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Hinsdale County Citizen Emergency Preparedness Guide For the Citizens and Visitors of Hinsdale County, Colorado This guide is a compilation of emergency preparedness information from a variety of reliable sources. While we encourage individuals and communities to be prepared for emergencies, we are not directing anyone to implement all the measures recommended in this guide. All emergency situations are unique and people should make their own decisions for the extent of their preparedness. The information contained in this document will be updated and revised as necessary to ensure a safer and more prepared community. Copyright Hinsdale County Office of Emergency Management 2019 This guide is not to be sold in part or in whole. Because it is impossible to predict when a specific incident will occur or plan for every emergency, the Hinsdale County OEM and local response agencies participate in and Emergency Management in Hinsdale County help plan numerous preparedness exercises throughout the year. The exercises are disaster simulations that may involve all levels of government and response agencies can The ongoing success of emergency management is based on an all-hazards range from an organized discussion about a potential threat to a full-scale training that approach and the strong partnerships built within the emergency management involves actual response units, real-time events, and actors who play the role of victims. community. This community consists of federal, state, and local partners; local response agencies; and the private sector such as local businesses, volunteer, Table of Contents non-governmental, and community-based organizations. The Hinsdale County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is responsible for providing Welcome to Hinsdale County..............................................................................1 mitigation, prevention, preparedness, response, prevention and recovery as well as coordination for large-scale emergencies and disasters to the citizens of Your local response agencies...............................................................................2 Hinsdale County for the purpose of saving lives and preventing property 9-1-1.....................................................................................................................3 damage. Emergency Alert & Warning Systems.................................................................4 As you read through this guide, please consider the following activities. Personal preparedness activities can not only keep you and your family safe but National Weather Service Information…............................................................5 can help you become a response asset rather than requiring response yourself. Special Considerations........................................................................................6 Neighbors helping neighbors................................................................6 Individuals and families can and should prepare for emergencies. We are centrally located and somewhat secluded within the state, and as such, each Hinsdale County Hazards...................................................................................7 person, family, and business must remain vigilant with regard to emergency preparedness and management. There are several simple steps that you can take Actions common to all types of hazards.............................................................7 to prepare yourself for an emergency. Historical Hazards in Hinsdale County.............................................................12 • Complete your own hazard analysis for around your home or business. If you have lived in Hinsdale County for any period of time, you are probably Home Fire Safety...............................................................................................13 aware of the hazards that are high risk. If you are new to the area, talk to some long-time residents to determine what events have occurred Is Your Home Safe?...........................................................................................15 historically or use the analysis in this guide. Don't forget the “small” emergencies, such as fire or an extended power outage. Wildland Fires...................................................................................................17 • Develop your own emergency plan. Play the “what if” game with each of Defensible Space Management.........................................................................18 the hazards you selected. What would you do if ___________ occurs? Then ask yourself what supplies you would need to take the action(s) you Disease and Illness Preparedness......................................................................20 identify, and gather supplies together. • Practice your plan. Even simple tasks can become difficult during an It is time to prepare............................................................................................22 emergency. Practice your plan before an emergency occurs until you are thoroughly familiar with the procedures you need to follow if the event Creating an Emergency Plan and a 72-hour Emergency Kit.............................23 occurs. We hope that you enjoy this guide and find the information valuable to you and your Baic Disaster Supplies Kit.................................................................................24 family. Nothing in this document eliminates the need for common sense... Volunteerism in Hinsdale County......................................................................27 READYColorado Plans & Checklist.................................................................28 My READY Profile.............................................................................28 Important Documents..........................................................................29 Household Plan...................................................................................30 Family Communication Plan.............................................................32 Plan for Special Needs.......................................................................34 Notes & Numbers.............................................................................................36 Welcome to Hinsdale County Through a cooperative effort between Hinsdale County and the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, we are pleased to provide the citizens and visitors of Hinsdale County with this Emergency Lake City Area Medical Center (970) 944-2331 Preparedness Guide. Each individual and family needs to be prepared. Knowing the steps to take during a disaster can greatly reduce the danger and distress your family may face. Hinsdale County, Colorado, is one the most remote and rugged areas in the lower 48 states. Our beautiful county is covered by mountains, including multiple 13,000 and 14,000 ft. peaks, and contains one of the most roadless areas in the country. The continental divide crosses the county twice, and Hinsdale County is home to three national forests (Rio Grande, GMUG and San Juan) and Bureau of Land Management lands. Hinsdale County covers a total area of 1,123 square miles. The geographic make-up of the county is 99.51% or 1,117.68 square miles of land (96.5% of which are public lands) and .49% or Hinsdale County Sheriff’s Office Administration 5.46 square miles of water. Hinsdale County has over 332 miles of water ways (970) 944-2291 which include three rivers (Lake Fork of Gunnison, Henson and Cebolla) and has a combined water storage of 152,723 in reservoirs and lakes. Much of the terrain in the San Juan Mountains and Hinsdale County is over 45 degrees slope, making us one of the most avalanche prone areas in the lower 48 states. While the area offers many benefits for citizens and visitors, it is important to remember the best way to be prepared for an emergency situations, persevere during them and recover afterwards. Hinsdale County Emergency Medical Service (970) 944-2806 Lake City Area Fire Protection District (970) 944-2653 9-1-1 Emergency Alert & Warning Systems How it works: When you dial 9-1-1, the phone call goes to the Gunnison Reverse 9-1-1: The “Reverse 9-1-1” system allows Hinsdale County to call the Regional Communications Center, where a dispatcher will help you determine citizens in a designated area about potentially life threatening events and the nature of the emergency and what type of response is needed. protective measures by way of telephone. The system was designed to work with landline phones, and upgrades in the program has allowed for the expansion to cellular phones. Cell Phones: Cellular phones are very helpful. Even if you do not have a current service provider, your cell phone will call 9-1-1 at no cost. The Gunnison Regional Communications Center contracts with a company called dispatcher will need to know where you are. Some of the newer cell phones will CodeRed for reverse 9-1-1 calls. Most landline phones will be in the database provide a close location to the 9-1-1 center but some do not. There are some for the calls, however cell phones are not automatically in the database. If you areas in Hinsdale County where cellular do not work. would like more information or to have a number(s) included in the database, go to www.Hinsdalecountysheriff.com and follow the link to CodeRed - What if 9-1-1 fails? 9-1-1 centers have detailed plans and agreements in https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BF7ED953CC69. If you don't have place