Emergency Preparedness

Whether natural or man-made, being prepared for any circumstance can help reduce injury and property damage, and even save lives. This information is designed to provide  helpful tips and information so you are prepared in the case of an emergency or disaster so you can respond quickly, which in many cases may minimize the disruption to your life and that of your family.  Please note the sections for individuals with special needs who are at greater risk without help and support. In addition, evacuation and/or securing pets and livestock takes time and resources so planning ahead is critical. Stockpiling supplies and identifying transportation and care for animals in preparation of a disaster can help quickly move all persons and animals out of harm’s way.     

A note from the City of Wheat Ridge Emergency Manager:

Spring in Colorado requires that we shift our attention to the risk of spring floods. Area wildfires have created increased risk for some communities as the scorched soil will not retain water and those areas could experience washouts into homes and onto roadways. Keep an eye out for Flood Watches and Warnings when the weather calls for rain accumulation and avoid roadways where creeks have overflowed, especially if traveling into the foothills and mountain communities. Turn around if you find high water on the road or areas where bridges have become flooded. Attempting to drive through rushing water can put you at risk of being swept away. 

If you plan to enjoy kayaking or other water sports, check the weather. Winds come up quickly on even our smaller ponds and lakes. For your safety, wear a Personal Flotation Device if paddle boarding or boating on Colorado waterways. Consider also providing one for your pet. If you are far from shore could they manage to swim to safety if they go overboard or if you are incapacitated? Spring runoff from melting snow also increases water levels and how fast the current is running. Check local conditions to ensure rivers are safe for water sports, keep an especially sharp eye on small children, and always have pets on a leash. If they accidentally fall in they could easily be swept downstream. More information about flooding

Please sign up for Emergency Preparedness alerts.

Thank you,

Commander Jon Pickett

Lookoutalert logo and reminder to register on the new alert system

Emergency Notification is made by local emergency managers and law enforcement through a variety of methods to include text, email phone and sometimes by going door-to-door. However, those who no longer have a landline phone won’t receive those emergency notifications unless registration has been completed for cell phone numbers using the new Lookoutalert.com system. Those already registered with CodeRed will automatically have information transferred but the new system offers increased capability so users are asked to re-register with the new alert system. To sign up for LookoutAlert available beginning April 27, 2022 click here.

smart911_logo

Smart 911 is another service that offers additional information to first responders about medical conditions, medication allergies, and any special health needs. Cell phones can be registered and associated with home address which is helpful if the caller can’t speak or doesn’t know their address. This information shows up for the call-taker when they call 911 from a registered phone. To sign up for Smart911 click here.

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