Nevada

Things to know...

Details that are different from state to state and may make your posting just a little bit easier!

• Weather & Natural Disasters
  Nevada’s weather is defined by its desert climate, with hot, dry summers where temperatures often exceed 100°F and winters that are mild in the south but colder in the north, with averages ranging from 20°F to 50°F. The state is generally arid but can experience sudden flash floods during summer thunderstorms and occasional snow in northern regions and higher elevations.
  
  Dust Storms
  Dust storms (or haboobs) can occur suddenly, particularly in the spring and summer months. These storms bring low visibility and strong winds, which can disrupt travel and cause respiratory issues. If you encounter a dust storm, pull over, stay in your vehicle, and wait for conditions to improve.
  
  Flooding
  Flash flooding is another risk, especially during monsoon season from July to September. While Las Vegas typically experiences little rain, when it does rain, the desert landscape causes water to pool quickly in low-lying areas and streets. Never drive through floodwaters, as roads can be washed out rapidly, and just a few inches of moving water can knock over a vehicle.
  
  Wildfires
  High heat, dry conditions, and strong winds create ideal conditions for wildfires, so it's important to follow local fire restrictions and stay informed about fire risk levels during hot months.
  Receiving weather warnings, alerts and updates through multiple means will ensure that you and your family can be prepared and take act quickly. NOAA weather radio, local weather broadcasts, outdoor sirens, wireless emergency alerts (if you switch to an American area code), weather apps, and social media are all great tools to receive national and statewide disaster and emergency alerts.
  
  For more in-depth information, check out ready.gov, a national campaign aimed at educating and empowering individuals to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies and disasters.
   
• Neighbourhoods
  Cities: Las Vegas
  Located approximately 8 miles northeast of downtown Las Vegas, is Nellis Air Force Base. Las Vegas offers a wide range of housing options, including apartments, condominiums, and single-family homes. Popular neighborhoods include Summerlin, Henderson, and Centennial Hills, each offering unique amenities and community features.
  
  Use this tool to help you learn more about a community. You can get information on schools, home values, weather, population and more > Access the Military One Source Neighbourhood Navigator.
   
• Base Information & Resources
  For more detailed information about each base, including contact information and specific services offered, you can visit Military One Source and select your state followed by your installation or click the links below.
  
  Spouses and dependents with valid Department of Defense (DoD) identification cards have access to Nellis Air Force Base.
   

  • Nellis Air Force Base offers a commissary, exchange, and various Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities. Amenities include a fitness center, arts and crafts center, child development center, community commons, movie theater, hospital, post office, and dining options like the Desert Oasis and The Club. For the most updated information on Nellis AFB MWR facilities and services > visit Nellis AFB
• Getting Around
  Getting around Las Vegas in relation to Nellis Air Force Base and Creech Air Force Base is primarily car-dependent, with Nellis located about 10 miles northeast of the city and Creech about 40 miles northwest. Traffic can be heavier near Nellis, especially during base entry and exit times, and when events or operations are taking place. For those stationed at Nellis or Creech, driving is the most convenient option.
• On-Base Medical Treatment Facility
  The following medical groups provide comprehensive medical care to CAF Families who have been enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and have TRICARE eligibility. Mike O'Callaghan Military Medical Center
  
   
• Critters & Wildlife
  Nevada is home to wildlife such as venomous snakes like the Western Diamondback rattlesnake and the Mojave rattlesnake, as well as scorpions and occasional encounters with mountain lions in more rural areas. The state also has ticks, though they are less common compared to other regions. Compared to Canada, Nevada’s desert climate supports a greater number of reptiles and insects, making routine pest control recommended to manage scorpions, termites, and other pests that thrive in the dry heat.
• Children's Education
  There are several public schools within 25 miles of Nellis AFB as well as one notable institution (Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas), which operates a campus directly on Nellis AFB.

  • Clark County School District Both Nellis and Creech AFBs are situated within the Clark County School District, the fifth-largest school district in the United States. It offers comprehensive educational programs for kindergarten through 12th grade, including magnet programs tailored to students with specific interests and abilities.
    • Doris French Elementary School: Doris French Elementary School offers a French language program as part of its curriculum. The school's mission is to provide academic tools and promote social responsibility in a respectful learning environment. Enrollment Considerations: As a public school within the Clark County School District, enrollment is typically open to residents of the district. It's advisable to contact the school directly to inquire about specific enrollment procedures, deadlines, and any residency requirements.
  • Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas (CASLV). Grades Served: Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. CASLV is a tuition-free public charter school emphasizing a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with a strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The Nellis AFB campus provides convenient access for military families residing on or near the base. Enrollment Information: As a public charter school, CASLV is open to all students who meet Nevada's age requirements. For kindergarten enrollment, children must be five years old by a specific date set by the state. Detailed admission procedures and application deadlines can be found on CASLV's admissions page.

  • Alliance Française de Las Vegas (AFLV): AFLV is a cultural and educational organization offering French language classes for all ages, including children. They provide full immersion classes designed to make learning French a positive experience. Enrollment Considerations: AFLV offers various programs, including group classes, private lessons, and summer camps. Enrollment is open to all interested individuals. It's recommended to contact AFLV directly to learn more about class schedules, fees, and registration deadlines.

  It is highly recommended that you utilize your installation’s School Liaison Officer, who is available to offer valuable information on local school districts, serve as a bridge between the military community and school administrators, and provide expert consultation on educational matters.
  
  Click here for School Liaison Officer information and contact for Fort Huachuca. To find the most updated contact information for a School Liaison Program visit Military One Source Program and Services Contacts and select School Liaison Program and your location.
• Childcare
  Child Development Centers
  Child development centers (CDCs) generally offer childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Care is available Monday through Friday, with some locations offering options such as extended hours, weekend care and respite care. Child development centers vary in size and larger installations may operate multiple facilities. Programs are certified by the Defense Department and accredited by a national accrediting body, such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children
  
  For a full list of all military-operated childcare programs, including Child Development Centers, Childcare programs, before- and after-school care, as well as summer and holiday camps – visit MilitaryChildCare.com. Here you can enter in your location or Military installation and find a comprehensive list of all Childcare programs as well as initiate a request for childcare through child development centers, school-age care programs and DOD certified family childcare providers.
  
  Additional Child and Development-related resources:

  • Zero to Three is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the healthy development of our nation’s infants and toddlers
  • Birth to Five watch me Thrive is a podcast from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Early Childhood Development provides information for parents about celebrating milestones, the importance of health screenings, how to identify delays and early concerns and how to provide developmental supports for children.
  • Exceptional Family Member Program works with other community and military agencies to make sure military parents have the early intervention services their infants and toddlers need.
  • Thrive — a free, online parenting program that promotes positive parenting, stress management and healthy lifestyle practices.
  • The Military Child Education Coalition is a nonprofit organization that promotes partnerships and provides for networking of military installations and their supporting school districts. 
  • The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children is designed to make transitions smooth for families moving to a new duty station. 
  • Military K-12 Partnership between the DOD and the Department of Defense Education Activity, has all of the services working with educators and administrators across the nation to provide quality education for all children of military families. 
  • Exceptional Family Member Program can help families navigate the DOD’s network of services and support if they have a child with a disability or special need.
  • The MWR Digital Library is a free, online resource for service members and their families that offers a wide variety of activities and materials for all ages. 
  • Sesame Workshop has various toolkits to help military families with young children handle the challenges of military life.
  • Military OneSource education consultants provide one-on-one, free and confidential services. These consultants can provide referrals to in-home tutors and tutoring centers in their area as well as public and private school information. They enable parents to speak to specialists with various areas of expertise. They include the New MilParent specialty consultation, designed for expectant parents and parents of children up to the age of 5 which provides support for a wide range of parenting issues
• Automobile Registration, Plates & Licenses
  The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles provides information on transferring out-of-state titles and licenses.