Churchill County is urging all residents and visitors to prepare for and be safe during the potential of ongoing flood events in the county.
On March 2, 2023, the Churchill County Commission approved a precautionary emergency declaration to activate emergency measures in preparation for flood mitigation measures. The county’s declaration supports efforts including working with TCID to begin precautionary releases from the Lahontan Reservoir, cleaning out existing diversionary waterways, building and improving berms to protect homes and structures, providing sandbags to community members, and other measures. On March 10, 2023, Governor Joe Lombardo declared an emergency that included Churchill County as well.
In addition to these proactive measures, Churchill County residents and visitors are also urged to take precautions to protect themselves and their property as well. This includes encouraging residents who live along the river to remove fencing and other personal property that is within the high-water mark, fortify homes and businesses with sandbags, if necessary; ensure your flood insurance is up-to-date, and make sure you have food and necessary supplies in the event that roadways are temporarily closed. Residents are also encouraged to remain informed about the status of the potential floods and the mitigation measures taken to protect the community.
Free, prefilled sandbags are available weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 485 Miner’s Road (the former vaccine site just south of the Rafter 3C Arena). Call (775)423-7733 to reserve bags and make arrangements for pick-up.
Residents and visitors are also encouraged to be safe during periods of increased water flow. This includes staying away from areas where mitigation efforts are underway, not walking, driving, or swimming through floodwaters, and staying off bridges during fast-moving water. Additionally, Churchill County is asking residents not to recreate in and around the river and irrigation canals during the period of the declared emergency.
Please stay away from the 26’ Drop and the V-Line Weir. These are not public areas and law enforcement will be called to remove trespassers.
Residents are encouraged to keep up-to-date on future actions and important announcements by visiting the county’s website at www.churchillcountynv.gov, the City of Fallon’s website at www.fallonnevada.gov and TCID’s at www.tcid.org, along with the County’s Facebook and Twitter accounts and local media outlets.
Photo caption: Nevada Division of Forestry crews fill sandbags on Miner’s Road.