The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defines an active assailant as one or more individuals actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined or populated area, often using firearms. These incidents are unpredictable, evolve rapidly, and typically require law enforcement intervention to stop the threat.

If you ever find yourself in an active assailant situation, remember there are three possible actions you can take: Run. Hide. Fight.

Run

If you can safely escape, do so immediately. Leave your belongings behind and help others escape if possible. If you can, take your cell phone with you.

Once you are in a safe location, call 9-1-1. Stay calm and provide as much information as you can, including:

• The number of assailants
• Physical descriptions
• The location of the incident
• The number of potential victims
• Any vehicle information if the assailant flees (license plate, make, model, color)

If it is safe to do so, warn others to stay away from the area and help direct people to safety.

Hide

If you are unable to run, find a place to hide that is out of the assailant’s view. Choose a location with a locked door whenever possible. If a lock is not available, use heavy furniture to barricade the entrance.

Remain quiet, silence your phone, and stay in place until law enforcement reaches you.

Fight

Fighting should be considered only as a last resort when your life is in immediate danger. If others are nearby and time allows, coordinate a plan to work together to stop the assailant. Act with determination and use whatever means necessary to protect yourself.

When law enforcement arrives:

• Remain calm

• Follow all instructions

• Raise your hands

• Drop any items you are holding

• Avoid sudden movements

Be Prepared

Preparation is critical. Familiarize yourself with your surroundings and know your escape routes. Having a plan in place ahead of time can help you react quickly and decisively in an emergency. Be ready to run, hide, or fight if necessary.

Preparing your business for emergencies is much like preparing your family—it’s essential to resilience and long-term success. In Nevada, businesses face risks from natural disasters such as flooding, earthquakes, and wildfires, as well as man-made threats including terrorism, active assailants, and arson.

To protect employees, property, and the continuity of operations, every business should have an emergency plan in place. The City of Henderson encourages business owners and leadership teams to work together to identify potential risks that could impact critical resources. Once risks are identified, determine the actions needed to protect those assets and prioritize strategies that reduce potential losses.

1. A good starting point is assembling a workplace disaster kit with water, food, and essential emergency supplies to support employees for up to 72 hours. Businesses should also review insurance coverage regularly to help minimize financial impacts following an emergency.
2. Planning for utility disruptions is equally important. Identify alternative power options, such as portable generators, to maintain essential operations when services are interrupted.
3. Employees play a vital role in preparedness. Make sure staff are familiar with evacuation routes, shelter-in-place locations, and emergency procedures. Clearly communicate plans across the organization so everyone understands their responsibilities during an incident.

Once plans are established, test them through drills and practical exercises. Regular practice helps identify gaps in your plan and builds confidence, ensuring employees are better prepared to respond calmly and effectively during an emergency.

As today’s world becomes more interconnected, increased connectivity also brings greater risks, including theft, fraud, and data abuse. Cybersecurity focuses on protecting networks, devices, and information from unauthorized access or criminal activity while ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data.

Poor cybersecurity can expose individuals and organizations to serious consequences. While no system can be completely risk-free, taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the likelihood and impact of a cyber incident.

Basic cybersecurity best practices include:

• Keeping operating systems and software up to date

• Using current and reputable antivirus and anti-malware software

• Creating strong, unique passwords and changing default usernames and passwords

• Enabling multi-factor authentication whenever possible

• Installing and maintaining firewalls

• Being cautious of unexpected emails, links, or attachments

By following these best practices, you can strengthen your defenses and help protect your systems, data, and personal information from cyber threats.

An earthquake is the sudden and rapid shaking of the ground caused by the breaking and shifting of underground rock. Nevada is one of the most seismically active states in the continental United States, with tens of thousands of small earthquakes occurring each year and occasional larger, more damaging events. Over the past 150 years, Nevada has experienced 76 earthquakes with magnitudes of 5.5 or greater.

With numerous earthquake faults located throughout the state, it is important to know how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from an earthquake.

Prepare Before an Earthquake

One of the most important steps you can take is to create a family emergency plan. Start by becoming familiar with your surroundings and available community resources. Your plan should include:

• A designated meeting place for family members in case you are separated

• Communication strategies if phone service is disrupted

• Special considerations for elderly family members, individuals with disabilities, or those with medical needs

What to Do During an Earthquake

Falling debris is the greatest danger during an earthquake, so quickly look around—especially above you—to identify potential hazards.

• If you are indoors:
  Drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops. Stay away from windows, bookcases, heavy mirrors, and objects that could fall. If you are in a multi-story building, remain on your current floor and do not use elevators.

• If you are outdoors:
  Move to an open area away from buildings, utility wires, trees, and streetlights.

• If you are driving:
  Pull over to a safe location and remain inside your vehicle until the shaking stops. Avoid stopping under buildings, overpasses, or power lines.

Practice and Stay Informed

An additional way to prepare is by participating in the Great Nevada ShakeOut, held each October. This statewide event helps individuals, families, and organizations practice earthquake safety and improve preparedness for major seismic events.

To learn more or register, visit shakeout.org/Nevada.

Disasters can happen anytime and anywhere. During the first 72 hours following an emergency, fire, police, and other emergency services may be delayed or unable to reach you or your loved ones. Being prepared ahead of time can make a critical difference during this period.

One of the best ways to Get Ready and Stay Ready is by assembling an Emergency Supply Kit for the places where you spend the most time—your home, workplace, and vehicle.

Building Your Emergency Supply Kit

Choose a sturdy container such as a bin, backpack, duffel bag, or carry-on suitcase. Make sure it is easily accessible and portable in case you need to evacuate quickly.

Key items to include:

• Water: Plan for at least one gallon per person, per day for drinking and basic hygiene

• Food: Non-perishable items such as canned, vacuum-sealed, or freeze-dried foods

• First aid supplies

• Medications: Keep an adequate supply and consider storage needs if power is lost or evacuation is required

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio

Depending on your food choices, include essentials such as a manual can opener, utensils, and bowls.

Additional Helpful Items

• Baby wipes or towelettes for sanitation

• Dust masks, duct tape, and plastic sheeting for shelter-in-place situations

• Garbage bags for multiple uses

• Games, books, or puzzles for children to help pass the time

Customize and Maintain Your Kit

Every household has different needs. Build your kit based on your family, pets, medical requirements, and daily routines. Review and update your supplies at least once a year—or whenever your circumstances change—to ensure everything remains current and ready when you need it.

Creating a family communication plan is one of the most important steps you and your loved ones can take before an emergency occurs. Every family is different, so your plan should reflect your household’s unique needs, including children, individuals with disabilities, older adults, and pets.

During a disaster, family members may be separated. Planning ahead for how you will contact one another—and what actions to take in different situations—can reduce confusion and stress.

Stay Connected

Designate an out-of-area emergency contact for your family. In some emergencies, it may be easier to place a long-distance call than to reach someone nearby. Plan for at least two ways to communicate, such as phone calls, text messages, email, or two-way radios. Keep in mind that text messaging often works better than voice calls during emergencies.

If you have children, teach them:

• How and when to call 9-1-1

• At least one important phone number by memory

Choose Meeting Places

Each family should identify two meeting locations:

• A spot just outside your home for sudden emergencies, such as a fire

• A location outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home

Make sure everyone knows the addresses and how to get to each meeting place.

Document Your Plan

Write down all important information and ensure it is easily accessible to every family member. This may include keeping copies in a wallet, backpack, emergency kit, or as a digital copy on your phone. You can use a free online template or create one that fits your family’s needs.

Practice Essential Emergency Skills

In addition to communication planning, all family members should learn and practice basic emergency skills, including:

• Using an ABC fire extinguisher

• Assembling an emergency supply kit

• Performing basic first aid and CPR

• Identifying escape routes in your home

• Knowing safe areas to shelter in place

To stay prepared, review your plan every six months, conduct fire and evacuation drills, inspect fire extinguishers according to manufacturer instructions, and test smoke detectors monthly. Regular practice helps ensure your family is ready to respond confidently if an emergency occurs.

Fires can happen anytime and anywhere—at home, at work, or even outdoors. Taking steps to protect your home and family can greatly reduce the risk of injury or loss. Fire safety starts with awareness, preparation, and practice.

Prevent Fires at Home

Begin with a fire safety check of your home to ensure flammable materials are stored properly and away from heat sources. Make sure all family members know how to escape the home quickly and safely if a fire occurs, and agree on a designated meeting place outside.

Practicing a home fire drill—just like at school—is a great way to help everyone learn what to do and build confidence in an emergency.

Use Heat Sources Safely

Alternative heat and light sources can pose a fire risk if not used correctly:

• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn and unplug them when not in use

• Never leave candles unattended

• Always monitor the use of cigarettes and lighters 

Detect Fires Early

Early detection saves lives. Install smoke alarms:

• Outside all sleeping areas

• On every level of your home

Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries regularly. A working fire extinguisher should also be easily accessible, and all family members should know how to use it in an emergency.

If Your Clothes Catch Fire

Remember Stop, Drop, and Roll:

• Stop immediately

• Drop gently to the ground

• Cover your face with your hands

• Roll back and forth until the flames are out

A towel or blanket may also be used to smother flames.

Call for Help

Know your local emergency number—typically 9-1-1. Once you have safely escaped and accounted for all family members, call for help so first responders can take action.

By working together to improve fire safety in our homes and community, we can help save lives and protect

Flood Safety

From July through September, Southern Nevada experiences an increase in tropical moisture known as Monsoon Season. During this time, the region is at greater risk for severe thunderstorms, lightning, and flash flooding.

Because much of the ground in our area is covered by asphalt and concrete, heavy rainfall can quickly overwhelm drainage systems and flood streets, parks, trails, washes, and flood control channels—often with little or no warning.

If a Flood Watch is issued, stay informed by monitoring television, radio, or mobile alerts and begin preparing for possible flooding. If a Flash Flood Warning is issued, move to higher ground immediately and seek safe shelter. If authorities instruct you to evacuate, follow all directions and leave right away. Lock your home before leaving and, if time allows, disconnect utilities and appliances.

Never enter rooms where water has reached electrical outlets or submerged power cords. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, leave the area immediately. Avoid walking through floodwaters—just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet. Floodwaters may also contain dangerous debris such as chemicals, broken glass, wood, and metal. If you cannot see your feet, the water is too deep to cross.

Do not drive through flooded streets or intersections. Even a few inches of water can cause a vehicle to lose control or be swept away. As the National Weather Service reminds us: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”

Water Safety

Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for young children in Southern Nevada—but it is also highly preventable. By becoming an alert Water Watcher and following the Three Ps of Water Safety, you can help keep children safe around water.

Patrol
Always designate an adult Water Watcher who is a confident swimmer and whose sole responsibility is to actively supervise children in or near water—including pools, bathtubs, and other bodies of water. Drowning can happen in seconds. Adults should maintain constant eye contact and stay within arm’s reach of children at all times.

Protect
Install barriers between your home and any pool to reduce the risk of accidental entry. This includes fences, self-latching gates, door alarms, locks, and safety covers. Barriers should remain closed and secured, with latches out of reach of small children. Be sure to lock doggie doors so children cannot crawl through them.

Prepare
Create a family water safety plan. Enroll children in swim lessons, and make sure adults are trained in CPR. Equip your home with proper safety equipment, including U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets, personal flotation devices, and rescue tools. Keep a phone nearby so you can quickly call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

One of the primary goals of the City of Henderson Aquatics programs is to promote water safety throughout the community. We provide education in water safety, swimming, and specialty aquatic programs at our facilities and in the community. To help your children build confidence and skills in the water, enroll them in our swim lesson program.

The City of Henderson’s Department of Emergency Management offers volunteer opportunities for individuals who want to give back and make a difference in their community. As a Ready Crew Volunteer, you can contribute your time and talents while meeting new people, learning about local government, and supporting city officials in planning and preparing for real-world emergencies.

If you are interested in helping educate the public about readiness and emergency preparedness for individuals, families, and businesses, visit cityofhenderson.com to complete a volunteer application. There is no age requirement to join the Ready Crew; however, volunteers under the age of 17 must participate alongside a parent or guardian. For additional information, contact Emergency Management at getreadystayready@cityofhenderson.com.

In addition to City of Henderson volunteer opportunities, residents can also participate in Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. This free program is open to all valley residents ages 16 and older and is designed to prepare you, your family, and your neighbors for disasters. Training topics include fire suppression, medical operations, light search and rescue, and disaster psychology. CERT courses are offered throughout the year at locations across the valley. Registration is available at nvcert.org.

There are many other ways to strengthen community preparedness, including enrolling in first aid, CPR, or Stop the Bleed classes, or getting involved in neighborhood and faith-based organizations. A connected community is a more resilient community.

Hazardous materials can be solids, liquids, or gases and may be found in homes, businesses, and the environment. These materials are classified into nine categories, each with different risks:

1. Explosives – fireworks

2. Gases – oxygen, propane

3. Flammable and Combustible Materials – gasoline, acetone, diesel

4. Reactive Materials – magnesium used in flares

5. Oxidizers – fertilizers

6. Poisonous or Infectious Substances – pesticides, bacteria, viruses

7. Radioactive Materials – X-rays, cancer treatment materials

8. Corrosives – cleaning solvents, pool chemicals

9. Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials – dry ice

Incidents involving hazardous materials can occur during their production, storage, transportation, or disposal.

What To Do During a Hazardous Materials Emergency

If you become aware of a hazardous materials incident in your area:

• Call 9-1-1 immediately.

• Seek shelter inside the nearest building.

• Close all doors and windows and turn off heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to prevent outside air from entering.

• If possible, seal door thresholds and windowsills with wet towels or masking tape.

• If you experience difficulty breathing, place a wet cloth over your nose and mouth and breathe through it.

If You Are Driving

• Safely stop your vehicle and seek shelter inside the nearest building.

• If shelter is not available, close all windows and vents, turn off the air conditioning, and avoid visible hazards by choosing an alternate route.

Stay Informed

Once sheltered, monitor local television or radio stations for emergency updates and instructions. Do not attempt to pick up children from school. Emergency notifications will inform you if students are relocated to an evacuation center and provide location details.

If fire or police officials order an evacuation, follow their instructions immediately. Otherwise, remain sheltered until an official All Clear is announced.

Local Emergency Radio Stations

• KDWN AM 720 (English)

• KDOL AM 1280 (Spanish)

Severe weather in our area can include heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, hail, lightning, flash flooding, and extreme heat. In Southern Nevada, extreme heat is one of the most serious and common weather-related hazards.

Henderson is located in the Mojave Desert—the hottest desert in the nation—where summer daytime temperatures regularly exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Both new residents and long-time locals can be affected by extreme heat if proper precautions are not taken.

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion or the more serious heat stroke. These conditions are often caused by dehydration, excessive physical activity, and heavy sweating during hot weather. Common symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, rapid pulse, shallow or rapid breathing, dizziness, nausea, and confusion.

If someone shows signs of a heat-related illness, move them out of the heat immediately and into a cooler environment, such as an air-conditioned building or a cool water bath. Severe cases require immediate medical attention.

Never leave a child or pet in a parked vehicle—even for a moment. In just a few minutes, temperatures inside a car can rise to deadly levels and cause heat stroke or death.

When temperatures reach triple digits, take steps to stay cool:

• Ensure your home’s air conditioner is working properly

• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine

• Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing

• Use sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors

Young children and older adults are especially vulnerable to extreme heat due to their reduced ability to regulate body temperature. Pets are also more susceptible to heat than humans. Keep pets indoors whenever possible and provide constant access to fresh water.

Preparing for extreme heat can help prevent serious illness and save lives.

You’ve likely thought about how you and your family would respond in an emergency—but have you planned for your pets? Pets are family too, and they rely on you to keep them safe during unexpected situations.

Start by creating a Pet Emergency Plan. Just as you prepare a Home Emergency Supply Kit, you should also build a Pet Emergency Supply Kit. Your veterinarian can help you determine what items are most important based on your pet’s needs.

If evacuation becomes necessary—especially to another city—identify in advance which human shelters, pet-friendly shelters, or veterinary hospitals are available in that area. Consider working with neighbors to create a pet-sitting plan so pets can be cared for if an owner is temporarily unable to do so. Part of pet preparedness includes knowing which local shelters accept pets and keeping a list of those locations with contact information.

Your Pet Emergency Supply Kit should include:

• Food, water, and food bowls

• A one-week supply of medications

• A pet first aid kit

• Cleaning supplies, litter, litter boxes, and waste bags

Each pet should have an appropriately sized carrier ready for quick evacuation. Collars, leashes, and identification tags are essential for both your pet’s safety and the safety of others. Be sure to include copies of current vaccination records, as many shelters and boarding facilities require them. A recent photo of you with your pet is also helpful in case you become separated and need to be reunited.

If you have large animals, the same preparedness principles apply. Planning may include access to trailers, barns, and other property or transportation considerations.

Planning ahead ensures that every member of your family—two-legged and four-legged—is protected during an emergency.