Megan Kay

Outreach & Content Coordinator - Living With Fire

Office: (775) 336-0231
Email: kaym@unr.edu
Website: https://www.livingwithfire.com/
Address: 4955 Energy Way, Mail Stop 221, Reno, Nevada 89502
Representing: Washoe County
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Summary

Megan Kay is the Outreach & Content Coordinator for the Living With Fire (LWF) program. Since its inception in 1997, LWF has been bridging the gap between science and action. We convene communities and stakeholders to address the challenges of wildfire. Through trusted partnerships, we create science-based education and outreach programs that equitably address emerging social and ecological needs.

Previously, she served as a wildland firefighter for five seasons in Carson City, Virginia City, and Incline Village before earning her Bachelor of Arts, studying fine arts and graphic design. She’s passionate about serving her community. When she’s not busy helping Nevadans learn how to adapt to address the challenges of living with wildfire, she’s probably at home with her husband and daughter or playing music and crafting with her friends.

Education

B.A. University of Nevada, Reno, 2014

Programs
Publications

Programs

Living With Fire

Helping Nevadans and visitors prepare for wildfire

News & Journal Articles, Fact Sheets, Reports...

Brochures
Sign up for Emergency Notifications Local Emergency Notification Systems, commonly known as Reverse Dial, are used by safety officials to send phone calls, emails and texts to a specific area with a prepared message during an emergency. Kay, M. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, IP
Backyard Native Plants Identification and treatments of shrubs and ground covers for fire safe landscaping at Lake Tahoe. Higgins, Lesley V. 2009, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, IP
Be Ember Aware During a wildfire, thousands of embers can rain down on your roof and pelt the side of your home like hail during a storm. Embers coming into contact with flammable material is the major reason why homes burn from wildfires.By being ember aware and taking action ahead of time, a homeowner can reduce the ember threat. Smith, Ed, Sistare, Sonya 2009, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno FS-09-05
Wildfire Evacuation Checklist Information on how to prepare yourself, your home, and your family for a quick and safe wildfire evacuation. Be prepared! Please evacuate immediately when asked. Smith, Ed 2006, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-06-07
Bulletins
6 Steps To Create an Evacuation Plan 6 steps to create an evacuation plan so that residents can evacuate safely and effectively during an emergency. Kay, M. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno
Fact Sheets
Best Management Practices for Livestock and Equine during Wildfire Smoke Events The intent of this article is to provide recommendations for best management practices for livestock and equine owners during wildfire smoke events. Some of these recommendations may not be applicable to owners of large quantities of livestock and/or equine. Chichester, L, Kay, M., Roice-Gomes, J., Allen, M., Taylor, L. Emm, S. 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-10
2021 Little Vally Fire Restoration Update The University of Nevada, Reno, U.S. Forest Service, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and the Nevada Division of Forestry have worked together to rehabilitate the landscape after the Little Valley Fire. What have they accomplished? Kay, M., Restaino, C. 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-113
Best management practices for livestock and equine during wildfire smoke events Wildfire can be an important tool in maintaining diverse and healthy ecosystems. However, wildfires can also increase greenhouse gas emissions, devastate ecosystems, and decimate animal populations and their habitats, along with homes and other structures, creating hazardous health impacts on humans and animals. L. Chichester, M. Kay, J. Roice-Gomes, M. Allen, L. Taylor, S. Emm 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-10
Climate Change Impacts in Nevada Summarized in this fact sheet are specific details about how climate change has already and will continue to impact the state of Nevada and strategies that can be used to prepare for these changes. McAfee, S., Restaino, C., Ormerod, K., Dettinger, M., McEvoy, D., Kalansky, J., Cayan, D., Lachniet, M., Moser, S., VanderMolen, K., Wall, T. 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno FS-21-06
Impactos del Cambio Climático en Nevada En este artículo, se resumen detalles específicos sobre cómo el cambio climático ya ha afectado y seguirá afectando al estado de Nevada y las estrategias que pueden utilizarse para prepararse para estos cambios. McAfee, S., Restaino, C., Ormerrod, K., Dettinger, M., McEvoy, D., Kalansky, J., Cayan, D., Lachniet, M., Moser, S., VanderMolen, K., Wall, T. 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno FS-21-06
CodeRED en el condado de Washoe CodeRED es un sistema de notificaciones que envía mensajes de emergencia a personas ubicadas en regiones afectadas, como poblaciones o comunidades específicas. Roice-Gomes, J., Adams, J., Kay, M., and Restaino, C. 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-120
CodeRED in Washoe County If an emergency arises in Washoe County, public agencies utilize CodeRED to inform the public. Registering for CodeRED increases the likelihood that residents will receive these urgent notifications. Roice-Gomes, J., Adams, J., Kay, M., Restaino, C. 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-120
VIVIR CON HUMO: Como estar preparado en caso de exposición al humo de incendios El humo de los incendios forestales es diferente dependiendo del tipo de combustible que se ha quemado (es decir, árboles, arbustos, edificios, etc.), la temperatura del incendio forestal y las condiciones del viento. En general, el humo de los incendios forestales se compone de dióxido de carbono, vapor de agua, monóx Roice-Gomes, J., Kay, M., Schnieder, B., Restaino, C 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS -21-114
Living With Smoke: How to be prepared for smoke exposure This fact sheet from the Living With Fire Program will help readers understand what is in wildfire smoke, why you should be concerned about wildfire smoke, and how to protect yourself from wildfire smoke. Roice-Gomes, J., Kay, M., Schnieder, B., Restaino, C. 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-114
Understanding Homeowners’ Decisions to Mitigate Wildfire Risk and Create Defensible Space in Nevada Wildland-urban interface communities across Nevada have programs in place to encourage homeowners to voluntarily undertake investments to reduce their wildfire threat and create defensible space on their properties. This study addresses two questions relevant to the design of these programs. Taylor, M., Restaino, C. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-32
¡Cuidado con las brasas! Durante un incendio forestal, pueden caer miles de brasas sobre su techo y acumularse al costado de su casa como granizo durante una tormenta. Si estas brasas se alojan en algo fácilmente inflamable, ya sea en alguna parte de su casa o cerca de ella, su casa estará en peligro de incendiarse. Las brasas que entran en co Smith, Ed, Sistare, Sonya 2009, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno FS-23-18
Informational Publications
Wildfire Evacuation Checklist (Spanish) Si su propiedad está en peligro de incendio y usted debe evacuar tenga en consideración las siguientes medidas de seguridad. Smith, E., Kay, M. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, IP-20
Summary Report Nevada Wildfire Awareness Month 2019 Nevada Wildfire Awareness Month (NWAM) 2019 was held May 1–31, with events and activities taking place throughout the state. With the collaboration of partnering agencies, the Living With Fire program educated Nevada residents on minimizing the wildfire impact on communities by taking proactive steps to prepare. Roice-Gomes, J., Thom, A. 2019, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, IP 2019
Special Publications
Guía De Adaptación De Viviendas En Caso De Incendios Forestales: Cómo fortalecer las casas para resistir incendios forestales Esta guía incluye recomendaciones específicas de cómo adaptar componentes existentes en una vivienda para poder resistir un incendi forestal. Cada sección contiene una explicación de cómo dicho componente es vulnerable a los incendios forestales y lo que se puede hacer para mejorar ese componente. Restaino, C., Kocher, S., Shaw, N., Hawks, S., Murphy, C., Quarles, S. 2023, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-23-02
Living With Fire Defensible Space Guide Defensible Space is the buffer around a home where the vegetation has been managed to reduce the wildfire hazard. Creating defensible space increases the chance of home survival and provides a space for firefighters to safely defend the home during a wildfire event. Roice-Gomes, J., Restaino, C., Kay, M. 2023, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-23-07
Living With Fire Program Needs Assessment and Evaluation The Living With Fire Program, a 25-year-old wildfire preparedness initiative, recently conducted a needs assessment and evaluation to adapt to evolving community dynamics. Key Restaino, C. and Putz, T. 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-22-17
Wildfire Home Retrofit Guide This Guide includes specific recommendations for how to retrofit existing components of a home to withstand wildfire. Restaino, C., Kocher, S., Shaw, N., Hawks, S., Murphy, C., Quarles, S. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-20-11
Fire Adapted Communities: The Next Step in Wildfire Preparedness - Elko County Elko County has more rural communities located in high- and extreme-wildfire hazard areas than anywhere else in Nevada. University of Nevada, Reno Extension; and Elko County have come together to promote the Fire Adapted Community concept. They believe that this is the best response to our wildfire threat. Smith, E., Sistare, S., Nejedlo, G 2016, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-16-02
How to Complete a Community Wildfire Protection Plan for Nevada Communities A Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) describes the wildfire hazards and mitigation measures for a community. Completing and implementing a CWPP is an important means for residents of Nevada’s wildfire prone areas to address the wildfire threat. Smith, E., Sistare, S. 2013, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-13-14
How to Complete a Community Wildfire Protection Plan for Washoe County Communities A Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) describes the wildfire hazards and mitigation measures for a community. Completing and implementing a CWPP is an important means for residents of Washoe County’s wildfire-prone areas to address the wildfire threat. Smith, E., Sistare, S., Nejedlo, G. 2013, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-13-06
Fire Adapted Communities: The Next Step in Wildfire Preparedness - Upper Colony Fire Safe Chapter Smith Valley There are proven steps that homeowners can take to improve the odds of human life and home survival during wildfire. The purpose of this publication, “Fire Adapted Communities: The Next Step in Wildfire Preparedness - Upper Colony” is to promote and teach these steps. Smith, E., Sistare, S., Nejedlo, G 2012, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-12-03
The Combustibility of Landscape Mulches Mulch plays an important role in Western residential landscapes. Unfortunately many mulches are combustible, a major drawback when used in home landscapes located in wildfire-prone areas. Using the results from an evaluation of mulch combustibility, recommendations are offered concerning the use of mulches. Quarles, S., Smith, E. 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-11-04
Fire Adapted Communities: The Next Step in Wildfire Preparedness - Storey County Faced with the growing potential for loss of human life and property due to wildfire, Nevada’s local, state and federal firefighting agencies, Nevada Fire Safe Council, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension and Storey County government have come together to promote the Fire Adapted Communities concept. Smith, E., Sistare, S., Nejedlo, G 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-11-07
Fire Adapted Communities: The Next Step in Wildfire Preparedness Do you know what it takes to survive a wildfire? A fire adapted communities is a community located in fire-prone area that requires little assistance from firefighters during a wildfire. Residents of these communities accept responsibility for living in a high fire hazard area. Smith, E., Sistare, S., Nejedlo, G. 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-11-01
Fire Adapted Communities: The Next Step in Wildfire Preparedness, Carson City Do you know what it takes to survive a wildfire? A fire adapted communities is a community located in fire-prone area that requires little assistance from firefighters during a wildfire. Residents of these communities accept responsibility for living in a high fire hazard area. Smith, E., Sistare, S., Nejedlo, G. 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-11-01
Fire Adapted Communities: The Next Step in Wildfire Preparedness, Elko County Do you know what it takes to survive a wildfire? A fire adapted community is a community located in fire-prone area that requires little assistance from firefighters during a wildfire. Read more about fire adapted communities in the Elko County area. Smith, E., Sistare, S., Nejedlo, G. 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-16-02
Be Careful! Cheatgrass is extremely flammable! Dry cheatgrass is one of the most easily ignitable substances on Nevada's rangelands. It is the kindling that fuels many of our wildfires. Once ignited, cheatgrass fires can travel very fast. Be careful! Be prepared! Smith, Ed, Davison, Jay 2008, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno SP-05-08
Fuel Management Terms for Homeowners Fuel Management Terms for Homeowners Smith, E. 2005, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno