Emergency Alert System (EAS)

You can obtain the most comprehensive and fastest emergency information from the National Weather Service NOAA Weather Radio. This was expanded from weather only to all emergency information from 9*1*1 phone outages, road closures and of course all weather information. Specially built receivers can be set to audibly warn when one of these warnings are broadcast. You can purchase a tone-alert NOAA Weather Radio at many electronic stores.

There are certain things you can do that will help you prepare for and cope with almost any type of emergency. The most basic thing to remember is to KEEP CALM. In time of emergency, taking proper action may save your life. TAKE TIME TO THINK, and then take the considered action that the situation calls for. Usually, this will be the action you have planned in advance, or the action you are instructed to take by responsible authorities.

Different Storm Situations

TORNADO

Weld County is the number one county in the United States for having the most tornados. Adams County is a close second so there is a very good chance that you will be in or near a tornado in either of these two counties. A TORNADO WATCH is when conditions are right for a tornado. This means to review your family plan for tornados. A TORNADO WARNING is when a tornado has been sighted and immediate protective actions are required.

FLOODING

The local National Weather Service Offices, along with Regional Weather Service River Forecast Centers, issue Flood Forecasts and Warnings when rainfall is enough to cause rivers to overflow their banks or when melting snow combines with rainfall to produce flooding. FLOOD WARNINGS are forecasts of impending floods. The warning message tells the expected severity of flooding (minor, moderate or major), the affected river or stream and when and where the flooding will begin. When moving to a new area check with the local flood plain manager to see if you are in an area susceptible to flooding and also check to see if you can purchase or are required to purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program. Flood insurance is available for all residents of the county. Careful preparation and prompt response will assure personal safety and reduce property loss. In many areas, unusually heavy rains or dam failure may cause quick or “flash” floods. Small creeks, gullies, dry stream beds, ravines, culverts, or even low-lying ground frequently flood quickly and endanger people, sometimes before any warning can be given. There are many things that you can do before and after a flood. Information flyers are available from your local emergency manager.

LIGHTNING

In Colorado, lightning is the number one life threatening weather hazards. In the past 10 years there have been an average of three fatalities and 18 injuries reported each year from lightning. The toll may be worse, as recent studies have shown that many lightning accidents are not reported.

AVOID: metal objects, metal fences, metal backpacks, golf carts/clubs, farm equipment or any open vehicle. Avoid being the tallest object and stay away from other tall objects. Remember that metal is a very good electrical conductor!

SEEK: safety in a sturdy structure such as your house, store, hard top car/truck with windows shut. If hiking seek shelter in a deep cave or canyon or below tree line in a large group of trees. Be aware of flooding.

Lightning may be ready to strike near you if you feel your hair stand on end or your skin tingle. Drop to a crouch and keep your feet close together. Do not lie flat on the ground as electricity can travel through the ground.

WINTER STORMS

Winter storms that produce freezing rain, sleet, ice, heavy snow or blizzard conditions can be a serious hazard for residents and visitors to the county. The first line of protection is to BE AWARE OF WEATHER CONDITIONS in your area. By observing storm warnings, adequate preparation can be made to lessen the impacts of hazardous weather conditions. A winter storm could isolate you in your home for several days. Be prepared to be without electricity and conventional forms of heating and cooking. Remember that the danger of a house fire and carbon monoxide poisoning exists when emergency heating equipment is not used properly. Avoid all scheduled trips and travel only if necessary. If your car breaks down or stalls during a storm, of if you become lost, don’t panic. Think through the problem, decide on the safest and best course of action, and then proceed slowly and carefully. Stay in your car and wait for help to arrive. Don’t try to walk through a blizzard. Getting lost can mean almost certain death. Dress to fit the weather. Thin layers of loose clothing trap body heat while allowing air to circulate. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extremely cold air.

LARGE HAIL

IN CAR: If you get caught in large hail, 3/4 inch or larger, stop driving if you are in your car. If you can see a safe place close-by to drive to like inside a garage or beneath a service station awning do so. Make sure you pull off the highway completely. A tree is not the best place to seek shelter as it is common for trees to lose their branches during large hail storms. Do not leave your car until it stops hailing. Your car will furnish reasonable protection. Stay away from windows and cover your eyes with something like a piece of cloth. If possible, get onto the floor face down, or lay down on the seat with your back to the windows. Put very small children under you, and cover their eyes.

IN STRUCTURE: Stay inside until hail stops. Stay away from windows. Check to make sure that all family members, building occupants, pets, etc. are inside, but do not go outside for any reason. If you are hit in the head, you could be seriously injured, or even killed.

72 Hour Family Emergency Kit

A 72 hour family emergency kit should be prepared for every family and should be tailored to meet the basic survival needs of your family for three days to a week. Most families prefer to store their emergency supplies in one location that is relative safe, yet easily accessible if evacuation is required. Items may be stored in a 32-gallon trash can, suitcase, duffel bag, footlocker or individual pack. General categories of supplies needed are for EMERGENCY NEEDS such as food, water, first aid supplies, clothing and essential medicines. Establish an Out-of-state telephone contact as calls out of the area will not overload the phone lines. All relatives should be informed on procedures to call the phone contact giving their individual location and status should families be separated during a disaster. Plan on where the family will meet in case of a fire or the house is destroyed and you are unable to return home. Include in your food supply self-feeder and water dispenser for your pets. Shelters are unable to accommodate pets during a disaster. Contact your local Emergency Management Office for a comprehensive list of supplies needed for 72 hours of survival.

AFTER A DISASTER

Use extreme caution in entering or working in buildings that may have been damaged or weakened by the disaster, as they may collapse without warning. There may also be gas leaks or electrical short circuits. Don’t take lanterns, torches or lighted cigarettes into buildings that have been flooded or otherwise damaged since there may be leaking gas lines or flammable material present. Stay away from disaster areas. Sightseeing will interfere with first aid or rescue work and may be dangerous. Don’t drive unless necessary and drive with caution. Watch for hazards to yourself and others and report them to local authorities. Notify your relatives after the emergency so they will know you are safe. Do not pass on rumors or exaggerated report of damage. Follow the advice and instructions of local government on ways to help yourself and your community recover from emergencies.

How to Store Water

Store your water in thoroughly washed plastic, glass, fiberglass or enamel-lined
metal containers. Never use a container that has held toxic substances.

Additional Information

Adams County Office of Emergency Management

American Red Cross Mile High Chapter – Denver Colorado 24-Hour Hotline – 303.722.7474

NOAA Radio Stations
Colorado Springs – 162.475 MHz
Denver – 162.550 MHz
Fort Collins – 162.450 MHz
Greeley – 162.400 MHz
Longmont – 162.475 MHz
Cheyenne, WY – 162.475

Sample List of Commercial Radio Stations Broadcasting Emergency Alert System Information
KYGO 98.5 FM
KUAD 99.1 FM
KUNC 91.5 FM
KOA 850 AM

72 Hour – Emergency Needs Kit
• Battery Powered Radio
•First Aid Kit & Manual
• Sleeping Bags & Blankets (wool & thermal)
• Manual Can Opener
• Waterproof/Windproof Matches
• Non-Perishable Foods
• Flashlight
• Water Storage (1 gal./day/person)
• Water purification tablets
• Utility Knife
• Emergency Candles
• Extra Eyeglasses/Contact Lenses
• Essential Medications
• Extra Clothing

Suggested non-perishable food items: Ready-to-eat goods in unbreakable containers, canned meats, juice, fruits & vegetables, powdered milk, infant care foods, crackers, peanut butter, freeze-dried & dehydrated goods.

Colorado Division of Emergency Management Sanitation Kit
• Plastic Bucket w/ Tightly Fitted Lid
• Plastic Bags & Ties
• Disinfectant
• Improvised Toilet Seat
• Paper Cups & Plates
• Personal Toiletries
• Baby Supplies
• Aluminum Foil
• Paper Towels
• Personal Hygienic Needs
• Plastic Utensils
• Soap
Other Emergency Needs
• Pen & Paper
• Money
• Address & Phone Numbers
• Work Gloves