Virginia City, NV— On May 6, Storey County Emergency Management and other county  officials hosted a Town Hall meeting to share details about the upcoming Virginia City  Highlands Wildfire Evacuation Drill, scheduled for June 14, 2025 at 7:30 a.m. 

The drill is designed to test evacuation readiness in this high-risk wildfire zone and to help  local responders evaluate coordination and communication systems. 

What Residents Can Expect: 

• At 7:30 a.m. on June 14, residents will receive a Smart911 alert by text, phone call,  and/or email instructing them to evacuate. 

• Residents should be prepared to leave with their go-bags as if responding to a real  wildfire. 

• Pets and livestock do not need to be included in the drill. 

• The evacuation route will be communicated the morning of the drill, and  residents will be directed to a staging area with local safety resources. 

“This drill is an important step in making sure our community is prepared in the event of a  wildfire,” said Storey County Sheriff Mike Cullen. “We want residents to take it seriously,  but also remember it’s a practice run so everyone can learn what to do.” 

How to Stay Informed: 

All residents, regardless of where they live in Storey County, are strongly encouraged to  sign up for Smart911 Alerts, the county’s official emergency notification system.  Residents can sign up here.

On the day of the drill, the Storey County Sheriff’s Office will also be driving through the  area using a megaphone system to alert residents. 

Help Spread the Word: 

County officials are asking residents to let their neighbors know about the drill, especially  those who may not be active on social media or who may not have access to online  updates.

Evacuation Alert Levels: 

Emergency Manager Adam Wilson reviewed Nevada’s standardized evacuation alert  system: 

• Level 1 – Be Ready: Prepare to evacuate; have your plan and go-kit ready; assist  people with special needs. 

• Level 2 – Be Set: High danger in the area; follow your evacuation plan. • Level 3 – GO NOW: Imminent danger; leave immediately without delay. 

Addressing Community Concerns: 

At the Town Hall, residents asked about home security during the drill. The Sheriff’s Office assured residents that deputies will patrol the area, secure access points, and verify IDs of anyone entering. 

For households with residents unable to evacuate due to illness or mobility concerns,  please contact Storey County Health & Community Services at 775-847-0957 so  arrangements can be made in the event of an actual emergency. 

Next Steps: 

More details will be provided in the coming weeks on the county’s social media and  website. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to: 

  • Sign up for Smart911 Alerts 
  • Review the wildfire evacuation checklist on the county website 
  • Prepare a go-bag 

For more information or to verify your contact information in the emergency system,  contact Storey County Emergency Management at 775-847-3577 or visit:  www.storeycounty.org/297/Emergency-Management. 

About Storey County 

Nestled in the mountains of Western Nevada, Storey County is a historic region renowned  for its rich mining heritage, vibrant community, and progressive approach to economic  development. Home to the iconic Virginia City, the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center (TRI Center), and a thriving business environment, Storey County blends its historical legacy  with a forward-looking vision for the future. The county government is dedicated to  enhancing the quality of life for its residents through effective public services, public safety initiatives, and economic growth strategies. With a commitment to community well-being,  Storey County ensures that both its rural and industrial areas prosper while preserving their  unique character. For more information, visit www.storeycounty.org.