Information is all over the news and you know just by stepping outside that this season has been a hot one. There have been record drought and constant heat advisories all throughout Colorado this summer. It is not just our state but, "much of the country has seen dry, hot conditions this year, setting the stage for an active wildfire season.", opens a new window Here in Colorado we have had severe heat and dry conditions which leaves us prone to wildfires but there are other disasters we must be prepared for too. Specifically in Arapahoe County we are at high risk for fires, floods, severe winter weather and severe summer heat. In addition to those disasters, we are susceptible to severe winds/tornados, cyber threats, and "hazmat releases", according to the Arapahoe Sheriff's Office of Emergency Management, opens a new window report on hazard mitigation, opens a new window. You can scroll through the report and see more specifics in and near your city/town's jurisdiction with some simplified tables under section 4.
Resources to help prepare
Arapahoe County Emergency Alert Notification System, called ArapAlerts, allows residents to receive timely alerts about wildfires, evacuations, hazmat incidents, shelter-in-place orders, and other emergency situations. To receive critical notifications by phone, text, email, and mobile app make sure you are signed up for ArapAlerts., opens a new window
South Metro Fire Rescue has an emergency preparedness guide, opens a new window that covers devastating emergencies that could occur in our area and how to best prepare for them. This guide is meant to prepare you for wildfire emergencies specifically and includes evacuation strategies and recovery afterwards.
American Red Cross has an emergency preparedness webpage geared towards older adults, opens a new window and different levels of classes to take in CPR and first aid, opens a new window.
Ready.gov has a variety of resources including tips and resources for people with disabilities, opens a new window with particular consideration to individual circumstances and needs to effectively prepare for emergencies and disasters. Additionally, they offer other valuable information including how to make a plan, opens a new window with your family, put together an emergency kit, opens a new window (with translations, opens a new window in several languages), if you have pets, opens a new window and if you own a business., opens a new window
For kids there are specific resources such as Prepare with Pedro videos, opens a new window from the Red Cross that focus on home fires and wildfires. Sesame Workshop, opens a new window has resources to help support your child during emergencies, with simple guidance for what to do, what to say and how to help children feel safe and secure. Lastly, Ready Kids, opens a new window from Ready.gov offers ways teens can be leaders and kids can learn tips through games.
Lastly, check out this Emergency Preparedness booklist for additional information on preparing for an emergency.
A varied book list to help you get prepared if an emergency were to occur.
Stay safe out there!
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