Colorado Emergency Preparedness: Mountain to Plains Disaster Guide

Colorado's dramatic landscape spans from the high plains to 14,000-foot peaks, creating one of the most diverse disaster risk profiles in the nation. Devastating wildfires threaten mountain communities and the urban-wildland interface, winter blizzards can paralyze the state, and flash floods strike with deadly speed. This comprehensive guide covers every threat Colorado residents face and how to prepare effectively.

Wildfire Preparedness

Colorado's wildfire risk has increased dramatically. Climate change, drought conditions, and expanding development into fire-prone areas have created a dangerous combination. Wildfires are no longer just a mountain concern—suburban communities face serious risk.

Understanding Colorado Wildfire Risk

Fire season: Historically May-October, but year-round fires now occur. The Marshall Fire (December 2021) proved winter wildfires are possible and devastating.

High-risk areas:

• Wildland-urban interface throughout the Front Range
• Mountain communities in forested areas
• Grassland areas during drought conditions
• Areas with beetle-kill dead trees
• Post-fire burn scars (flood risk increases)

Creating Defensible Space

Defensible space gives your home a chance to survive and gives firefighters room to work:

Zone 1 (0-15 feet):

• No combustible vegetation directly against structures
• Remove dead plants, leaves, and needles
• Clean gutters and roof of debris
• No firewood storage against house
• Use non-combustible mulch (gravel, rock)

Zone 2 (15-100 feet):

• Space trees so crowns don't touch
• Remove "ladder fuels" (vegetation that allows fire to climb)
• Maintain grass at 4 inches or less
• Clear dead vegetation

Zone 3 (100-200 feet):

• Thin trees and brush
• Remove dead wood
• Create fuel breaks

Evacuation Readiness

Colorado fires move fast—sometimes faster than evacuation orders can be issued. Be ready to leave immediately:

Know evacuation levels:

• Pre-Evacuation: Be alert and prepare to leave
• Voluntary Evacuation: Leave if you feel unsafe
• Mandatory Evacuation: Leave immediately

Have a go-bag ready with essentials for 72+ hours:

• Important documents
• Medications
• Phone chargers
• Cash
• Change of clothes
• Pet supplies if applicable

Air Quality During Wildfires

Colorado experiences poor air quality from both local and distant fires:

• Monitor air quality at airnow.gov
• Stay indoors when AQI exceeds 100
• Use N95 masks if you must go outside
• Run HVAC on recirculate; use HEPA filters
• Create a clean room with filtered air
• Keep windows and doors closed

Winter Storm Preparedness

Colorado winters bring blizzards, ice storms, and extreme cold. Mountain areas receive heavy snow, while the eastern plains experience brutal blizzards and ground blizzards that can strand motorists.

Colorado Winter Weather

Blizzards: Heavy snow combined with high winds create white-out conditions. Major highways close regularly during winter storms.

Upslope storms: Moisture from the east creates heavy, wet snow along the Front Range, particularly in the Denver-Boulder area.

Mountain snow: Western slope and mountain areas receive deep snowfall, sometimes measured in feet rather than inches.

Arctic outbreaks: Temperatures can plunge below 0°F with dangerous wind chills.

Home Winter Preparation

• Alternative heat: Portable heaters, fireplace wood, propane backup
• Pipe protection: Insulate exposed pipes, know shutoff location
• Snow removal: Shovels, snow blower, ice melt, roof rake if needed
• Food and water: 3-7 days of supplies
• Generator: For extended outages (use safely outdoors)

Vehicle Winter Kit

Colorado's winter roads are treacherous. Every vehicle needs:

• Blankets and extra warm clothing
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Jumper cables or jump starter
• Traction aids (sand, cat litter, or traction mats)
• Snacks and water
• Phone charger (car and portable)
• Flares or reflective triangles
• Small shovel

Tire requirements: Colorado's I-70 mountain corridor requires adequate tread or chains. "Snow tires" with mountain snowflake symbol are recommended for mountain driving.

Flash Flood Safety

Colorado's terrain creates extreme flash flood danger. Narrow canyons funnel water into deadly walls, urban areas flood rapidly, and burn scars from wildfires dramatically increase flood risk.

Flash Flood Facts

• Colorado averages 60+ flash flood events annually
• The Big Thompson Canyon flood (1976) killed 143 people
• Floods can develop within minutes of rainfall
• Six inches of moving water can knock you down
• Two feet of water can float most vehicles

High-Risk Situations

• Canyon hiking: Flash floods can originate miles upstream from clear skies overhead
• Low-water crossings: Normally dry roads can flood suddenly
• Urban flooding: Concrete and pavement prevent absorption
• Burn scars: Post-fire areas flood at 5-10x normal rates
• Afternoon thunderstorms: Common pattern in Colorado summers

Flash Flood Safety Rules

1. Turn around, don't drown: Never cross flooded roads
2. Move to higher ground immediately if flooding begins
3. Abandon your vehicle if water rises around it
4. Never camp in canyon bottoms during monsoon season
5. Check weather before canyon hikes—storms miles away matter

Tornado Preparedness

Colorado averages about 50 tornadoes annually, primarily on the eastern plains. While most are weaker than Great Plains tornadoes, strong events do occur.

Tornado Season and Risk

Peak season: May through August

Peak hours: Late afternoon and evening (3pm-9pm)

High-risk areas:

• Eastern plains (Kit Carson, Cheyenne, Lincoln, Elbert counties)
• Northeast Colorado
• Denver metro area (yes, really)

Tornado Safety

• At home: Go to basement or lowest interior room away from windows
• Mobile homes: Leave immediately for a sturdy building
• In a vehicle: Don't try to outrun; pull over, duck below windows
• Outdoors: Lie flat in a ditch or depression, cover your head

Consider a storm shelter if you live in eastern Colorado, especially in a mobile home.

Drought and Water Conservation

Colorado faces chronic drought conditions that affect water supply, increase wildfire risk, and stress agriculture.

Drought Impacts

• Water use restrictions
• Increased wildfire risk
• Higher food costs
• Well failures in some areas
• Dust storms on eastern plains

Water Storage for Drought

• Store emergency drinking water (1 gallon/person/day)
• Know alternative water sources
• Have water purification capability
• Reduce daily consumption with efficient fixtures

Avalanche Awareness

If you recreate in Colorado's backcountry during winter, avalanche awareness is essential.

Avalanche Safety Basics

• Check Colorado Avalanche Information Center (avalanche.state.co.us) daily
• Take an avalanche safety course before backcountry travel
• Carry beacon, probe, and shovel—know how to use them
• Travel with partners who can rescue you
• Recognize avalanche terrain (30-45 degree slopes)
• Be especially cautious after new snow or wind loading

Regional Preparedness Priorities

Front Range (Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins)

• Primary threats: Wildfires, winter storms, flash floods, tornadoes, hail
• Wildfire defensible space even in suburban areas
• Winter vehicle preparation
• Flash flood awareness in urban areas
• Severe thunderstorm and hail preparedness

Mountain Communities (Summit, Eagle, Pitkin, etc.)

• Primary threats: Wildfires, heavy snow, avalanches, flash floods
• Extended self-sufficiency (roads can close for days)
• Alternative heat sources essential
• Avalanche awareness for backcountry users
• Wildfire evacuation routes and timing

Western Slope (Grand Junction, Durango, Montrose)

• Primary threats: Wildfires, drought, extreme heat, flash floods
• Water storage and conservation
• Heat preparedness
• Canyon and river safety
• Wildfire preparedness

Eastern Plains

• Primary threats: Tornadoes, blizzards, drought, extreme temperatures
• Tornado shelter or safe room
• Blizzard preparation (roads close quickly)
• Vehicle emergency kit essential
• Extended isolation capability

Colorado Emergency Resources

State Resources

• Colorado Division of Homeland Security: dhsem.colorado.gov
• COtrip: Road conditions (cotrip.org)
• Colorado Avalanche Information Center: avalanche.state.co.us
• Air Quality: colorado.gov/airquality

Emergency Alerts

• County alert systems: Sign up for your county's notifications
• CodeRED: Used by many Colorado counties
• Wireless Emergency Alerts: Enable on your phone
• NOAA Weather Radio: Essential backup

Emergency Contacts

• Emergency: 911
• Colorado Poison Center: 1-800-222-1222
• Xcel Energy Outages: 1-800-895-1999
• CDOT Road Conditions: 511

Build Your Colorado Emergency Kit

Colorado's varied threats require comprehensive preparation. Use our calculators to determine your specific needs:

• Water Storage Calculator – Essential for drought conditions
• Food Storage Calculator – Plan for winter isolation
• Power Runtime Calculator – Size backup power
• Heating Fuel Calculator – Critical for winter
• Emergency Kit Calculator – Build complete kit

Living in Colorado means embracing both its natural beauty and its natural hazards. From wildfires to blizzards, the state presents challenges that preparation can address. Start building your resilience today.