It’s beginning to feel like Christmas, the feeling of warmth and community. After a fall season of tragedy in the Truckee Meadows, the feeling of holiday reminds me of hope and good spirit. Nothing says community more than a neighbor’s helping hand. That’s exactly what Reno is about, a helping hand to those in need. We rally together and exhibit our strength through our valorous resolve. I’m proud to be a member of this community and am appreciative of all its working components. The Reno Fire Department recently put out a fire in my neighborhood and the professionalism and care was something to be admired. I applaud their quick response from an efficiency standpoint, but truly appreciate their concern and sympathy. The neighborhood came to arms with helping hands and personal affection. It was an extraordinary example of Reno camaraderie.

When moments like this happen, you’re reminded of what a great place the City of Reno is. It’s time to join together and celebrate. Tuesday, November 22, the City of Reno Christmas tree lights are to be switched on signaling the official beginning of the holiday season. The event begins at 5:00 p.m. at Reno’s City Plaza. Please join us.

This free event will feature Santa Claus, carolers, ice skating, and community celebration. The Salvation Army Canteen will be serving free hot chocolate during the ceremony.

The towering 40-foot tree has been moved into its traditional position for the festive season. Adorned in thousand of lights, this year’s giant sequoia was donated by Raley’s Supermarket on Mayberry Avenue.

Flicking the switch at this year’s festivities will be Vice-Mayor Dan Gustin alongside Reno’s City Council.

Following the tree lighting, the Rink on the River will open for a special night of ice skating until 9:00 p.m. Skaters receive free skate rental by donating clothes items to the Salvation Army.

The City Plaza and Ice Rink are located at the corner of First and Virginia Streets in Downtown Reno along the Truckee River.

The event schedule is as follows:
- Billinghurst Middle School Choir sings carols starting at 5:00 p.m.
- Vice-Mayor Dan Gustin and city officials welcome the public at 5:15 p.m.
- Tree lights flipped on by Vice-Mayor Dan Gustin at 5:20 p.m.
- Rink on the River opens 5:30-9 p.m. (weather & ice conditions permitting)

The City’s Fire Department is hoping to get through this holiday weekend without any fires. Reno Fire Marshal Joan Presley says exploding rifle targets have started several fires in this area in the past six weeks. She is warning residents to avoid using the exploding targets while fire conditions are critical this Labor Day weekend. “The exploding targets are dangerous because when you mix the packet into the target and shoot it with a high powered rifle, it detonates. Although the detonation is a pressure wave explosion which cools immediately, area conditions – low humidity and low moisture content of vegetation – are such that it doesn’t take much to spark a brushfire” says Presley.

The reactive targets, “Star Targets”, are sold locally. They only cause an explosion when they are shot with a high powered rifle.

The Truckee Meadows is in a high fire danger. “By the end of the summer everything is very dry and the area tends to get very windy, which can lead to critical fire conditions.” says Presley. She warns residents to be careful with anything that can start a spark in the outdoors.

Presley also notes that, “If someone accidentally starts a fire they should immediately call 911. Suppression costs are not charged for accidental fire starts,” says Presley.

A unique blog post about preparing for a “Zombie Apocalypse” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gained a lot of attention this week. The site even crashed due to so many visitors! The post was a creative way to teach people about preparing for any emergency.

Even if a zombie attack doesn’t threaten the City of Reno, you can still make sure you and your family prepare for a more likely situation in our area, such as:

- Wildfires (they’re just as scary, and they do happen around here)
- Flooding (see pic of “the big one” that flooded downtown Reno in 1997)
- Earthquakes (we felt one around here a couple years back, and there’s always a potential)

Preparing isn’t hard; it just takes some effort. Check out Reno’s preparedness webpages to learn more. Get a kit, make a plan, be prepared – for anything!