Pictured: Wildfire burning in the foothills near homes
What would you do if you had to urgently leave your home due to flood or fire? Are you prepared to survive severe weather in your home or in your car?
During National Preparedness Month in September, formally recognized by Douglas County Commissioners at their Aug. 27 Business Meeting, we want to be sure everyone – including our most vulnerable populations – has the tools to prepare for an emergency.
Douglas County and our neighboring communities are regularly affected by events such as severe winter weather, wildfires and floods. A few simple steps and shared responsibility for readiness can make a big difference as we all work to be proactive.
Your county is standing ready to support the community with:
- Aerial firefighting support.
- Practical advice and resources for all residents.
- Interactive tools to educate and inform homeowners about wildfire risk and the importance of planning for emergencies.
It is important to have a plan and an emergency kit. Taking the following steps can create a more organized, calm and rapid response during a disaster:
- Take personal responsibility for being aware of local weather conditions.
- Sign up for CodeRED and receive local, public safety alerts via telephone, text message, and email directly from Douglas County. For those on social media, follow @dcsheriff on X (formerly Twitter) for up-to-the-minute information and instruction during an emergency.
- If you, or someone in your household, is an older adult or person with a disability and may need extra assistance in the event of an evacuation, please sign up for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Access and Functional Needs Database.
- Develop an emergency communication plan for you and your family.
- Build a kit. Being prepared means having food, water and other needed supplies to last for several days.
- Download the County’s Disaster Preparedness Guide for more helpful tips to prepare you and your family — including your children, family members with disabilities, pets and livestock.
Learn more at Ready.gov.