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Disaster Evacuation and Preparedness

A scene depicting park rangers with a fire truck, advising a family with a dog on outdoor safety and preparedness.
Disaster & Evacuation Preparedness | Park County, CO

View the Fire & Evacuation Preparedness Presentation: Presentation Slides

Listen to the 4-22-26 Meeting Recording: Meeting Recording

Always Be Ready

The best time to prepare for disasters and/or emergencies is BEFORE they occur. The following tasks will prepare you, your family and loved ones with the necessary tools to survive.

1

Scout Evacuation Routes

Scout your neighborhood to find the best evacuation routes.

2

Make an Action Plan

  • Prepare for 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 for the Vehicle/s
3

Sign Up for Alerts

  • CodeRED
  • CoTrip.org
  • NOAA Weather Radio & Hazard Alert — 24/7/365
  • Monitor all news, weather and social media
4

Other Preparedness Tools

  • 72-hour Emergency Kit
  • Park County Fire District Map
  • READY Colorado
  • American Red Cross
  • FEMA Ready App
  • US Forest Service — Region 2
  • National Wildfire Coordination Group
  • Colorado State Forest Service
  • FireWise Colorado

Pre-Evacuation (Alert Received)

During a 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.

Create a Go Bag

A crucial life-sustaining component of disaster preparedness. Contents should be compact, lightweight, and cover basic survival needs for at least 72 hours.

Personal ID & 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 1 gallon per person per day
  • Non-perishable food: energy bars, canned goods, dried fruits, nuts, or MREs
  • Manual can opener
  • Collapsible water bottle or hydration pack

Clothing & Shelter

  • Sturdy shoes or boots
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (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)
  • Prescription medications (at least a 7-day supply)
  • Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, soap, sanitizer, wet wipes)
  • Face masks (N95 or disposable)
  • Travel-size tissues & toilet paper

Emergency Tools & Safety Gear

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

Communication & Navigation

  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA 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)

Extra Comfort & Survival

  • Local emergency contacts & evacuation plan printout
  • Small comfort items (book, playing cards)
  • Small amount of gold/silver coins for emergencies

Packing Tips: Use a sturdy, waterproof backpack or duffel bag. Keep it lightweight enough to carry on foot. Store it in an easily accessible location. Review and update supplies every 6 months.

Consider having a GO BAG for each adult as well as one for each child in the family!

Evacuation

It's time to evacuate when an EVACUATION Notification has been issued! Load your GO BAGS, family members and pets into your vehicle and leave using caution along your pre-planned evacuation route/s.

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1. Recall your Action Plan!
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2. Load your Go Bags into the chosen evacuation vehicle/s!
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3. Ensure all family members are present and in the vehicle (adults, kids, elderly, disabled, and pets)!
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4.

LEAVE NOW! — Do Not Hesitate!

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5. Obey Emergency Responder Instructions along the way!
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6. Drive with your headlights on!
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7. Once in a safe location, contact family and friends notifying them of your whereabouts!

Park County, Colorado — Emergency Management

856 Castello Avenue · Fairplay, CO 80440

Phone: 719-836-2771 · Fax: 719-836-3273