RENO, NV - The reverse 911 system was purchased after the 2005 flood hit the Truckee Meadows.

Called “City Watch” it allows residents with a land line phone to automatically be contacted to evacuate their homes or actually stay put.

But with the common use of cell phones the system is limited.

If you only use a cell phone, you are encouraged to register so you can be informed in

"Readywashoe.com, you'll see a line that says alerts and enter your phone number and address and you'll be in our data base," says Aaron Keneston, Washoe County Emergency Manager

Kenneston says the system is not perfect.

If you have a cordless phone and the electricity goes out, you may need to invest in a traditional phone for one area of the house to receive the call.

If your cell phone needs charging and the power goes out you may not receive the call.

“City Watch” he says is another method to alert residents, along with broadcasts, 211, and emergency personnel going door to door.