Best Sources for Information on Colorado Wildfires
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With fires burning across Colorado, this year is shaping up to be one of the worst wildfire seasons in decades. It is very important for Coloradans living in fire-prone areas or areas that are currently facing the threat of wildfire to be aware of the best sources of up-to-date information.
Wildfire is an unfortunate reality many Coloradans may have to face. Your family should have an emergency plan and be prepared at all times to comply with evacuation orders. If you live in a fire-prone area, I highly recommend you visit this website to learn how to prepare for evacuation and protect your property: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/home_fire_prev/wildfire/.
Even if you do not live in an area directly affected by wildfire, smoke inhalation can cause problems for Coloradans with health issues, the very young and the elderly. Call LungLine at 800-222-LUNG, to talk to registered nurse if you are experiencing symptoms, such as difficulty breathing normally, cough with or without mucus, chest discomfort, wheezing and shortness of breath. More health recommendations for wildfire smoke: http://www.nationaljewish.org/about/mediacenter/pressreleases/2012/wildfire-smoke/.
Here are some key resources Coloradans should be aware of:
InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org
InciWeb is an interagency one-stop-shop for regular updates on all major incidents (in this case, wildfires) across the United States. The system was developed to provide the public a single source of incident related information on firefighting activities, evacuations and public meetings.
FEMA-Ready.gov: http://www.ready.gov/wildfires
Ready.gov is a national campaign designed to prepare Americans for both natural and man-made emergencies. It contains valuable advice on how families can plan and prepare for wildfire evacuations.
FloodSmart: http://www.floodsmart.gov/
Coloradans living in and around burn areas are especially vulnerable to flooding. Floodsmart is FEMA's gateway for property owners interested in accessing the National Flood Insurance Program. The Web site contains information on eligibility, insurance agents and how to file a claim.
Colorado 2-1-1: http://211colorado.org/
Dial 2-1-1. This switchboard helps make connections, via referrals, between individuals and families in need and the appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies.
Help Colorado Now: http://www.helpcoloradonow.org/
Help Colorado Now is a newly created site by Gov. Hickenlooper and the Colorado Division of Emergency Management created as a central resource for information on how you can help those affected by the Colorado wildfires.
RMPBS - Colorado Fires: http://www.rmpbs.org/coloradofires/
In response to the devastation of the Colorado fires, Rocky Mountain PBS has created a list of organizations and resources that offer tips, information and guidance about how to help and how to receive help during this critical time.
Fire Restrictions and Risk (by County): http://www.coemergency.com/p/fire-bans-and-fire-danger-rating.html