LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Becoming stranded can happen to anyone at any time. With the current winter weather conditions, one local group is advising travelers to be prepared.
Anthony Peterson, president of Southern Nevada Off Road Recovery, or Snorr, has been a member for almost six years. The volunteer rescue group acts as a local support resource for several agencies, including Metro police and Red Rock Rescue.
During the winter months, Peterson says SNORR sees an increase in calls for help, as more people get stranded.
“On a typical year, we’ll do between 500 and a thousand recoveries so it’s quite a bit,” Peterson explained. “This upcoming week, we’re suppose to be having some snow up there so we’re already getting our team ready to be able to respond and go up there.”
That’s why every year, SNORR conducts its snow patrol due to an increase in visitors to the mountains. They stage up on Mt. Charleston and help clear the roads. Peterson said it’s important to be prepared for any situation.
“Make sure you bring extra warm clothing, make sure you have food with you. If you can bring food, something warm like soups and stuff like that,” Peterson remarked.
He also advised drivers pull off the road so you don’t become a hazard to other drivers and always have the proper gear.
Not only do they rescues, they offer recovery and safety training to help you prepare for the rough terrain and elements.
“It’s a four-hour class and what we do is give you some good basic information about how to self-recover, what the proper techniques are and that educates people in two ways. Most importantly it teaches them what not to do,” Peterson added.
From the mountains to Lake Mead, they cover a 400 mile radius and Peterson said SNORR is equipped to answer any call.
“For us, when we go out and help somebody, it’s rewarding for us because we get a chance to use our skillset and use our toys and help them get out of that situation and they’re always happy to see us,” Peterson said.
SNORR is always looking for more volunteer members and if you would like to learn more about their recovery training classes, click here.
Every member of SNORR is an unpaid volunteer and recovery requests are free but donations are welcomed to help the nonprofit fund their rescues as your donations go towards fuel for rescues, replace equipment and provide additional training.
To donate, click here.
