Best Sources for Information on Colorado Wildfires
With the 2014 wildfire season underway — and following recent devastating and record-breaking wildfires — it is critical that Coloradans living in fire-prone areas or areas that are currently facing the threat of wildfire be aware of the best sources for up-to-date information.
Wildfire is an unfortunate reality many Coloradans may have to face. Your family should have an emergency plan and be prepared at all times to comply with evacuation orders. If you live in a fire-prone area, I highly recommend you visit the U.S. Fire Administration's website to learn how to prepare for evacuation and protect your property.
Simple and effective fire-mitigation methods do not always cost a lot of time or money. In fact, common-sense steps taken while doing your fall yard work can make an enormous difference in the long run.
- When working in your yard, focus on creating fuel-free zones 30 feet around your homes by keeping it clear of twigs and leaves. Rakes and weed-whackers are some of the best tools we have to increase the likelihood that our homes will survive a wildfire.
- When selecting landscaping and plants to place near your home, make sure they will not become a hazard in the event of a fire.
- Store firewood and other combustibles, such as gas tanks or wooden lawn chairs, away from your home. Doing so will help your structures survive future wildfires.
- Contact your local planning and zoning office to find out if your home is in a high-risk fire zone.
- You can also contact your homeowner’s association to determine how you can properly prepare for wildfire season within the parameter of regulations that will be helpful for you and your neighborhood.
Here are some key resources Coloradans should be aware of:
Fire Restrictions and Risk (by County)
FEMA-Ready.gov:
Ready.gov is a national campaign designed to prepare Americans for both natural and man-made emergencies. It contains valuable advice on how families can plan and prepare for wildfire evacuations.
Colorado Division of Insurance:
Well before an emergency, you should inventory your belongings and carefully review your homeowner’s insurance policy to see what it covers. All you need is a few hours, a digital camera and a pad of paper. Comb through your belongings and set aside what receipts you can find. Store this information online, in a safe deposit box or somewhere off-site. If your home is damaged or lost during a fire, this is one of the best ways to financially protect yourself and help your family recover after a tragic fire.
FloodSmart:
Coloradans living in and around burn areas are especially vulnerable to flooding. Floodsmart is FEMA's gateway for property owners interested in accessing the National Flood Insurance Program. The website contains information on eligibility, insurance agents and how to file a claim.
Colorado 2-1-1:
Dial 2-1-1. This switchboard helps make connections, via referrals, between individuals and families in need and the appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies.
Health considerations:
Even if you do not live in an area directly affected by wildfire, smoke inhalation can cause problems for Coloradans with health issues, the very young and the elderly. Call LungLine at 800-222-LUNG, to talk to registered nurse if you are experiencing symptoms, such as difficulty breathing normally, cough with or without mucus, chest discomfort, wheezing and shortness of breath.
Help Colorado Now:
Help Colorado Now is a site created by Gov. Hickenlooper and the Colorado Division of Emergency Management created as a central resource for information on how you can help those affected by the Colorado wildfires.
InciWeb:
InciWeb is an interagency one-stop-shop for regular updates on all major incidents (in this case, wildfires) across the United States. The system was developed to provide the public a single source of incident related information on firefighting activities, evacuations and public meetings.