What to do when Colorado wildfire evacuations are ordered

DENVER — As wildfires spark across Colorado each year, emergency officials have adopted a three-stage system to manage evacuations.

“Fire season is now a year-round reality in many areas, requiring firefighters and residents to be on heightened alert for the threat of wildfire throughout the year,” a multi-agency report hosted by the National Interagency Fire Center stated. “… It’s not a question of if but when the next major wildfire will occur.”

The three tiers of evacuation orders in Colorado allow residents to prepare ahead of the flames and know when danger is coming. Here’s what you should do in each stage to be ready.

Green: “READY”

The “ready” stage is a warning to residents that it’s time to scout evacuation routes, make an action plan and monitor the wildfire, according to Park County’s emergency management department.

An action plan includes determining what will happen to the children, elderly, people with disabilities, pets and livestock — how will each leave, and where will each go? It also includes preparing your home and, if applicable, business for the approaching wildfire.

During this period, residents should sign up for emergency alerts in their area and monitor all news, weather, road conditions and social media for updates, Park County officials said.

Residents should choose potential destinations in multiple directions when planning evacuation routes, in case the wildfire or first responders block certain routes. They should also practice driving those routes often to ensure a quick escape.

According to a report from “Ready, Set, Go!” — a program by the International Association of Fire Chiefs — other components of creating an evacuation action plan include:

•Choosing meeting locations and communication plans, including where all pets and large animals can be housed.

•Having fire extinguishers on hand and learning how to use them.

•Purchasing or assembling emergency supplies, valuables and important documents.

•Ensuring that all family members know where the gas, electric and water main shut-off controls are and how to use them.

Yellow: “SET”

Once an area turns yellow on the evacuation map, residents are on pre-evacuation orders. That means “disaster poses a significant risk” and people should be ready “to leave at a moment’s notice,” according to Park County emergency officials.

Pre-evacuation orders mean short-notice evacuations are likely in the area, and residents who need extra time to evacuate should leave immediately, Garfield County sheriff’s officials said.

Residents should also ensure they have a fully stocked go-bag that they can grab and leave with if conditions change quickly, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

What to pack in your Colorado wildfire evacuation go-bag

•One gallon of water per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation.

•Several days of non-perishable food.

•Battery-powered radios and extra batteries.

•A flashlight and first-aid kit.

•A whistle to signal for help.

•Face masks to filter contaminated air.

•Local maps with marked evacuation routes.

•Soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and personal hygiene items.

•Prescription medications.

•Non-prescription medications, including pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives.

•Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, passports, IDs, emergency contact lists and bank account records. The documents can be saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container.

•Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.

•Personal electronic devices, chargers and backup batteries.

•Irreplaceable items and photo albums.

Families with pets should also pack extra food and water for the animals, medications, carriers, litterboxes, plastic waste bags, leashes, collars, harnesses, pet beds and blankets, vaccination and medical records, veterinary contact information, proof of ownership, a current photo and care instructions — in case the animals aren’t allowed in the human emergency shelter.

“Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly,” fire officials stated. “Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.”

People who rely on medical equipment that requires electricity should talk to their health care provider about what they can do to keep it running during a power outage and reach out to their power provider to be put on a list for priority power restoration.

If time allows, emergency officials with “Ready, Set, Go!” said residents should:

•Secure their home by closing and locking all doors and windows.

•Unplug electrical equipment such as radios, televisions and small appliances. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding. If there is damage to the home, residents may be instructed to shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving.

•Leave a note telling others when they left and where they are going.

•Remove all shades and curtains from the windows, and open all blinds.

•Move furniture to the center of the room, away from windows and doors.

•Place combustible items like patio furniture, children’s toys and door mats away from the home or in the building where they will not become a hazard.

•Turn sprinklers off and not leave water running. This can affect critical water pressure.

•Use commercial seals or plywood to cover attic and ground vents.

•Patrol the property and extinguish small fires safely until it’s time to leave.

Red: “GO”

If the zone turns red, it’s time to evacuate.

“Leave now! Danger in your area,” Garfield County officials wrote of red, mandatory evacuation zones on Facebook.

If you are trapped, call 911 immediately and stay inside the home, sheltering away from walls, according to “Ready, Set, Go!” Follow all instructions from emergency responders.

Evacuated residents should leave immediately with their already assembled go-bag for their preplanned destination, whether that’s a friend or family member’s house, a hotel or a shelter, according to an evacuation webpage from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

While leaving, federal officials said residents should:

•Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides some protection, such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and a hat.

•Leave their interior and exterior lights on so firefighters can see the house in smoky conditions.

•Check with neighbors who may need a ride.

•Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts; they may be blocked.

Leaving early gives all residents the best chance of surviving a wildland fire, according to “Ready, Set, Go!”. It also helps firefighters by keeping roads clear of congestion.

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