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Beetle Kill 2009: Are you ready for wildfire?

Have you heard of CodeRED®? Do you have your preparedness kit ready? Do you have http://www.gcemergency.com saved in your online favorites?

These are critical items Grand County Office of Emergency Management, the Forest Service and any host of other emergency service providers would like you to know. These agencies have been working together to plan and practice evacuations in mock scenarios ensuring better communications between responding agencies. The Grand County Office of Emergency Management has also implemented a variety of public information and warning systems to provide information to the people who live, play and pass through Grand County.

“All of our efforts and dedication are to provide the most comprehensive protection and information to the community,” said Trevor Denney Grand County Emergency Manager. “This effort is a work progress. Some items are still in the preliminary stages expanding on what we already have in place.”



So what do you need to do?

The first step is to visit http://co.grand.co.us/oem.html and click on the “Emergency Information Brochure” to get started on putting your Emergency Plan, Disaster Supply Kit and “Go Kit” together. Depending on the emergency, disaster type or size it might take hours or days for emergency providers to re-establish essential services, so set yourself up for success and know your plan. There are several other links to helpful information to get you started on your way to being prepared.



The second step is to check out http://www.gcemergency.com. This is the Web site where information will be posted during an emergency. It is your one stop for information during an emergency. Do not wait until there is an emergency to log on. Do it now and enter your cell phone into the CodeRED® Emergency Notification System. This system allows ultra high-speed cellular phone or text messaging to inform registered participants during an emergency or disaster affecting Grand County. You can choose different locations and sign up to be notified by phone, text message or email if an emergency is affecting that area. Do not put your home or landline phone number into CodeRED®. Landlines are already covered though the existing “Reverse 911” system. After you sign up for CodeRED® read the information about 2-1-1 and how you can prepare for an evacuation if you or a loved one has special needs.

The last step is really an ongoing step. Create and maintain defensible space around your property. If you need help, contact your local Colorado State Forest Service Office at http://csfs.colostate.edu/pages/granbydist.html or by calling (970) 887-3121. You may also contact your local fire department.

The Grand County Office of Emergency Management has taken steps to prepare for all hazards that may affect Grand County. Please help them by doing your part too. For more information or help creating your personal plan call (970) 887-2732.


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