Community Connections - 2024-25 (English) - 9

Evacuation Routes
For wildfires, predetermined evacuation routes aren't reliable since you don't know where a
fire might start, the direction of its path, or how fast it moves. Instead of evacuation routes,
ODM staff have worked with law and fire partners to identify primary traffic control points
and bottlenecks. By keeping main roadway arteries open, the goal is to keep the traffic flowing
and ideally prevent congestion. To personally prepare, get familiar with multiple routes
you could take during an evacuation.
Fire Response
Following the Marshall Fire, the 911 dispatch center staff worked with local fire departments
to develop responses based on weather conditions. Each day, the Sheriff's Office Fire
Management staff use scientific measurements provided by climate and fire weather data
to determine the level of response for wildfire. High fire danger days automatically dispatch
more fire resources than low fire danger days.
Boulder County Sheriff's Office Fire Management has been piloting camera software
systems that assist with early fire detection. The AI cameras can detect smoke and send
notifications to fire management officials as a new tool for situational awareness. Two
of the cameras can detect heat through smoke, dust, and debris, which helps with early
identification of the fire's location and spread.
Preparedness
While county and city staff train and prepare during " blue sky days, " it is important for
community members to think ahead too. Take the following steps to prepare yourself:
1. Sign up to receive emergency alerts (see Alert and Warning).
* Assess your risks. Know the hazards that exist in your community, and assess
your environment and personal preparedness skills.
2. Make a plan. Create a plan for how you want to prepare before a disaster
and how you'd respond during.
BEFORE:
* Sign up for alerts.
* Mitigate likelihood of
property damage.
* Review insurance.
DURING:
* Trust your gut - take initiative to stay safe.
* Evacuate.
* Get your grab list.
* Communicate with your support system.
The Boulder Office of Disaster Management (ODM) offers free preparedness
workshops focusing on emergency alerts, personal risk assessment, and
creating your own disaster preparedness plan. Sign up at boco.org/Prepare.
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https://boco.org/Prepare

Community Connections - 2024-25 (English)

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