / Arena  ·  Reno, NV  ·  Nevada Wolf Pack / NCAA  ·  2-mi risk zone
5/10 Moderate

Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.