VC Highlands mock disaster drill is today

A mock wildfire disaster drill is set this morning to alert Virginia City Highlands residents of emergency procedures that will prevail if a real wildfire should strike the area.

Joe Curtis, Storey County director of emergency management, and Ronele Dotson, RAD Strategies Inc., for the county, are spokespersons and the test is set to run from 9 a.m. until noon today. It will impact the Highlands residential area, which is four miles north of Virginia City. The Highlands evacuation area is off Cartwright and Lousetown roads.

The main evacuation shelter is at the Virginia City Middle School gymnasium on the corner of Taylor and D streets.

“Residents will be directed to evacuate” due to the mock disaster scenario, which presumes a “fast-moving wildland fire,” and will test evacuation nitrification capabilities. It also, according to a news release, will educate Highland residents about the process involved. The mock wildfire is targeted for 9 a.m., so about 15 minutes later residents will be notified of the evacuation. Notification will be made via the county Code Red emergency notification phone system.

Those wishing to participate in the test will be directed to the main shelter area in Virginia City, but those with small animals along will be directed to an animal shelter area at Washington and E streets.

Participants’ homes will be afforded “stringent security” by law enforcement personnel during the drill. At about 11:30 a.m., residents will be authorized to return to their homes.