Preparing for a Flood Evacuation: What to Do When You Can’t Use the Main Road

Living in a beautiful mountainous area next to a river has its perks, but it also comes with risks. Flooding is a real danger, especially during heavy rainfall or when snowmelt causes the river to rise rapidly. In the event of a flood, you might receive an emergency notice to evacuate "immediately". But what happens if the main road through our district is impassable or unsafe? Here's how to prepare and act if you're asked to evacuate due to a flood, but can’t rely on the one road through our community.

1. Know Your Evacuation Routes in Advance

Before any emergency strikes, take the time to familiarize yourself with alternative routes out of your area. While the main road might be your first instinct, flooding can make it unusable. Look at maps of your area and scout out alternative escape routes by foot, ATV, or other means. If you live near higher terrain, identify trails or paths you can take to quickly move to higher ground away from floodwaters.

2. Prepare a “Go Bag” for Quick Evacuation

In the event of an immediate evacuation, time is of the essence. Prepare a "Go Bag" that is ready to grab and contains essential items for your safety and survival. Here’s a checklist for what to include:

• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Water (at least one gallon per person per day)
• Non-perishable food and snacks
• First aid kit and medications
• Emergency blankets and warm clothing
• Copies of important documents (ID, insurance papers)
• Portable phone charger or backup power source
• A map of your area with potential evacuation routes marked
• Medicines

3. Stay Informed and Follow Official Instructions

Floods can develop quickly, and emergency services may send out evacuation orders at a moment’s notice. Stay informed by keeping a weather radio, and make sure you’ve signed up for any local emergency alerts through Larimer County. If you receive a “Notice to Evacuate Now” message, do not hesitate to act. Even if it seems like there’s time, the situation can worsen rapidly.

 4. Avoid Using the Main Road

If emergency services have deemed the main road unsafe due to flooding or other conditions, do not attempt to use it. Floodwaters can quickly cover roads, and even shallow water can carry away vehicles. If you are instructed to avoid the main road, use the alternative routes you’ve already planned. If there’s no safe way to drive, consider walking to higher ground or using an ATV or other equipment to bypass unsafe areas. Do not cross bridges if water is flowing over them or if you can’t see the bridge surface.

5. Move to Higher Ground Immediately

Floodwaters will always move to the lowest points, and your best defense is elevation. If your house is at risk or if waters are rising rapidly, evacuate to the highest accessible location, even if it's on foot. If you can’t safely leave the area, moving to a higher point like a hill, ridge, or second floor can buy you time until help arrives. Remember that fast-moving water is extremely dangerous, so avoid trying to wade or swim through it.

6. Coordinate with Neighbors

In rural, mountainous areas, communication is critical. Reach out to neighbors, especially those who might have mobility issues or lack transportation, to make sure everyone is aware of the situation and has a plan in place. Communities that prepare together are more resilient in emergencies. If you are evacuating and can help others along the way, do so safely.

7. Have a Communication Plan

Since cell service can be spotty in mountainous areas, it's important to have a backup communication plan. Two-way radios, walkie-talkies, or satellite phones can be invaluable in maintaining contact with loved ones or emergency services. Let someone outside the area know your evacuation plan and check in with them once you're safe.

8. Stay Calm and Follow Your Plan

In a flood evacuation, panic can lead to dangerous decisions. By preparing ahead of time and knowing exactly what steps to take, you can act swiftly and calmly. Stick to your plan, avoid flooded areas, and focus on getting to safety as quickly as possible.

Final Thoughts

Floods can happen with little warning, but by being prepared, you can protect yourself and your family. Know your evacuation routes, avoid the main road when necessary, and move quickly to higher ground. With the right preparation and mindset, you can safely navigate a flood emergency even in challenging conditions. Stay safe, stay informed, and be ready to act when you receive that notice to evacuate.

For more resources on flood preparedness and emergency alerts, visit the Larimer County Emergency Management website or reach out to the Poudre Canyon Fire Protection District.

Wildfire Preparedness for Forest Residents: Protecting Your Home and Family

Living in a forested area offers a deep connection to nature and a serene environment, but it also comes with the increased risk of wildfires. As wildfires grow in intensity and frequency due to changing climate conditions, preparing for them is more crucial than ever. If you live in or near a forested area, taking proactive steps to protect your home and family can make a significant difference in minimizing risk and ensuring safety.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to prepare for wildfires if you live in a forested region:

1. Create Defensible Space Around Your Home
Defensible space is the buffer you create between your home and the surrounding vegetation. It’s critical to reduce the spread of fire and to provide firefighters with a safe area to defend your property.

• Zone 1 (0-5 feet from your home): Remove all combustible materials, including dead vegetation, leaves, and firewood stacks. Choose fire-resistant plants, and ensure that nothing flammable is touching your home, deck, or roof.
• Zone 2 (5-30 feet from your home): Prune trees, shrubs, and bushes to create separation. Trim branches at least 10 feet away from your roof and 6 feet off the ground to prevent a fire from moving up the canopy. Keep the grass well-watered and cut short.
• Zone 3 (30-100 feet from your home): Thin out dense tree stands and remove dead trees, fallen limbs, and other debris that could fuel a fire. While keeping some trees can help with soil stability, reduce overcrowding to slow the spread of fire.

2. Fireproof Your Home
Homes that are hardened against wildfires stand a better chance of surviving. Consider making the following upgrades:

• Roofing and siding materials: Choose fire-resistant materials like metal, tile, or Class A asphalt shingles for your roof, and non-combustible materials like stucco, brick, or fiber-cement siding for your walls.
• Ember-resistant vents: Replace open attic or crawl space vents with ember-resistant mesh to prevent embers from entering your home.
• Windows and doors: Install double-paned or tempered glass windows and ensure all doors have a tight seal. Embers can easily break through single-paned windows.
• Gutter maintenance: Regularly clean gutters and downspouts, as dry leaves and debris can catch fire and spread flames to your roof.

3. Prepare an Emergency Kit
In case you need to evacuate quickly, having an emergency kit ready will save time and reduce stress. Include the following items:

• Essentials: Non-perishable food, water (one gallon per person per day), a first aid kit, and prescription medications.
• Clothing: Pack sturdy shoes, a long-sleeved shirt, and pants made from natural fibers like cotton or wool to protect yourself from radiant heat.
• Important documents: Gather copies of insurance policies, identification, bank records, and an inventory of your home’s contents.
• Personal needs: Pack items for infants, children, and pets, along with toiletries, blankets, and extra face masks to protect against smoke inhalation.

4. Make an Evacuation Plan

Evacuations can happen at a moment’s notice during a wildfire, so having a clear plan is essential:

• Know your escape routes: Identify at least two evacuation routes from your home. Forest roads can become quickly blocked, so have multiple options in case one becomes impassable.
• Stay informed: Sign up for local emergency alerts and monitor the progress of fires through reliable sources. Many counties have evacuation orders available via text, radio, or online.
• Family communication plan: Designate a meeting point outside of the evacuation zone, and ensure every member of your family knows how to reach each other if separated.
• Prepare vehicles: Keep your gas tank full, and have emergency supplies in your car, including extra food, water, blankets, and maps of alternative routes.

5. Know the Role of Defensible Space in Wildfire Mitigation
Creating defensible space around your home is essential to reducing wildfire risk. Defensible space doesn’t mean stripping your property of all vegetation, but rather strategically managing the area to reduce fire risk.

• Spacing and pruning: Clear flammable debris, thin trees and shrubs, and create breaks that slow the fire’s advance. Separate tree canopies, so flames don’t easily spread from one tree to the next.
• Ladder fuels: Remove shrubs or branches that could carry a fire from the ground to the tree canopy, known as “ladder fuels.” Prune branches so the lowest limb is 6-10 feet off the ground.
• Use fire-resistant plants: Some plants are more fire-resistant than others. Choose plants that retain moisture, have low sap or resin content, and are widely spaced to reduce the spread of flames.

6. Improve Community Preparedness
Wildfires don’t just affect individual homes; they threaten entire communities. Collaborating with your neighbors and local organizations can enhance your overall preparedness.

• Join or create a Firewise USA® community: Firewise USA® is a program that helps neighbors come together to reduce wildfire risk. By working together, you can take steps to protect your entire community.
• Wildfire Ambassador programs: Our fire district offers a program where ambassadors assess properties and provide personalized mitigation recommendations. By participating in this program, you can better understand the specific risks to your home.
• Communication plan: In forested areas, cell service is not available. Work with your community to ensure there are multiple ways to communicate during a fire, such as radio systems or satellite phones.

7. Stay Vigilant During Fire Season - which is now most of the year
During wildfire season, conditions can change rapidly. Stay alert and take proactive steps to reduce risk:

• Check local fire danger ratings: Be aware of your region’s fire danger rating and restrictions. Avoid activities like outdoor grilling or using equipment that could spark a fire.
• Stay aware of red flag warnings: Red flag warnings signal that critical fire weather conditions are present or expected within 24 hours. This typically means high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds—all of which make it easier for fires to start and spread.
• Reduce fuel around your home: Regularly clear dead vegetation, fallen leaves, and other debris from your yard, especially during peak fire season.

8. Insurance and Documentation
To recover from a wildfire, you'll need proper documentation and insurance coverage:

• Home insurance: Ensure your home insurance policy covers wildfire damage. Review the coverage amount to be sure it reflects the true cost of replacing your home and possessions.
• Inventory your belongings: Take photos or videos of your home’s contents. In the aftermath of a fire, having this inventory can simplify the claims process with your insurance company.
• Important documents: Keep copies of key documents like insurance policies, identification, and medical records in a fireproof box or digital backup.

9. Know When to Evacuate
Evacuation orders can escalate quickly, so it’s important to act fast:

• Leave early if advised: Don't wait until the fire is close. Evacuate early if authorities recommend it, as roads may become clogged with traffic, or flames may block escape routes.
• Stay calm and focused: In the event of an evacuation, gather your family and follow your pre-established plan. Take only essential items and leave immediately.

Conclusion
Living in a forested area means taking extra precautions to protect your home and family from wildfires. By creating defensible space, hardening your home, preparing an emergency kit, and developing an evacuation plan, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with wildfires. A proactive approach to wildfire preparedness not only helps protect your property but also contributes to the safety and resilience of the entire community.

Winter Storm Preparedness for Mountain Residents: How to Stay Safe and Self-Reliant

Living in the mountains comes with stunning views and peaceful solitude, but it also presents unique challenges—especially during winter. Those living an hour or more from town, often in remote areas, face the possibility of being snowed in or without electricity for extended periods. Winter storms can strike quickly, leaving residents isolated, cold, and in potential danger. Preparing ahead of time is essential to stay safe and self-reliant.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help mountain residents get ready for winter storms and navigate the season safely:

1. Stock Up on Essentials
Mountain residents should be prepared to be self-sufficient for several days or even weeks if roads become impassable. Stock up on the following:

• Non-perishable food: Plan for at least two weeks of shelf-stable food. Canned goods, dried fruits, nuts, pasta, and rice are excellent options. If you have animals, don't forget pet food.
• Water: If your water supply depends on electricity (like a well pump), store at least one gallon per person per day for both drinking and basic hygiene.
• Medication and first aid supplies:  Ensure you have enough essential medications to last several weeks, and keep a fully stocked first aid kit on hand.

2. Backup Power and Heat Sources
Without electricity, heating your home can become a significant challenge. Consider alternative sources of power and heat:

• Backup generator: A generator can provide power for essentials like heating systems, refrigerators, and lights. Keep extra fuel on hand, and ensure your generator is properly maintained.
• Wood stove or fireplace: If your home has a wood stove or fireplace, stock up on seasoned firewood. These can provide warmth and a way to cook food in emergencies.
• Propane heaters: Be sure they’re rated for indoor use and have adequate ventilation. Keep extra propane tanks.
• Battery-powered heating blankets: These can provide temporary relief if your main heating source fails.

3. Winterize Your Home
Protect your home from the harsh winter elements by winterizing it before the snow starts falling:

• Insulate your pipes: Frozen pipes can burst and cause severe water damage. Use insulation or heat tape on any exposed pipes, particularly those in crawl spaces or basements.
• Seal drafts: Check windows, doors, and other openings for drafts. Weatherstripping and caulking can prevent heat loss and help you conserve energy.
• Chimney inspection: If you use a wood stove or fireplace, have your chimney cleaned and inspected annually to prevent chimney fires.

4. Emergency Lighting and Communication
When power goes out, you need a reliable way to light your home and communicate with the outside world:

• Flashlights and lanterns:  Have multiple flashlights with extra batteries. LED lanterns or solar-powered lights are also great options for long-lasting illumination.
• Battery-powered radio: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio can keep you informed about weather conditions and emergency updates.
• Satellite phone or two-way radios: There is no cell service in our district, so having a satellite phone or two-way radio can help you stay connected with neighbors or emergency services.

5. Vehicle Preparedness
If you need to leave your home, make sure your vehicle is ready for winter conditions:

• Tire chains: Keep a set of tire chains in your vehicle for traction on icy or snowy roads.
• Winter survival kit: Your vehicle should have a winter emergency kit, including blankets, a shovel, ice scraper, sand or cat litter (for traction), jumper cables, flares, and extra clothing.
• Keep your gas tank full: Always maintain at least half a tank of gas to prevent fuel line freezing and ensure you can leave in an emergency.

6. Personal Safety and Health
Prepare for potential injuries or health concerns during storms:

• Stay warm: Dress in layers of warm clothing. Wool and synthetic fabrics are better than cotton for retaining heat. Have plenty of blankets and sleeping bags rated for cold weather.
• First aid training: Consider getting basic first aid training. Knowing how to treat minor injuries or hypothermia can be life-saving when medical help is far away.
• Exercise caution outside: Heavy snow and ice can lead to slips and falls. Use sand or salt to treat icy walkways, and avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.

7. Snow Removal
Heavy snow can block driveways and roads, isolating your property. Have a plan in place for snow removal:

• Snowblower or plow: If you have a long driveway, consider investing in a snowblower or contracting a snowplow service. Always keep spare parts and fuel for your snow removal equipment.
• Shovels and de-icer: Keep sturdy shovels and a supply of de-icing products on hand to clear walkways and emergency exits.

8. Plan for Extended Power Outages

If you lose power for an extended period, your food, water, and heating systems may be compromised. Plan for these situations:

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed: A full freezer will keep food frozen for about 48 hours. Use coolers and store perishable food in the snow if necessary.
• Conserve energy: Use only essential devices and appliances to stretch your fuel or generator capacity as long as possible.
• Have a plan for water: If you rely on electric pumps, store extra water ahead of time or know how to access it from natural sources safely.

9. Community Connections
Stay connected with your neighbors, even if you live far apart.

• Check-in with others: Maintain contact with nearby residents. Sharing resources or checking on each other during a storm can be crucial.
• Local emergency services: Make sure you know the contact information for local emergency services, volunteer fire departments, and any nearby shelters which are the fire stations in our district.

10. Know When to Evacuate
While most winter storms can be managed with proper preparation, extreme conditions may require evacuation:

• Stay informed: Pay close attention to weather alerts. If you receive an evacuation order or believe it’s unsafe to stay in your home, leave as soon as possible.
• Pack a go-bag: Keep a bag ready with essential items, including warm clothes, food, water, medications, important documents, and emergency gear.

By taking these steps, mountain residents can be prepared for the challenges of winter storms. While living far from town has its rewards, being proactive about preparedness is key to staying safe and comfortable when the weather turns severe.