Cameron Peak Fire, 2020 (Photo credit: Larimer County)

Overview of Evacuation Planning

A major outcome of the Red Feather Lakes Area Wildfire Defense Project is improved evacuation plans/procedures and routes through the community. We will achieve this through evacuation exercises, plan revisions, and installation of helpful features along evacuation routes.

Evacuation planning is critical because it minimizes injuries, prevents panic and chaos, and facilitates an organized, efficient, and safe exit from a dangerous situation, which can save lives during emergencies like fires, natural disasters, or other threats. By establishing clear routes, designated assembly points, and procedures for communicating during a crisis, planning ensures people know what to do, where to go, and how to get there safely. 

Stay informed about Larimer County’s current evacuation efforts. Visit Larimer County’s Evacuation Page >>

 

Voluntary vs. Mandatory Evacuations

Mandatory Evacuations

  •  It's time to leave immediately.

  • Grab your people, pets, medications, and get out.

  •  Roads are closed to incoming traffic, so you won't be allowed to return (in limited circumstances when conditions allow, residents have been permitted to go back for medicines or animals. That's not a guarantee, though, so don't make this part of your plan).

Voluntary Evacuations

  • Advised for residents who might need extra time or help leaving, those with health conditions aggravated by smoke, and people with livestock or other animals that need to be moved.

  • It's also a good time for everyone to pack a go-bag, gather valuables or sentimental items you want to bring, and prepare your home. 

  •  If you leave a voluntary zone, you can return as long as the status doesn't change. 

 

Evacuation Process

When an evacuation is ordered, an emergency alert is sent to all landlines in the area, plus devices that have been registered at nocoalert.org

  1.  In mandatory areas, teams of deputies also go door-to-door to notify residents and recommend that they leave. 

  2. The deputies flag where they've been, which helps them avoid missing any homes and prevents other teams from duplicating efforts. 

  3. During the height of Alexander Mountain Fire evacs, we had upwards of 80 personnel on the ground making these urgent notifications

 

Preparing to Evacuate

    1. Close all windows and doors. Ensure all windows and doors are securely closed to prevent embers from entering. Leave them unlocked to allow firefighters access if needed.

    2. Remove flammable window treatments. Remove any flammable window treatments, such as shades, curtains, or drapes. Closed metal shutters, if available, provide an additional barrier against heat and embers.

    3. Clear away light curtains. Remove lightweight curtains or drapes, especially those near windows and doors.

    4. Reposition flammable items. Move flammable items (i.e., furniture, rugs, and decorations) to the center of the room, away from windows and doors.

    5. Turn off the gas. To reduce the fire risk inside your home, shut off the gas supply at the meter and turn off all pilot lights.

    6. Leave lights on. Turn on all interior and exterior lights to increase your home's visibility in smoky conditions for firefighters.

    7. Switch off air conditioning. Turn it off to prevent it from drawing in smoke and embers.

    1. Bring in flammable items. Collect all outdoor items, such as patio furniture, toys, doormats, and trash bins, and bring them inside. Alternatively, place them in a pool if available.

    2. Shut off propane tanks. Turn off propane tanks and move grills and appliances away from the house.

    3. Prepare water sources. Attach garden hoses to outside taps for firefighter use. Fill buckets with water and place them around the house's exterior for additional firefighting resources.

    4. Do not use sprinklers. Avoid leaving sprinklers or water running, as this can decrease the water pressure firefighters need.

    5. Illuminate your home. Keep all exterior lights on to make your home more visible in smoky or dark conditions.

    6. Prepare your vehicle. Load your emergency kit into your car. Park the car in your driveway facing outwards, with all doors and windows shut, ready for a quick departure.

    7. Seal vents. Cover attic and ground vents with plywood or commercial seals to prevent embers from entering the home.

    1. Prepare pets. Keep pets close, leashed, or in carriers, ready to leave quickly.

    2. Plan for farm animals. If you have animals, plan their evacuation early. Arrange for transport and secure safe locations in advance.

    1. Stay informed. Monitor the fire situation through reliable sources such as local authorities, radio, or online updates. Leave immediately if you feel at risk; do not wait for an official evacuation order.

    2. Check on neighbors. Communicate with your neighbors to ensure they are prepared and aware of the fire situation.

 

Can you be reached in an emergency?

We want to make sure you are alerted as soon as possible should an emergency happen in your area. But we need your help! 

LETA911 is our local emergency alerting authority for Larimer County. They will be the FIRST to alert you if there is a imminent threat to your life or safety. However, this service is opt-in, meaning if you do not register your device, we cannot reach you! 

Upon registering, you have the opportunity to register multiple methods in which to receive alerts, including your cell phone, email, or even pagers!

Additionally, you can put in 5 different addresses to ensure that you are alerted if an emergency happens in multiple areas of concern, including your place of work, or perhaps where your kiddos go to school! If you or someone you know has access or functional needs, such as a dependency on oxygen or mobility needs, LETA allows that information to be registered as well, in case someone requires additional assistance in an emergency or evacuation.

Lastly, you have the right to choose which alerts you want to receive, and can opt out of alerts that do not apply! 

Be alerted when it is needed most, sign up for emergency alerts by visiting www.nocoalert.org or by texting "NOCOALERT" to 888-777. 

 

Evacuation Planning Resources

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