What Hazards Do We Face in Fort Collins?#
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Severe Winter Storms#
Winter storms can bring extreme cold, heavy snow, high winds, poor visibility and dangerous driving conditions.
Winter storms may increase the risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion.
Older adults, young children, and individuals experiencing homelessness are at higher risk during winter storms.
BEFORE#
Sign up for NOCO alerts and local weather alerts. Follow City social media channels.
Winterize your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking and weather stripping.
Learn how to keep pipes from freezing and bursting.
Gather supplies for each member of your family (including pets) in case you need to stay home for several days. Include extra blankets, warm clothing, food, water and needed medications.
Create an emergency kit for your vehicle. Include jumper cables, sand/cat litter, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water and non-perishable snacks.
Learn the signs of and basic treatments for frostbite and hypothermia.
DURING#
Avoid unnecessary driving. If you must drive, prepare for winter driving conditions. Remove snow and ice from your vehicle before driving.
Drive cautiously near snowplows; give them extra room.
Avoid parking vehicles under trees during heavy snow and wind.
Limit your time outside and wear layers. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
Do not use generators, camp stoves or grills indoors.
Never heat a home with a stovetop or oven.
AFTER#
Monitor local news for weather forecasts and storm impacts.
Shovel Snow Safely. Limit time outside and don’t overexert yourself; go slow and take breaks.
Check on your neighbors.
Walk carefully on snowy/icy walkways. Wear boots or shoes with good traction.
Additional Resources#
Tornadoes#
Tornadoes are powerful rotating columns of air that can strike with little warning.
While anyone can be caught in a tornado, those living in mobile homes or those outside at the time of the tornado are at particular risk.
Watch vs. Warning:
A tornado “watch” means that a tornado is possible. If a tornado “warning” is issued for your area, it means a tornado has been spotted or picked up on radar. If a warning is issued, take shelter immediately.
BEFORE#
Sign up for NOCO Alerts and local weather alerts.
Develop a plan. Discuss tornado safety with your family and create a plan for where to shelter if a tornado warning is issued.
Assemble an emergency kit. Include a flashlight, batteries, first-aid kit, battery powered weather radio, non-perishable food and bottled water.
DURING#
Seek shelter immediately. If you receive a tornado warning or see a tornado approaching, take shelter immediately.
Get low and cover your head. Lie flat on the ground, face down, and cover your head with your hands.
Stay away from windows and doors. Flying debris from a tornado can cause serious injuries.
AFTER#
Stay clear of damaged areas. Downed power lines, damaged buildings, and other hazards may exist after a tornado.
Check on others. Help those who may be injured, but do not put yourself at risk.
Report damage. Contact your local emergency management office to report any damage to your home or property.
Additional Resources#
Thunderstorms and Lightning#
Thunderstorms are powerful storms that produce lightning, thunder, heavy rain, and sometimes hail.
BEFORE#
Sign up for NOCO Alerts and local weather alerts.
Prepare your home. Secure any outdoor items that could blow away.
Assemble an emergency kit. Include a flashlight, batteries, first-aid kit, battery-powered weather radio, non-perishable food and bottled water.
Use surge protectors to protect appliances and electronics.
DURING#
Seek shelter. If you are outside and hear thunder or see lightning, go inside a building or vehicle.
If you cannot get indoors, get low to the ground. Avoid hilltops, open areas and tall trees.
Stay away from water. Avoid swimming, boating or standing in water during a thunderstorm.
Pay attention to weather alerts. Thunderstorms and lightning can occur quickly. When you receive a warning, go inside.
AFTER#
Check weather and forecasts to make sure it’s safe before going outside.
Check your property for damage.
Extreme Cold#
Extreme cold increases the risk of hypothermia and frostbite.
Older adults, children and those with chronic health conditions are at greater risk of experiencing adverse side effects from extreme cold.
BEFORE#
Sign up for NOCO Alerts and local weather alerts.
Winterize your home to keep out the cold. Insulate pipes, seal drafty windows and doors and check your heating system.
Create an emergency kit for each member of your family (including pets). Be sure to include extra blankets, warm clothing, food, water and needed medications.
DURING#
Stay indoors. If you must be outside, take frequent breaks indoors to warm up. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
Stay warm and dry. Dress warmly in loose-fitting layers and minimize exposed skin by wearing a hat, gloves and face covering.
Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration worsens cold stress.
Do not use generators, camp stoves or grills indoors.
Never heat a home with a stovetop or oven.
Keep your pets safe. Provide adequate shelter outdoors or bring them inside.
AFTER#
Check for damage. Look leaks or drips around your home. If you find a damaged pipe shut off water.
Check on your neighbors.
Additional Resources#
Extreme Heat#
Extreme heat may increase the risk of heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration.
Older adults, children, those with chronic health conditions, and people who work outdoors are at greater risk during extreme heat.
BEFORE#
Sign up for NOCO Alerts and local weather alerts.
Monitor weather.
Know where you can go in Fort Collins to get cool (libraries, shopping malls, community centers, etc.).
Keep your home cool:
- Cover windows with drapes or shades.
- Use window reflectors to reflect heat back outside.
- Weather strip doors and windows.
Know the signs of heat illness.
Signs & Treatments for Heat-Related Illness
Heat Cramps:
- Signs: Muscle pain or spasms in arms, legs, or stomach.
- Actions: Go to cooler location and remove excess clothing. Take sips of a drink with salt and sugar (like Gatorade). Get medical help if cramps last more than an hour.
Heat Exhaustion:
- Signs: Heavy sweating, paleness, tiredness, muscle cramps, headache, dizziness, fainting, and nausea or vomiting.
- Actions: Go to a cooler place and lie down. Take a cool bath. Take sips of a drink with salt and sugar (like Gatorade). Get medical help if symptoms worsen or last more than an hour.
Heat Stroke:
- Signs: Extremely high body temperature. Red, hot and dry skin with no sweat. Rapid, strong pulse; dizziness; confusion.
- Actions: Call 911 or take the person to the hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods available until medical help arrives.
DURING#
Never leave children, adults, or animals alone in a vehicle on a warm day.
If you can’t cool your home go to a place with air conditioning like libraries, shopping malls, and community centers.
When outside, wear sunscreen and stay in the shade.
Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and a wide brimmed hat.
Avoid high-energy activities.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Wildfires#
Wildfires can threaten anyone living near forests, grasslands or other wildland areas.
Residents in areas bordering forests or grasslands, campers, hikers, people outside and individuals with respiratory problems are most vulnerable to wildfires.
BEFORE#
Sign up for NOCO Alerts and local air quality alerts.
Assemble an Emergency Kit. Include essentials like water, flashlights, extra batteries, battery-powered weather radio and masks.
Have an evacuation plan. Know multiple escape routes and have a designated meeting place for your family other than your home.
DURING#
Stay informed. Monitor local news and emergency alerts for information about the fire.
Close windows and doors. To limit smoke from getting into your home.
Evacuate if instructed. Follow instructions from officials and use designated evacuation routes.
Wildfire Smoke
Smoke from wildfires is a significant source of air pollution and can impact air quality in our community even when a fire is miles away.
AFTER#
Stay informed. Follow instructions from authorities regarding air quality and safety hazards.
If you evacuate, return home with caution. Only return when officials say it is safe.
Severe Wind#
Strong winds can be dangerous. Anyone can be impacted by a severe wind event, but people living in mobile homes and those outdoors during the event are most are risk.
BEFORE#
Sign up for NOCO Alerts and local weather alerts.
Assemble an emergency kit with non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, medications, a flashlight and a battery-powered radio.
Prepare your home by securing loose outdoor furniture, grills, trash cans and other items that could blow away.
Plan for power outages by charging electronic devices. Have a backup plan for lighting, communication and electricity-dependent medical devices.
DURING#
Stay Indoors. If possible, stay inside and avoid windows and doors.
Stay away from power lines and trees.
AFTER#
Report Damage. Contact your local authorities to report downed power lines, damaged buildings, or blocked roads.
Beware of Power Lines. Never touch a downed power line, even if it appears inactive.
Drive with Caution. Roads may be blocked by debris.
Additional Resources#
Flooding#
Flash floods are dangerous surges of water that occur quickly after heavy rain. Flash floods may cause damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure.
People living in low-lying areas, near rivers or streams, or in floodplains are more vulnerable to a flash flood.
BEFORE#
Sign up for NOCO Alerts and monitor weather. Follow City social media channels.
Know your risk. Check to see if you live in area prone to flash flooding.
Build an emergency kit with essentials like water, flashlights, extra batteries, and battery-powered weather radio. If you live in a high risk flood area, consider waterproof bags.
Prepare your home. Move essential items and keepsakes to higher levels.
Plan for evacuations. Determine a meeting place other than your home.
DURING#
Stay alert and informed. Listen to alerts during flooding.
Do not drive, walk, or bike into flood waters. Turn around, don’t drown!
Move to higher ground. If you are outside, move to a higher area and stay away from rivers, streams and low-lying areas.
AFTER#
Stay away from floodwaters. Floodwaters may be contaminated and have hidden dangers like debris or electrical hazards.
Return home. If you were evacuated, wait to return home until officials say it’s safe.
Check your home and property for damage. Contact your insurance company if necessary.
Assist neighbors.
Pandemic#
The Larimer County Health Department provides a variety of resources for communicable diseases, including COVID-19, Mpox and West Nile.