The Local Lens – Gratitude for First Responders
September 11, 2024 | Linda Offerdahl
As I look at the clear skies over Lake Tahoe, it’s hard to believe the horror created by the Davis Fire just “down the hill”. In the 36 years we have lived in Incline Village, never has a fire seemed so close to us. Although things can change in a moment, we are fortunate to have escaped the fire and the smoke so far. Even so, our families have been affected by school closures and other disruptions. Uncertainty, making plans to evacuate if necessary, have created stress in our lives. It has been harder for workers to get to Incline and even those not traveling, to focus on work. Please remember to support our local businesses in this difficult time.
This is a good time to remember our friends and community in Washoe County. Many people, including some you know that used to live in Incline, have either evacuated or are at risk. Please, reach out personally to those you know and consider making a donation to help others in need.
HOW TO HELP
Red Cross of Northern Nevada is running the evacuation center.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE…
In this case, a regional village. The Washoe County Emergency Response Team pulls together all of those regional, state and federal agencies that help, and would help us, in case of an emergency, including evacuation. Download and register with CODE RED to stay updated on any evacuations. Local agencies that are involved include Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District. Our local CERT, Certified Emergency Response Team remains available to help wherever needed in an emergency. The Incline Village Community Hospital, part of the Tahoe Forest Health District in Truckee, always stands ready to help in an emergency with an Incident command that would be in touch with first responders.
We know how our community comes together from the COVID pandemic. Our businesses, nonprofits and service organizations all pitched in to help. Pet Network is prepared to offer dog or cat food or crates for people in the community in case of evacuation. Our local Rotary clubs help with worldwide disasters, as well as stand ready to help locally as they did with the Angel at Your Door program during COVID. Parasol Tahoe has assembled a comprehensive list of organizations offering assistance, as well as encouraging its donors to give through their donor-advised funds.
I was reminded this morning by the news that today is 9-11, the 23rd anniversary of the al Quaeda attack on the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon and the airplane crash in Pennsylvania. Yet another reason to be grateful for First Responders.
I am so grateful for this community in which I live and for the agencies, businesses, nonprofits and residents that help create IVCBA’s vision of a thriving community. Help us “build cohesiveness for the sustainability of Incline Village and Crystal Bay”. Join IVCBA as a community supporter for $50 – JOIN HERE