Be Prepared

Ever since the days when a trip to town took all day, Black Forest people have been more self-reliant than most. The roads are better now, but we still need to be ready to handle many emergencies on our own.

How can you help if someone in your family needs an ambulance? How will you cope with the next blizzard? What would you do if a wildfire threatens your property?  How will you manage during a widespread epidemic? 

In a large emergency, it may be difficult for us to reach you quickly. We will do our best to help you as soon as possible, but you may have to hold out on your own for some period of time.

Make A Kit

Or better yet, make two kits. Make a larger kit that you can use if you have to shelter-in-place at your home, and a smaller portable kit you can take with you if an evacuation is necessary.  In sudden events, such as wildfires, you may have only minutes to get out of your home. Your kits should have water, food, a first aid kit, and special items (such as medication) ready to go! ReadyColorado lists the things you should put in your kits.

Make A Plan

You may not be with your family when an event occurs. Telephone systems may be down and there may be no way to communicate. Everyone needs to know what the family plan is and what to do. Develop plans with your neighbors. Can you help each other in the event of an emergency? What if an event happens while your kids are in school or daycare? Are those caregivers prepared?