Emergency Preparedness Tips

What is CodeRED?

Weld County uses CodeRED for emergency alerts related to local public safety situations (think active shooter, accident scene, or bridge washout); targeted messages that go to landlines and registered cell phone numbers within an area of the county impacted by an event. CodeRED also offers an option to relay weather alerts from the National Weather Service, if the registered user opted in to get those alerts. Landlines in Weld County are entered automatically into the CodeRED system. The county encourages all residents and business owners within Weld County to register their cell phones with the CodeRED system as well (and opt in to receive National Weather Service alerts). While landlines located in Weld County are automatically entered into the CodeRED system (because of an agreement with CenturyLink), the system does not know what cell phones are located in the county unless they are entered into the CodeRED database.

What is IPAWS?

IPAWS is a federal system through FEMA used to alert people of an emergency near them (think Amber Alert or National Weather
Service alert). The program sends messages to cellphones in the area and is not associated with a physical address. The county is approved to use IPAWS but only for specific instances, which do not include weather alerts. Only the National Weather Service is approved to send
weather alerts (such as tornado watches and warnings) through the IPAWS system.

What’s the difference?

Simply put, CodeRED alerts go to all Weld County landlines and registered cell phones associated with a physical address. IPAWS alerts go to every cell phone in a general area (people who live and work in Weld County as well as people who are traveling through or visiting Weld County).

How do I stay informed?

Apps are great tools for situational awareness: news apps, weather apps, radar apps. Download them to your phone, but know their limitations. An alert from an app will provide some information but should also indicate you need to tune in to local news (web,
TV, radio) for up-to-date information; remember to turn on notifications. Know where your local agencies post updates during an emergency event. Many agencies, including Weld County’s Office of Emergency Management, post updates on their social media platforms (primarily
Facebook and Twitter). Weld County also embeds its Facebook feed into its website so users do not have to have a Facebook account to view updates.

Registering is easy and it is free – so there really isn’t any excuse to not sign up. Go to www.weld911alert.com to create (or manage) your account. Create a username and password (which is only seen by you) and then enter cell phone numbers (you can add your entire family if you want) and addresses (home and business). You can also opt in to receive National Weather Service alerts through the CodeRED system – just check the box to indicate you want to receive those alerts. The process is simple, but if you have questions or need assistance, the Office of Emergency Management staff is happy to help (email gmarquez@weldgov.com or call 970-304-6540).

Start simple

Planning for emergencies may seem like a daunting task, but it’s one that can be made simpler with a little thought and conversation. Start by identifying the emergencies most likely to happen in your area (in Weld County emergencies can include severe winter weather, tornadoes, flooding, hazardous material spills and grass fires, to name a few). Next, think about how each of these emergencies may immediately impact you or your family. Ask yourself, “If I or my family were forced to evacuate our home, would we know what to do or
where to go? How would we know that each of us is safe?” This type of thought and conversation can help you create a plan tailored to
you and your family’s specific needs.

Contact is key

Figuring out how you and your loved ones will stay in contact if separated is important. Identify two meeting places where you and your family plan to meet if you have to evacuate. Of course, depending on the type of emergency, contact and reunification with each other may not be immediately possible, so choosing an out-of-town friend or relative to check in with and serve as your family’s central point of contact is a great option. This way, the status of your family can still be verified. Make sure your family knows how to contact this person by phone, text or email.

Write down phone numbers

Am I planning correctly?

Remember, your emergency plan should suit you and your family’s needs, so it may not match someone else's, and that’s OK! The key to
emergency planning is to think about needs and to plan around those. Does anyone in your family require medication or assistance from a medical device? Identify what medication you would need to bring with you as well as how to transport medical equipment. Does someone
have mobility, visual or hearing challenges? Develop evacuation plans that account for those needs. What about your pets? Identify a location or an individual you trust to shelter them if need be. Consider making copies of their vaccination records as shelters may need to see proof of vaccination before accepting an animal.

Gather important documents

What would you do if your important documents were destroyed in a disaster? Give yourself some peace of mind by ensuring you can always access these no matter what happens to your home or business. Some documents to consider making copies of include:

• Insurance documents - Insurance documents will contain important policy information and list the phone number of your insurance company and/or agent.

• Various legal documents - Include items like marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, divorce or court documents or documents used every day such as driver’s licenses, state-issued ID cards or social security cards.

• Financial documents - Include bank statements, tax records and credit card information.

Don’t forget medical info

Documentation of emergency health information can be critically important, especially if you, members of your family or your pets rely on medication. Make copies of medical and veterinarian records and lists of medication for you and your family. Include the information on prescription labels, such as the type of medication, the dosage and the prescribing physician and pharmacy.

Think beyond convenience

You may be thinking, “why do I need to make copies? A lot of these things I can get off of my cell phone applications.” It’s important to think beyond everyday conveniences when planning for emergencies. In an emergency, your cell phone could get lost or damaged, the battery could die or cell phone towers could be impacted, meaning you may not be able to access your applications without a Wi-Fi connection.

Copy any way you want

While it’s important not to rely solely on your cell phone for access to your documents, you can use it to take pictures of them. Just remember to transfer the pictures to a Cloud-based storage system. Know that if your documents live in the Cloud, you will need internet access to retrieve them. Another way to obtain copies of your documents is to download them to a computer and save them to a USB flash drive. If you prefer, you can make physical copies as well. The choice is yours, just get your documents copied! No matter the option you pick, remember to keep your information as safe and secure as possible. Keep your USB flash drive and physical copies in a locked box and be sure to store them offsite, such as in a storage locker, with a trusted friend or family member or in another secure location in case your home or business is impacted.

Know your home

Stop and think. If you had to evacuate your home, would you remember all of the things you’re leaving behind? Should your home, business, car or possessions become damaged in an emergency, not being able to remember what you own can make it difficult, if not impossible, to seek reimbursement from insurance companies. This month, consider taking photos or shooting a video of your property with a camera or smartphone. Walk room to room and record the valuable possessions you own (collectibles, jewelry, family heirlooms, electronics, furniture, etc.). When finished, store your content either physically or digitally. Photos can be printed out or saved — along with videos — to a Cloud-based storage system or USB device.

Know if you’re covered

The worst time to be finding out what your insurance does or doesn’t cover is following an emergency. Take some time to review your insurance policies to ensure your home, business or car has adequate coverage. Familiarize yourself with insurance terms, required deductibles, the process for making claims and your company’s contact information.

Does it meet your needs?

Once you understand what’s covered under your home or business or car policy, it’s a good time to ask yourself if it really meets your needs. At nearly 4,000 square miles, Weld County is susceptible to many different types of events, including tornadoes, thunder and lightning, hail,
flooding, strong winds and open-grass fires. Consider adding protection, such as flood insurance, after evaluating your coverage with your family and insurance agent.

Get the greatest benefit

The goal of planning and preparing for emergencies is to lessen the impact they have on you and your family. Knowing what’s in your insurance policy before an emergency occurs can provide a certain peace of mind knowing that your home, business or car — as well as the items inside each — will be covered following an event. While adequate insurance can lessen the financial burden of replacing items damaged following an emergency event, knowing what’s required by you (deductibles, timely claim filing, etc.) can help you get the most out of your policy. Nearly 70% of homeowners are unsure what their home insurance policy covers, according to a survey published on Businesswire.com. Don’t add to those statistics. Review your policies today!

Know the terms

We’ve likely all seen the words advisory, watch or warning scroll across our television screens or appear in cellphone notifications during severe weather. But what do they mean? Advisory – Weather, such as a winter weather advisory, that may be a slight disturbance or nuisance, but not expected to be life threatening or warrant a watch or warning. Be aware that severe weather may occur! Watch – Weather conditions are right for a specific weather event — thunderstorm, tornado, blizzard, etc. However, a watch only means specific weather is possible in a given area, not that it will definitely occur. Stay vigilant and prepared to act if necessary! Warning – A weather event is already happening or about to happen in a given area. Take action!

Why they matter?

Understanding severe weather terms can help you determine what actions you need to take. Do you need to watch the skies more closely and be prepared to act if weather worsens, or should you immediately seek shelter? Knowing what terms mean can also help you provide knowledgeable information to friends and family who may live in, or be traveling through, an area under a watch or warning.

One term relates to another

Often, the type of weather associated with a watch or warning is directly related to other terms you may hear related to an action you should take. One of the most common actions advised is to shelter-inplace, meaning to stay where you are to avoid heading into a dangerous situation. Some emergencies will require you to evacuate, meaning leave where you are to avoid immediate danger. While it’s common to want to gather items before leaving, your first priority should be to get to a safe location.

Shelter-in-place tips

If advised to shelter-in-place, it’s important to have some plans to keep you and your family safe and comfortable for an extended period of time. Consider your family’s specific needs when planning, but start by identifying a “safe room” for each type of disaster. For example, during a tornado warning, your safe spot might be a basement, but during a hazardous material spill, it should be someplace above ground level as chemicals are heavier than air. Consider storing items you may need — non-perishable food, flashlights, water, extra clothes, blankets, etc. — in each of your safe rooms, and bring pets indoors and keep them with you. The terms mentioned in this document are just a few that may be used. For a deeper list, visit https://www.weather.gov/lwx/WarningsDefined.

A key part of preparedness

It may be hard to imagine the absence of conveniences, such as going to the store to buy food or supplies, getting fresh drinking water from the faucet or turning up the heat by simply adjusting the thermostat. However, during and after an emergency, we may not be able to do those things — and many others we take for granted. That’s why it’s important to create disaster supply kits to continue meeting basic needs for yourself, your family and your pets during and after an emergency. While it can be overwhelming to think of everything that might be needed during and after different emergency events, don’t overthink it. Start by identifying the basic needs of you and your family. Do you have enough drinking water? What about non-perishable food? Extra blankets? Essentially, what things are needed to be safe and comfortable during and after an emergency?

Plan for different needs

Disaster supply kits should match every family’s specific needs. Beyond water, non-perishable food, and blankets, think about including items like sanitation and personal hygiene items, a first aid kit, flashlights and extra batteries, extra cash, and portable cell phone chargers, to name a few. It’s important to have enough supplies to sustain your family for up to 72 hours after an emergency.

Think beyond the usual

When gathering supplies, think about any special needs your family may have and plan for those. For example, if members of your family require medication, don’t forget to have it, along with any needed medical supplies or prescription information, on hand. If you have babies or toddlers in your family, don’t forget to include supplies such as diapers, bottles and formula. Disaster supply kits should enable you to safely shelter-in-place or be ready to take with you if ordered to evacuate.

A plan for pets

Don’t leave pets out of emergency planning! Assemble your pet’s disaster supply kit to include food, water, bowls, leashes, carriers and any necessary medications and identifying information, like their name and behavior patterns. Also, try to keep your pet’s vaccinations current and include copies of those records in your emergency kit. While we like to think we’ll be able to stay with our pets during and after an emergency, in certain situations like evacuations, that may not be possible. However, you can make the separation and reunification process much less stressful by knowing a safe place to take your pet during an emergency. These locations can include a designated emergency shelter location, such as a veterinarian or kennel, or a trusted friend. Be sure to take pictures of your pets and consider getting them microchipped to increase the odds of finding and identifying them if they get lost.

Protecting a way of life

Agriculture and livestock represent a way of life in Weld County. Home to more than 4,000 farms, Weld County ranks first in Colorado, and No. 8 nationally, in the total market value of agricultural products sold. Developing a preparedness plan for livestock can be essential in giving owners peace of mind, while allowing them to protect themselves and their animals. Of course, it could very well be that many farmers and ranchers already have preparedness plans in place should emergencies occur. If that’s the case, great! However, to be as well-rounded as possible with our emergency tips, we wanted to provide a few reminders and things to consider to lessen the negative impact of emergencies on livestock.

Prepare your livestock

The ability to quickly and safely move livestock during an evacuation situation comes down to preparation before the emergency. When considering adequate shelter options for your animals, make sure that the facility you choose has access to food, water, veterinary care and handling equipment. 

Providing instruction is key

Sometimes, evacuation may be necessary when you are not at home, leaving a neighbor or trusted friend in charge of moving your animals. Letting these people know the types of animals and quantity you have in your barns and property can help them know what’s required in an evacuation situation. Also, it’s a good idea to review sheltering options with them as well. Give some thought as to how you will identify your animals once able to retrieve them. Take extra photos, make copies of branding papers and store them securely out of the immediate area or digitally via the Cloud or USB device.

Things to double check

If you have evacuation plans in place, preparation for caring for livestock may be as simple as double checking your equipment, such as halters for horses, to be sure they’re working properly and that you have enough for each of them. Even though you may have a plan for adequately watering livestock, it’s a good idea to develop a backup plan if and when power is disrupted as many automatic watering systems won’t run without power. Consider using a generator, cistern or large holding tank. Although many different emergencies can impact your animals, residents in rural Weld County know severe winter weather can make feeding livestock difficult. In addition to having an adequate supply of feed on hand, it’s important to keep snowplows, tractors and other snow removal equipment well maintained and easily accessible.

More than meets the eye

When preparing for emergencies, it’s easy to plan for situations you’ve seen or been personally affected by. However, the task becomes much more difficult when thinking about how to prepare for less common events you never expect. As a part of a county stretching nearly 4,000 square miles, you’re susceptible to many types of severe weather, including hail, thunder and lightning storms, summer heat, strong wind, tornadoes, flooding, and winter storms, to name a few. Beyond being affected by weather, a hazmat incident could occur causing, among other things, you to shelter-in-place, evacuate or use alternative water sources. Having a better understanding of what to expect can help ensure your disaster supply kits and emergency plans can meet many different needs.

A team approach

Hazardous chemicals are used in industry, agriculture, medicine, research and consumer goods. Facilities that manufacture, use or store hazardous materials are required to report them to the county Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs). Weld County has one of the most active LEPCs in the state. The LEPC works continuously to ensure businesses, residents and first responders are knowledgeable about hazardous materials.

Hazmat need to know

If asked to shelter-in-place during a hazmat incident bring pets inside, fill (clean) tubs with water for an additional water supply and turn off the intake valve to the house. Be prepared to close and lock all windows and doors. If asked to evacuate, do so immediately. However, if authorities say you have time, close all windows and turn off air conditioning or heating before you leave. In both instances, follow local emergency instructions and information.

Using chemicals safely

Hazardous chemicals are most often released as a result of transportation accidents or chemical accidents in facilities that manufacture, use or store them. However, even though many facilities use hazardous materials, most victims of chemical accidents are injured at home. When dealing with household hazardous items remember to limit the amount of chemicals you store – only buy the amount you need. Isolate those products in safe and well labeled containers away from heat sources, children and pets. And separate materials as indicated on the bottle (for example, never mix products with chlorine bleach with products that contain ammonia).

More than money

It’s easy to think that being financially prepared for emergencies deals solely with how much money you’ve set aside to help with recovery. While that is one aspect of financial preparedness, it’s not the only thing that you should consider. In the midst of an emergency event affecting you, your family and your property, certain aspects of your financial life will go on as normal. This means monthly bills — car payments, credit card payments, mortgage payments, etc. — will still continue unless arrangements are made. An emergency event can also disrupt mail service and affect the banking system, changing the way you may have to deal with finances. However, there are helpful steps you can take to prepare for the unexpected and maintain control of your financial situation during and after an emergency

Have a way to get in contact

Phone numbers of banks, credit card companies, mortgage and auto lenders are good things to include in your preparedness kit along with account numbers. After a disaster, it’s a good idea to contact lenders to let them know of your changing situation. As an event can alter the way you pay bills, getting in contact is key to understanding different payment options. Although not guaranteed, some lenders may even grant a loan deferral or suspension. Whatever the option, getting in contact with lenders is key to staying on top of finances and avoiding late fees or surprise bills down the road.

Stash some cash

How much you set aside should be determined by assessing your family’s needs and what you can comfortably afford, but storing physical money in a safe place or with a trusted relative is important. Cash can help you purchase necessities like food, fuel or personal supplies, and may be the only way to do so immediately following a disaster.

The insurance picture

Before an emergency, it’s important to evaluate your insurance policies to be sure coverage meets your needs and update them if needed. Here are a few things to consider based on the type of insurance you have: Homeowners - It’s important to have an idea of how much your policy will pay. Some mortgage lenders only require enough insurance to pay off the mortgage, which will not be enough to rebuild your home after a disaster. Also, standard home insurance policies do not cover flood-related damage, so flood insurance may be worth considering as heavy rain is possible at different times throughout the year. Renters - Your assets change over time, so a standard $100,000 policy may not offer enough coverage to replace updated furniture or appliances.

Think before you go

In the fall, winter (and even spring) throughout Weld County, driving on snowy roads or in snowy weather is often unavoidable. We get it. Many either have work or family commitments that require driving in less-than-ideal conditions. Still, a key to staying safe during snowy weather is asking yourself if you really need to be out on the road during a snowstorm. Before making any decision, monitor weather reports and Snow Desk posts on the county’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Consider not just the amount of snow on the road but also the likelihood of encountering high winds as they can impact visibility as well as a vehicle’s ability to move through the snow. If you do decide to venture out however, consider the following tips to make your journey as safe as possible.

Drive for conditions

Often roads will be passable, not completely clear. To drive safely. you may have to lower your speed below the posted speed limit. Leave space between your car and other vehicles to avoid accidents from sudden stops and give yourself extra time to get to your destination.

Don't neglect maintenance

Before heading out on snowy roads, take a look at your tires. Ensure they are in good condition (have good tread depth, are not bald and are correctly inflated). Additionally, ensure your brakes and exterior items, such as windshield wiper blades, are functioning properly. Don’t forget to make sure your heater and defroster are working. It’s also a good idea to keep at least half a tank of gas in your car at all times so fuel lines don’t freeze, and, to comply with Colorado traction laws, have chains in your car (and know how to install them).

Plan for the unexpected

Just as it’s important to have a disaster supply kit in your home to help you stay comfortable during emergency events, it’s equally as important to have an emergency supply kit in your car before heading out on wintery roads. When considering what items you may need to include in your kit, think about what will help you stay warm and comfortable if your car were to break down or you became stranded. Have blankets and coats along with bottled water and high-energy food like granola. Preparing for winter driving also means packing items that keep you resilient during changing conditions. Consider carrying jumper cables, an ice scraper, shovels to help you free yourself from snow drifts and kitty litter to help your tires gain traction.

Set your expectations

Depending on your proximity to a disaster and the extent it impacted you, your family or your friends, the effect on your day-to-day life will vary. However, if you are affected by a disaster, it’s important to prepare yourself for a “new normal.” Adjusting to a new normal can be difficult, but it can be helpful to know what to expect once the emergency event is over. How do you begin trying to replace or repair damaged property or function in a community where roads, bridges and other public services have been altered? While some difficulty adjusting is to be expected, having an idea of the steps to take following a disaster can make the recovery process much more manageable and put you on a path back to normalcy in your life.

Safety first

Your first concern following a disaster should be the immediate health of yourself and family members. Check for injuries and see if you can administer first aid, being careful not to move an injured person unless they’re in imminent danger. Use caution when assessing your property. Before reentering, walk around it and look for loose power lines, gas leaks or structural damage. If you have any suspicions about a building’s safety, have it inspected before entering. If clearing debris from around your property, remember to protect yourself from sharp objects; wear appropriate clothing including sturdy work boots and gloves.

Not being OK is OK

Recovery is also about healing emotionally from the trauma you’ve experienced. Often, expressing feelings to friends and family can help us work through anger or grief.

Beginning to rebuild

Getting back the possessions a disaster event took away from you can seem overwhelming, but working at a reasonable pace and knowing what resources are available to help you in the process can be helpful. Contact your insurance company early on in the process to see what damages are covered. Be sure to keep all receipts spent on cleanup as well. (Read tip four on understanding insurance coverage). After taking care of you and your family’s needs, consider volunteering to help with cleanup in your community. Depending on the extent of the damage to your community, state or federal money may be available to those affected. Be sure to check with your municipality or county. 211 Colorado is also an option to find resources.

Congratulations!

We get it. On top of family and work commitments and an ever-growing to-do list, emergency preparedness is probably not top of mind. That’s why, over the past 12 months, we’ve broken down preparedness into bite-sized chunks that can help you make a plan to lessen the negative impact of an emergency on you, your family, pets and property, as well as help you stay safe during one. And if you’ve read our tips throughout the year, had discussions about preparedness with friends and family and found ways to implement some of our tips in your life, congratulations! You’ve taken significant steps to being better prepared. However, it’s necessary to have a continued active approach to preparedness throughout the year.

Practice, practice, practice

Once you’ve made a preparedness plan, be sure to practice it throughout the year. Do your evacuation plans work as intended? Can family members contact each other to provide updates or reunify? Have your family’s needs changed? Does everyone know what to do if ordered to evacuate or shelter-in-place? Practicing, and making updates to your plan as necessary, is key in effective preparation. A good way to remember to practice preparedness plans is to schedule time in April during Colorado Severe Weather Week or in September during National Preparedness Month.

Remain resilient

It’s a good idea to continue learning new ways or techniques to keep you and your family safe. There are many preparedness resources at www.weldoem.com or www.ready.gov. Don’t forget to sign up for CodeRED to receive address-specific emergency alerts.

Care for your kits

Disaster supply kits are one of the most important elements of overall preparedness and should contain enough supplies to sustain you and your family for 72 hours following an emergency. Remember to check your supply kit periodically throughout the year and add or remove things as necessary. Think of how you and your family’s needs have changed, and pack supplies to meet those needs. As non-perishable food should be part of any kit, it’s a good idea to check expiration dates and replace food that has expired. Also, check insurance docs, medical records and other important documents you’ve made copies of to be sure they’re up to date as well, and make changes if necessary.