In February 2025, Washoe County Emergency Management received a private donation of $185,000 to conduct a countywide evacuation study to identify hazards and hurdles to emergency evacuations and determine the best procedures to increase safety and efficiency in evacuations.
While third-party data vendors are conducting modeling and analysis of traffic, fire movement, and other evacuation factors, the public is invited to provide insight on their own neighborhoods, such as traffic chokepoints or wildfire hazards.
The Swift Exit community portal offers residents a place to read more about the evacuation study and preparedness information, as well to provide feedback or ask questions. The feedback survey is open until March 30, 2026.
Through surveys, interactive tools like community maps, and public meetings, residents can highlight areas of concern, so these insights can shape decisions and guide solutions.
“Nobody is more familiar with your neighborhood than you,” Washoe County Emergency Manager Kelly Echeverria said. “We need your input now more than ever so we can put the best systems in place to keep you safe when threats arise.”
Your participation here helps ensure evacuation planning is informed by real-world experience. You can:
- Share your lived experiences with fire evacuations
- Identify challenges in your neighborhood or daily routes
- Ask questions and help neighbors prepare
- Suggest practical ideas that improve readiness
Every comment, idea, and story helps shape the Swift Exit Evacuation Study and strengthens community safety. The study is a collaboration with numerous public partners, fire districts, community groups, and residents. Visit the Swift Exit Community Portal here.
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