BE READY

The best time to prepare for disasters and/or emergencies is during the Level 1 alert status. The following tasks will prepare you, your family and loved ones with the necessary tools to survive. Engage the following steps to prepare:

1. Scout your neighborhood to find the best evacuation routes.

2. Make an Action Plan which includes:

• Prepare the House
• Prepare for the Kiddo's
• Prepare for the Elderly
• Prepare for the Disabled
• Prepare for the Pets
• Prepare for the Livestock
• Prepare for the Business
• Prepare the chosen evacuation Vehicle/s

3. Sign-up for Alerts:

• CodeRED
• CoTrip.org
• NOAA Weather Radio & Hazard Alert - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 24/7/365.
• Monitor all news, weather and social media for current conditions.

 4. Other Preparedness Tools:

• 72-hour Emergency Kit
• Park County Fire District Map - Click to get the map, then enter your address to find the Park County Fire District you live in.
• READY Colorado
• American Red Cross
• FEMA Ready App
• United States Forest Service - Region 2
• National Wildfire Coordination Group
• Colorado State Forest Service
• FireWise Colorado

GET SET

During a Level 2 alert (PRE-EVACUATION Notification), disaster poses a significant risk to you and your loved ones. Get Set to leave at a moment's notice! This will be a great time to move Livestock to a temporary shelter or pasture out of harm's way. In Park County, if the disaster is south of Hartsel, take your livestock to the Lake George Arena. Those folks with livestock living north of Hartsel, take your animals to the Fairgrounds in Fairplay. It is strongly recommended you submit a Livestock Log ahead of time.

The following tasks will help you Get Set:

1. Create a Go Bag! This is a crucial life sustaining component of disaster preparedness, ensuring that you have essential supplies ready in case of an emergency evacuation. The contents should be compact, lightweight, and cover basic survival needs for at least 72 hours. Here are the best items to include:

•  Personal Identification & Documents:

  • Copies of IDs (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
  • Emergency contact list
  • Insurance policies (home, health, auto)
  • Medical records & prescriptions
  • Cash (small bills and coins)
  • Local maps with evacuation routes marked

•  Food & Water:

  • Water: At least one gallon per person per day (portable water pouches or purification tablets)
  • Non-perishable food: Energy bars, canned goods, dried fruits, nuts, or MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat)
  • Manual can opener
  • Collapsible water bottle or hydration pack

•   Clothing & Shelter:

  • Sturdy shoes or boots
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (extra layers, rain jacket, hat, gloves)
  • Emergency blanket or sleeping bag
  • Compact tarp or tent for shelter

• First Aid & Hygiene:

  • First aid kit (bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, etc.)
  • Prescription medications (at least a 7-day supply)
  • Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, hand sanitizer, deodorant, wet wipes, feminine hygiene products)
  • Face masks (N95 or disposable)
  • Travel-size tissues & toilet paper

• Emergency Tools & Safety Gear

  • Multi-tool (with knife, screwdriver, pliers, etc.)
  • Flashlight (hand-crank or battery-operated)
  • Extra batteries or portable power bank
  • Fire-starting kit (waterproof matches, lighter, or fire starter)
  • Whistle (for signaling)
  • Duct tape & zip ties
  • Small sewing kit

• Communication & Navigation

  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA weather radio recommended)
  • Fully charged backup phone battery or solar charger
  • Compass or GPS device
  • Notepad and pen

• Special Needs Items

  • Baby formula, diapers, wipes (if applicable)
  • Pet supplies (food, water, leash, medications)
  • Extra eyeglasses or contacts
  • Mobility aids (cane, hearing aids with extra batteries, etc.)

• Extra Items for Comfort & Survival

  • Local emergency contacts & evacuation plan printout
  • Small comfort items (book, playing cards, stress-relief toy)
  • Small amount of gold/silver coins (as barter in extreme emergencies)

• Packing Tips:

  • Use a sturdy, waterproof backpack or duffel bag.
  • Keep the bag lightweight enough to carry on foot.
  • Store it in an easily accessible location.
  • Review and update supplies every 6 months.
• NOTE: You should consider having a GO BAG for each adult as well as one for each child in the family!

GO!

It's time to evacuate when a Level 3 alert (EVACUATION Notification) has been issued! Everything you learned during the BE READY level and what you prepared during the GET SET level, will now be exercised to GO! You need to load your GO BAGS, family members and pets into your vehicle and leave using caution along your pre-planned evacuation route/s. The following items to remember are important for a safe and successful evacuation:

1) Recall your Action Plan!

2) Load your Go Bags into the chosen evacuation vehicle/s!

3) Ensure all family members are present and, in the vehicle, (i.e. adults, kids, elderly, disabled and pets)!

4) LEAVE NOW! - Do Not Hesitate!

5) Obey Emergency Responder Instructions along the way!

6) Drive with your headlights on!

7) Once in a safe location, contact family and friends notifying them of your whereabouts!