State EOC Status

The State Emergency Operations Center is no longer activated.  The Colorado Division of Emergency Management Field Manager remains in direct contact with Kiowa County, Bent County and Prowers County to provide assistance as requested.

#COwx
#Tornado

Update on Southeast Colorado Tornadoes

CDEM Situation Report #2:  Southeast Colorado Tornadoes

Kiowa County:

• 6 Structures impacted:  4 Destroyed, 1 Major, 1 Affected – Damage assessment to agricultural equipment outbuilding on-going, currently reported 2 irrigation pivot sprinklers.
• Sheltering:  None at this time.  An agreement was made with the local motel to provide rooms if needed.  American Red Cross is enroute to assist with two families.
• Injuries: 1 Transported to hospital and later released, minor injuries only.
• Resource Requests:  Request for 1 PIO to assist Kiowa County.  No additional state assistance requested at this time.
• Infrastructure Impacts:  Power-  Currently Eads is back on-line. Haswell, Chivington, Brandon and Sheridan Lake area by late tonight.  Water / Wastewater facilities no impacts reported at this time from Kiowa County.
• Media Contact number:  720-432-3411.

Bent County

• 3 Structures impacted:  1 Major and 2 Minor. Damage assessment to agricultural equipment outbuilding on-going, currently 1 irrigation pivot sprinkler, 1 grain bin and farm workshop.
• Sheltering:  None at this time.
• Resource Requests:  No state assistance requested.
• Infrastructure Impacts:  Power- Currently power is out in Hasty / McClave area no estimated time of restoration at this time.  Water / Wastewater facilities no impacts reported at this time from Bent County.

Prowers County

• 4 Structures impacted: 2 Destroyed, 1 Major and 1 Affected.  Damage assessment to agricultural equipment outbuilding on-going, currently reported 2 irrigation pivot sprinklers.
• Sheltering:  None at this time.
• Pig Farm south of Lamar west of Highway 287 is reporting 18 buildings destroyed on the farm.  The buildings were not occupied with any swine at the time.
• Injuries: 2 people injured transported to Prowers Medical Center, treated and later released.
• Resource Requests:  American Red Cross is sending a mobile feeding kitchen to the Prowers County EOC.  No other assistance requested at this time.
• Media Contact is Marshall Cook, Lamar Fire & Ambulance at 719-336-4321.

Infrastructure Impacts 

• Currently power is out in the Lamar area with an anticipated restoration time of late tonight. 
• 400’ Communication Tower was destroyed south of Lamar affects Lamar Light & Power Company communications and internet to Baca County.   
• CDOT reporting guard rail damage east of Lamar on Highway 50.

#COwx
#tornado

Update on Southeast Colorado Tornadoes from State EOC

CDEM Situation Report #1:  Southeast Colorado Tornadoes

Kiowa County:

• 6 Structures impacted:  4 Destroyed, 1 Major, 1 Affected – Damage assessment to agricultural equipment outbuilding not complete at this time.
• Injuries: 1 Transported to hospital and later released, minor injuries only.
• Resource Requests:  Request for 1 PIO to assist Kiowa County.  No additional state assistance requested at this time.
• Infrastructure Impacts:  Power-  Currently Eads / Haswell anticipated restoration around noon.  Chivington, Brandon and Sheridan Lake area by late tonight.  Water / Wastewater facilities no impacts reported at this time from Kiowa County.

Bent County

• 3 Structures impacted:  1 Major and 2 Minor. No confirmed numbers for outbuildings impacted and agricultural equipment damages at this time.
• Injuries:  None reported at this time.
• Resource Requests:  No state assistance requested.
• Infrastructure Impacts:  Power- Currently power is out in Hasty / McClave area no estimated time of restoration at this time.  Water / Wastewater facilities no impacts reported at this time from Bent County.

Prowers County

• 5 Structures impacted: 3 Destroyed, 2 Major. No confirmed number of outbuildings impacted and agricultural equipment damages at this time.
• Pig Farm south of Lamar west of Highway 287 is reporting 18 buildings destroyed on the farm.  The buildings were not occupied with any swine at the time.
• Injuries: 2 people injured transported to Prowers Medical Center, treated and later released.
• Resource Requests:  American Red Cross is sending a mobile feeding kitchen to the Prowers County EOC.  No other assistance requested at this time.
• Infrastructure Impacts:  Power- Currently power is out in the Lamar area with an anticipated restoration time of late tonight.  400’ Communication Tower was destroyed south of Lamar affects Lamar Light & Power Company communications and internet to Baca County.  CDOT reporting guard rail damage east of Lamar on Highway 50.

The next update will be posted by 4:00 p.m. 

#COwx
#tornado

Kiowa County Press Conference Scheduled

Kiowa County Division of Emergency Management has announced that county command staff and possibly National Weather Service staff will provide a media briefing at 3 p.m. today at Eads Fire Station (1300 Goff ST Eads, CO 81036).

Obtain more information by following them on Twitter @kcdem.

#COwx #tornado

Prowers County Press Release

Information released by Lamar Fire & Ambulance for Prowers County at 9:00 a.m.on April 27, 2012

At about 2:30 a.m., Friday morning, Prowers County was hit by a severe storm.  Prowers County residents experienced heavy wind, rain and thunder.  A large and fast moving tornado was spotted by Sheriff's Deputies and Colorado State Patrol troopers approximately eight miles south of Lamar near Highway 287.

The tornado moved northeast passing near Lamar where it destroyed two homes just east of Lamar.  the tornado continued northbound where it destroyed two more homes located approximately three miles east and one mile north of Lamar.  In addition to the homes, a power substation, several power poles and fences were damaged or destroyed. 

At least two people received minor injuries and were treated and released from Prowers Medical Center.  All of Lamar and most of Prowers County are without power and are expected to be without power for the next 6-24 hours.

Lamar Fire &  Ambulance is the Public Information contact for Prowers County.  Their contact number is 719-336-4321.

#COwx #Tornado

What Do You Do After a Tornado Strikes?

Safety Tips to Follow After a Tornado Strikes

 

• Check for injuries.  Provide or secure medical assistance for those with injuries.
• Monitor the web, radio or television for weather and disaster updates.  Secure battery operated equipment to receive updates or to monitor.
• Before entering a damaged structure make sure it is safe and stable.
• Wear sturdy shoes or boots to protect your feet from debris in the area.
• Stay away from downed power lines.  Report electrical hazards to local responders and utility company.
• Never use generators, pressure washers, grills, camp stoves or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, garage or camper - or even outside near an open window, door or vent. Carbon monoxide (CO) - an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if you breathe it - from these sources can build up in your home, garage or camper and poison the people and animals inside. Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed or nauseated.
• Stay out of the area as much as possible.

Safety information can be obtained from http://www.ready.gov/tornadoes.

#COwx  #Tornado

Photo of Tornado Damage in Kiowa County

Photo Provided By Kiowa County on 4/27/12. Photo taken northeast of Chivington.

#tornado #COwx

Contact Number for CDEM PIO

 Media contact information for Micki Trost, Colorado Division of Emergency Management, Public Information Officer:

Email:  micki.trost@state.co.us
Cell Phone:  303-472-4087

Kiowa County Press Release

Kiowa County Crews Responding to Suspected Tornado

(EADS, COLORADO) Kiowa County crews are currently conducting searches and damage assessments in the east central portion of the county following a suspected tornado that came through the area. 

Damage has been reported to a home near Chivington where a resident was briefly trapped. That person has been removed from the home and is receiving medical attention for minor injuries.  

Another home north of Chivington was also damaged, and a semi on highway 96 near the Chivington area was blown over. No injuries were reported at either of those locations. 

Power lines are down in many areas. Officials are warning that the lines may be live and are dangerous. Downed lines should be reported to authorities, but should not be moved. 

Kiowa County Emergency Manager Jeffrey Wright states that law enforcement and county road works are currently check home throughout the area to ensure residents are safe. 

“County crews are making an outstanding effort. We are also in contact with the state emergency operations center and coordinating our response,” said Wright. 

Wright says that anyone who is not involved in emergency response and has not been asked to help stay away from the area to allow responders to do their jobs safely. At this time, donations are not needed.

Press Release posted by Kiowa County Sheriff's Office at 5:08 a.m. on their blog at http://www.kcdem.info/.

#COwx  #tornado

State EOC Activated

State Emergency Operations Center Activated to Support Counties Hit by Tornadoes

The State EOC was activated at 3:00 a.m. to support the three counties in southeastern Colorado hit by tornadoes overnight.  DEM Field Managers are currently working with the emergency managers in the affected areas to assess the areas for damages and potential needs.

Current information can be obtained by following Kiowa County Division of Emergency Management @kcdem on Twitter or on their website at http://www.kcdem.info/.

The State EOC has received the following information:

• The tornado actually was on the ground from Baca County through Prowers County, Kiowa County, and ended in Kit Carson County.  
• All local first responders are out in the storm track area assessing damage and needs.  
• Still a total of two injured people transported to the hospital.  
• 10 damaged structures (5 in Prowers, 4 in Kiowa, 1 in Bent) 
• 400' radio tower south of Lamar damaged (light and power communications tower)
• Power is out in Lamar, in Kiowa County in Eads and Chivington, Brandon, and Sheridan Lake, in Bent County in Hasty and McClave
• There are currently no shelters activated
• There is no reported damage to highways

Updates will be posted as reports are received from the Field Managers.

#COwx  #tornado

DEM Weekly Update ~ April 23, 2012

Colorado Division of Emergency Management Weekly Update ~ April 23, 2012

This edition of the Weekly Update contains information from the Governor's Office regarding the recommendation from the team reviewing the Lower North Fork Fire.  Visit the Media page on the Governor's website for a copy of the press release announcing the review team recommendations.



Please contact Micki Trost, CDEM PIO, with any questions regarding the Weekly Update or to submit information for next week at micki.trost@state.co.us.

Tornadoes and Tornado Safety

Severe Weather Awareness Week:  Tornadoes and Tornado Safety

Article written by:  David Floyd, National Weather Service, Warning Coordination Meterologist

Severe Weather Awareness Week is a time when the National Weather Service (NWS) reminds you of the hazards associated with thunderstorms.  The topic for today is tornadoes and tornado safety.

What months do most tornadoes occur in Colorado?

The threat of tornadoes in Colorado increases rapidly in May and continues through August.  Ninety percent of Colorado tornadoes occur during this four month period but tornadoes have been reported as early as February and as late as October. 

Where do most tornadoes strike in Colorado?

Tornadoes have been reported in just about all areas of the state but historically 95% of Colorado tornadoes occur along and east of Interstate 25 where heat and moisture in the lower atmosphere are often more abundant.

What time of day do tornadoes tyically occur?

Tornadoes have occured at every hour of the day but most occur between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.  Across the country about 90% of tornadoes are considered weak with winds under 110 mph. Winds of this magnitude will damage a wood fram construction home but may completely destroy a mobile home or outbuilding. 

How long does a tornado last?

They typically have a life span of five or ten minutes and result in less than 5% of tornado fatalities.  About 10% of tornadoes are considered strong with winds up to 165 mph.  Winds of this magnitude will cause considerable damage to most buildings.  These tornadoes may last 20 minutes or longer and are responsible for nearly 30% of tornado deaths.  Violent tornadoes account for only 1% of all tornadoes but they result in nearly 70% of all tornado fatalities because they destroy much of what is in their path.  Violent tornadoes can last over an hour and travel over 50 miles before dissipating.  The only chance of surviving a violent tornado is to be inside a safe room or underground shelter.

Tornado Safety:  Get in, Get down and Cover up.

An easy phrase to remember for tornado safety is to get in, get down and cover up.  Get inside a sturdy building.  Get down to the lowest floor or most interior room in that building and cover your head.  The best option for tornado safety is to be inside a well-built structure within a basement, safe room or underground storm shelter.

If none of these options are available move to a hallway or a small interior room on the lowest floor such as a closet or bathroom.  Cover yourself with blankets or get under a sturdy piece of furniture because the greatest risk of injury from tornadoes is from flying debris.  Abondon modular homes and mobile homes as they offer little protection from tornadoes.  If a tornado approaches leave these locations and seek safety in a nearby building or storm shelter. 

Tornado safety if you are driving or outside.

If you are driving in open country and see a tornado simply drive away from the tornado path if time permits.  Do not take shelter beneath a highway overpass.  If you are in an automobile and a tornado is fast approaching with little time for action either pull over and remain buckled in your vehicle while crouching down or abandon your vehicle and lie in a ditch or culvert away from your vehicle and protect your head.  

If you are caught outside and cannot find a safe shelter crawl into a culvert or lie down in a narrow ditch and cover your head.  Remember that the worst place to be when a tornado threatens is outside in the midst of flying debris.

Where can you get the latest weather information?

You can get the latest weather forecasts and severe weather watches and warnings from a local NOAA weather radio all-hazards station and on the internet at www.weather.gov.

DEM Weekly Updates ~ April 16, 2012

Colorado Division of Emergency Management Weekly Update ~ April 16

The Weekly Update has moved to Monday.  If you have any questions about the content for this week, please contact Micki.  And, if you would like to contribute an article or information for next week please send it to Micki Trost at micki.trost@state.co.us.

Test of Tornado Warning System

National Weather Service Conducting a Test April 17

A test of the tornado warning systems will be issued tomorrow, April 16, 2012 in the morning
between the hours of 9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. from the four National Weather Service (NWS) offices serving Colorado.  The Boulder NWS Office warning is scheduled at 10:10 a.m.

Understanding Severe Weather Watches and Warnings from the National Weather Service

By:  Tom Magnuson, National Weather Service, Pueblo, Colorado

The National Weather Service (NWS) sees the potential for severe weather...and a stream of weather information flows from our forecast offices to you.

Each NWS Forecast Office has a website and Facebook page where you can find weather stories which are graphical looks at upcoming weather hazards.  The hazardous weather outlook text product is also available.  It highlights weather hazards sometimes seven days in advance.

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma also forecasts the chance for severe weather across the country at least three days in advance.  These outlooks will tell you if you are in a slight risk....moderate risk...or high risk area for severe weather.

If severe weather becomes likely within six hours...a watch will be issued to alert you of the higher chance for severe weather in or close to the watch area.  If you are in or close to the watch area...plan where you would go for shelter if severe weather was to occur.  If high wind is a threat...tying down or bringing loose objects indoors is a good idea.  If large hail is a threat....protecting your vehicle is a good idea.

Then...forecasters at the local NWS office will monitor satellite and radar data...and talk with severe weather spotters.  Forecasters will issue warnings and quickly send them out to alert you of the imminent severe weather threat.  The warnings are sent out in many different ways in order to reach the most people possible.

A warning is an urgent message telling you that severe weather or flooding is imminent or is occurring.  Warnings are usually issued for an area smaller than a county.

A severe thunderstorm warning is issued for wind gusts of 58 MPH or higher or for hail one inch in diameter or greater.

A tornado warning is issued when tornadoes are imminent or occurring.

A flash flood warning is issued for rapidly developing life threatening flooding.

Before and during severe weather...you can receive watches...warnings...and advisories on NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio.  It is recommended that you buy a weather readio receiver with a built in tone alarm...which is activated by the NWS when watches and warnings are issued.  You can also find warnings on the internet or receive them from your local radio or television station.

Do not be caught off guard.  Know how to receive watch and warning information...and know what to do when severe weather threatens.   Specific safety information will be available each day of this Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week.

Tuesday:  Information on Tornadoes and Tornado Safety

#COwx  #tornadoes

Information on Current Fire Bans and Restrictions

The Colorado Division of Emergency Management has added a Fire Bans page to our COEmergency website that contains information on fire bans and restrictions enacted by the counties in Colorado.  The information is obtained from the local emergency management officials in each of the counties.

Updates to the fire bans and restrictions listed on the page should be directed to Micki Trost, CDEM PIO, at micki.trost@state.co.us. 

Every effort will be made to keep the information current, however, fire bans and restrictions can change quickly during the day or from day to day.  The most current information can be obtained directly from the county.  Contact information for each of the counties is listed on the Local Contact Information tab.

Fire ban and restriction information will aslo be shared on the COEmergency Twitter account using the hashtag #COfireBan.

DEM Weekly Update ~ April 9, 2012

Division of Emergency Management Weekly Update ~ April 9, 2012

If you have questions about information in the Weekly Update or would like to submit an article for next week, please contact Micki Trost, DEM PIO, at micki.trost@state.co.us. 

#WeeklyUpdate

Colorado 2-1-1 Relief and Recovery Assistance Guide

Purpose of Relief and Recovery Assistance Guide

The purpose of this Relief and Recovery Guide is to connect Colorado residents affected by the Lower North Fork Wildfire with disaster assistance and information. The Guide lists information on many programs and agencies. Updates and verification are continuously being made to this document.

The Guide is arranged in sections based on needs and the types of services provided. Where applicable, there are tables arranged to show resources available within the county and statewide. Phone numbers and specific information regarding service eligibility, hours, etc. may also be outlined.

You are welcome to dial 2-1-1, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for help in finding available disaster assistance services. Language translation services are available. Individuals with hearing and speech disabilities can call Relay Colorado at 7-1-1 (or 1-800-659-2656) to indirectly access Colorado 2-1-1. You can also visit www.211colorado.org to review resources and search the database of services in your local community. Colorado 2-1-1 will help identify the best local resources to fit your individual needs after a disaster or for life’s everyday situations.

Download or view the Colorado 2-1-1 Relief and Recovery Guide.

Additional Safety Information from the Colorado Division of Insurance:

The best way to verify an authorized insurance agent is to contact the Colorado Division of Insurance. Go to http://www.dora.state.co.us/insurance/consumer/ConsumerMainPage.htm and click on “Find a Licensed Company or Producer” (agent). Consumers can also call the Division at 303-894-7490 and we’ll be happy to check the licensing of the agent or company in question.

#LowerNorthForkFire

Red Flag Warnings....What Do They Mean?

The National Weather Service issues the warnings when critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or imminent.  The Red Flag Warning is posted on the NOAA website and is specific to your county or zip code.  Many Colorado county and city agencies provide updates on Red Flag Warnings and other National Weather Service alerts on their websites or Twitter feeds.  Stay informed regarding the conditions in your area.

Here is a sample of the information included in the warning from the National Weather Service, Denver-Boulder Office:

RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE NORTHERN FRONT RANGE FOOTHILLS AND ADJACENT PLAINS... 

* AFFECTED AREA...FIRE WEATHER ZONES 211...213...215...238... 240...242...243...244 AND 245. 

* TIMING...9 AM TO 8 PM MDT FRIDAY. 

* WINDS...SOUTHWEST 25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH. 

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AROUND 10 PERCENT. 

* IMPACTS...ANY FIRES THAT START MAY SPREAD QUICKLY AND BE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING. 

 PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... 

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EITHER OCCURRING OR IMMINENT. PLEASE ADVISE THE APPROPRIATE OFFICIALS AND FIRE CREWS IN THE FIELD OF THIS RED FLAG WARNING.

Colorado Emergency Management Conference Presentations

The links to the presentations offered at the 2012 Colorado Emergency Management Conference will be taken down on Friday, April 6.  If you would like access to the presentations after that time please contact your CDEM Field Manager or you can contact Micki Trost at micki.trost@state.co.us.

Public Information Contact for Lower North Fork Fire

Contact Ryan Lockwood at Ryan.Lockwood@ColoState.edu for updates on the Lower North Fork Fire. 

Due to the significant winter weather that has moved into the area, management of the Lower North Fork Fire will be turned back to the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) from the Great Basin Type 1 Incident Management Team today, April 3, 2012, at 12 noon.  This is a change from the original plan to transition to the local Jefferson County Type 3 Incident Management Team. 

A number of engines and firefighting crews will remain on the fire under the supervision of the CSFS to monitor and conduct any remaining control efforts.

Information received from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office on 4/3/2012 for #LowerNorthForkFire.

Training Course Request Forms for Emergency Managers

Emergency Managers requesting a training course for their staff or jurisdiction should now use the Course Coordination Request Form.  This is the first step required when requesting a training course through the state.  Forms should be submitted at least 90 days prior to the date requested to Robyn Knappe at robyn.knappe@state.co.us.  After the form is received you will be contacted to confirm the information and course.

View the Word format of the Course Coordination Request Form.
View the PDF format of the Course Coordination Request Form.

Safety Precaution Information for Residents Returning to Lower North Fork Fire Area

If you are returning to your home in the area of the Lower North Fork Fire, please read this safety information provided by the Jefferson County Public Health and the Incident Management Team Safety Officer. This is a must read for anyone moving back into the areas affected by the Lower North Fork Fire.

Returning Home Safety Information Flyer

Please continue to visit www.jeffcosheriff1.blogspot.com for current information on the incident as well as safety information.