Colorado Springs is beautiful, and it is also a place where nature can turn dangerous fast. The area has wildfires, flash floods, heavy snow, hail, and lightning. The Waldo Canyon Fire in 2012 destroyed 347 homes in the city and forced 32,000 people to evacuate. The Black Forest Fire in 2013 was even more destructive. Preparing now gives your family more time and more options. This guide covers the main risks and the steps to take.
Know the Main Hazards
Official sources list wildfires, flash floods, and winter storms as common disasters in the El Paso and Teller County region. Hail and lightning are also common. The city sits in a semi-arid region and is one of the most active lightning areas in the country. Learn More about Colorado Springs and its climate.
Sign Up for Peak Alerts
Peak Alerts is the main emergency notification system for the region. You can register up to five addresses, such as home, work, and school. Choose text, call, or email alerts. The system sends evacuation notices, flood warnings, and safety updates. Sign up at peakalerts.org, and make sure everyone in your household knows what the alerts mean.
Follow Ready, Set, Go
The city’s wildfire campaign uses three steps. Ready means you prepare early. Set means you stay alert when fire danger rises. Go means you leave when told. Download the city’s wildfire plans and checklists, and review them each spring.
Build a Go Bag
Pack a bag for each person and keep it where you can grab it fast. Include:
- Water and non-perishable food for at least three days
- Medicines, glasses, and a first aid kit
- A flashlight, batteries, and a battery or hand-crank radio
- Phone chargers and a power bank
- Copies of important papers, such as IDs, insurance, and deeds
- Cash in small bills
- Clothes, blankets, and sturdy shoes
- Items for children, older adults, and pets
FEMA suggests about one gallon of water per person per day. Check the bag twice a year and replace old items.
Make a Family Plan
Pick two meeting places, one near home and one outside your area. Choose an out-of-town contact everyone can call or text. Practice at least two evacuation routes, since a road may close. Plan for pets, older adults, and people with disabilities. Write the plan down and keep a copy in each go bag.
Reduce Wildfire Risk Around Your Home
Dead trees, dry brush, and dry grass add fuel. Clear dead branches and keep grass short. Move firewood and propane away from the house. Clean gutters and roofs. Consider removing dead trees close to your home. Ask your local fire department about defensible space guidelines for your neighborhood.
Prepare for Flash Floods
Fires leave burn scars, and burn scars shed water fast. The Waldo Canyon burn scar increased flood risk in Manitou Springs and Fountain Creek. Drainages such as Williams Canyon and Ruxton Creek can send large amounts of water and debris through town in minutes. Peak flood season runs from late spring through summer. Never drive through flooded roads. Ask your insurer about flood coverage, since standard policies often exclude it.
Winter Storms and Snow
March is the snowiest month, and heavy storms can strike from March to May. A 1909 storm dropped 26.5 inches of snow. Keep blankets, a shovel, and a flashlight in your car. Stock food and water at home. Charge devices before a storm, and know how to stay warm during a power outage.
Hail and Severe Storms
Hail season runs from about May to September. Park under cover when you can. Ask your insurer about roof coverage and your deductible. Stay indoors during lightning, and keep away from windows.
Altitude and Health
At about 6,035 feet, the city sits higher than Denver. Smoke from wildfires can affect people with asthma or heart conditions. Keep extra medicine at home. Stay hydrated, and limit outdoor activity when air quality is poor.
Insurance and Documents
Review your homeowners or renters policy each year. Know what it covers for fire, hail, and flood. Take photos or video of your belongings and store them in the cloud. Keep a list of serial numbers and receipts.
Help Your Neighbors
Check on older neighbors and families with young children. Share the Peak Alerts link. A prepared neighborhood recovers faster.
Final Checklist
- Sign up for Peak Alerts.
- Build and check your go bags.
- Make and practice a family plan.
- Clear dead trees and brush near your home.
- Review your insurance.
- Learn your flood and evacuation zones.
Preparing takes a few hours. It can save lives.
