Five Ways To Be Disaster Ready In Denver
Manuel Sanchez takes in the view of his flooded home and property on Sept. 14, 2013, in La Salle, Colorado. (Photo by Marc Piscotty/Getty Images)
Disaster can strike at any time, and in Colorado those disasters are often weather related. From blizzards to tornadoes and fires to floods, the weather has been known to wreak havoc in Colorado. You don't have to live in fear if you have a plan and have taken the time to discuss that plan with your whole family. Just a few important things will keep you and your family safe no matter what the weather in Colorado may throw at you. Plus, if you just wait it out, the sun will be shining again before you know it. So keep calm and stay prepared for anything that Mother Nature may bring to Colorado.
Keep A Blizzard Survival Kit At Home
In Colorado it may snow as late as May and sometimes that snow can be the worst of the season. There are a few things that you should always have in your house in case of a blizzard. Luckily, a blizzard survival kit is easy to assemble, and you don't have to spend a lot of money on the items you just may need. Grab a large duffel bag and fill it with a first aid kit, a warm blanket, some zip lock bags and a flashlight with fresh batteries. You'll also want to pack away some quick food options and a few cases of bottled water, just in case the worst should happen and you aren't able to get to a grocery store. Throw in an old-school radio and you've got everything you need to ride out the storm.
A Blizzard Kit For Your Car
Unfortunately, you may be away from home when the storm strikes, so you'll want to have some important supplies in your car as well. Those that were stuck on the highway during the blizzard of 1982 will remember just how important these types of kits can be. A simple large coffee can is perfect to store some matches and candles, nonperishable food, an emergency blanket and a flashlight with extra batteries. You may also want a first aid kit, an extra windshield scraper and a red flag or bandana to tie to your car antenna. If you have children, it may also help to pack away a deck of cards or a couple of books, just in case you need to entertain them for a few hours. You'll also want some salt or cat litter, emergency flares and jumper cables, as those always come in handy during the worst weather conditions.
Related: Top Resources For Emergency Preparedness In Denver
Prepare For Wildfires
Late summer in Colorado is often wildfire season, which means you may be at risk for those huge wildfires that have plagued Colorado for many years. First and most importantly, you'll want to have an escape and evacuation plan that you've discussed with your children. You can even do a couple of quick test runs to make sure your kids know what to do if the fire gets too close. Always have a battery-powered radio and flashlight handy and keep plenty of extra batteries nearby. You can also find hand-cranked radios and flashlights now that don't rely on batteries. And, of course, install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near all the bedrooms. Then make sure to test your detectors every month and change the batteries twice a year.
Tornado Preparedness
A tornado can be one of the most terrifying natural disasters. It's crucial that your family has a communication plan for a tornado and even the youngest children know what to do should one come close to your home. Talk to your kids about the safest place to go. Of course, a basement is always the best place to go if a tornado is threatening you. However, if you don't have a basement, then you'll want to find a windowless room on the lowest level of your home. Also keep your radio tuned into the National Weather Service so you know when it's safe and everything is clear.
Related: READYColorado.com
Flooding In Colorado
Flash flooding is fairly common in Colorado and in September 2013, we experienced a devastating flood on the Front Range. Just as with any other disaster, you'll want to have a communication plan with your family all set up. Have a flood plan and talk about the escape route or evacuation plan, if needed. You'll also want to have some materials to stop floodwater from entering your home; sandbags and waterproof objects work well in a pinch. A hand crank or battery-powered flashlight and radio is essential here too, since you won't want to be near electrical outlets if your home does begin to flood.
Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
