Wildfires are the most prominent natural disaster in Douglas County, and unfortunately, it seems like every year there’s a major wildfire in Colorado. What do you know about preparing your home and protecting your family?
Many homes in Douglas County have significant wildfire risks for the same reasons they are appealing: lots of vegetation and private settings in relatively remote areas. Even the planned communities in suburban areas like Highlands Ranch, Parker, Lone Tree or Castle Rock, have larger lots with significant amounts of contiguous vegetation in close proximity to the built environment. These attributes, while making the homes more desirable, also present risk factors that must be taken into account.
What can citizens do?
The Douglas County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) monitors for emergency conditions in unincorporated Douglas County and is the main hub for coordination of disaster management and emergency preparedness. Check their website for information on current fire restrictions.