Colorado Division of Emergency Management

VHF/UHF Narrow-Band Requirements

2012-01-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

Requirements

By January 1, 2013, all radios operating below 512 MHz. will be required to move to narrow-band operation. This impacts all Public Safety service radio systems not already on narrow band channels. It is not too late to begin planning and budgeting for this, as it will require changing out your radios for ones that are capable of narrow band operation.

FCC Actions

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), reacting to the crowding of the radio spectrum, studied various methods to help alleviate the over-crowding on the radio bands. With the increase of personal communications devices – from baby monitors to cell phones – there had been a veritable explosion of use of radio frequencies. The FCC came up with the plan of “splitting” each current wide-band 25 kHz channel into two 12.5 kHz channels. Thus, we have more radio spectrum for use, but everyone has to buy new equipment if their current radios cannot use narrow-band frequencies.

Radio Licenses

Radio licenses will need to be re-licensed for narrow-band frequencies, and agencies will not be able to “grandfather” their use of wide-band channels. If you don’t re-license, you will probably loose your frequency to someone else and incur additional expense in re-programming all your radio gear to the new narrow-band frequency allocated to you by the FCC.

In planning/budgeting for this, you should consider radio equipment that can use your current wide-band channels and be programmed for the new narrow-band use when you get re-licensed. That way, you can stagger your purchases and not have new radios sitting in the closet waiting for the new license and change-over to the narrow-band frequency.

All agencies will not be moving at the same time, and the new inter-operable UHF/VHF frequencies will co-exist with the old wide-band channels until 1-1-2013.

Recommendations

What we recommend is to program your new radios with both the “old” wide-band FERN, NLEEC, HEAR, and SAR channels in one bank or group on the radio, and then program in the “new” narrow-band inter-operable channels VLAW, VFIRE, VTAC, etc., into another bank or group. Hopefully, your new radios will have a display of a channel name and not just a channel number. That way, when someone says “Go to FERN 1” you just go to the display for “FERN 1”. If the channel to be used is “VFIRE 21”, just go to where it displays “VFIRE 21”. That way there is no confusion of whether the channel to be used is wide or narrow-band.

The “old” names – FERN, NLEEC, HEAR, etc. – will not be used when the new narrow-band channels are used. Instead, we will use the new National Public Safety Telecommunications Council channel naming convention – VCALL 10, VTAC 11-14, VFIRE 21-26, VLAW 31-32, VMED 28-29 etc.

For more information on the VHF/UHF narrow-band requirements contact Jack Cobb, DEM Communications Manager, at Jack.Cobb@state.co.us.

Download a copy this VHF/UHF Narrow-Band Requirements article.

DEM Weekly Update ~ January 27, 2012

2012-01-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

Colorado Division of Emergency Management Weekly Update January 27

Topics included in the Weekly Update include:

2012 Emergency Management Conference and Trivia Question
Kudos Board
Citizen Corps
VHF Narrow Band Information
Wide Area Recovery and Resiliency Program
Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program
Resources Focused on Emergency Management and Education
Training Information

Please contact Micki Trost, DEM PIO, at Micki.Trost@state.co.us with any questions or comments.

Course Announcement: G290 Basic Public Information Officer

2012-01-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

Basic Public Information Officer

The two day course is intended for the public information officer (PIO). The emphasis is on the basic skills and knowledge needed for emergency management public information activities or as a refresher. Mock interviews will be videotaped.

Target Audience
Individuals who may assume a public information role in expanding emergency incidents.

Date:    April 28 - 29, 2012

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Where:    Alpine Rescue Team Headquarters
                  28802 Rainbow Hills Road, Evergreen, CO 80439

Register: COTRAIN, Course #: 1024974
                  This course is first come, first served. No charge.
                  Contact Robyn Knappe for assistance with registration at
                  Robyn.Knappe@state.co.us.
                  Lodging is available upon request by contacting Robyn Knappe.

Recommended Prerequisites

NIMS IS-700
IS-800
IS-100
ICS-200

Contact: Stephen Wilson at stephen.m.wilson@ulalaunch.com
Robyn Knappe at Robyn.Knappe@state.co.us

View the G-290 Basic Public Information Course Flyer for more information.

Course Announcement: ICS 400

2012-01-24T12:50:00.001-07:00

ICS-400 Advanced ICS Principles

ICS-400 provides training on and resources for personnel who require advanced application of the Incident Command System (ICS). The course expands upon information covered in the ICS-200 and ICS-300 courses. Attendance both days is mandatory.

Personnel must have completed the following Incident Command System Courses or an equivalent to these courses: ICS-100 Introduction to ICS, ICS-200 Basic ICS, ICS-300 Intermediate ICS and IS-700 NIMS.

Date: February 23-24, 2012

Time:           8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Location:     Kinsco
                    1530 Skyway Drive, Longmont, CO 80504

Register:      COTRAIN, Course #: 1006001

Contact:       Robyn Knappe at Robyn.Knappe@state.co.us or 720-852-6617.

Download the ICS-400 Course Flyer for more information on this training.

Course Announcement: ICS 300

2012-01-24T12:32:00.001-07:00

ICS-300 Intermediate ICS Principles

ICS-300 provides training on and resources for personnel who require advanced application of the Incident Command System (ICS). The course expands upon information covered in the ICS-100 and ICS-200 courses. Attendance both days is mandatory.

Personnel must have completed the following Incident Command System Courses or an equivalent to these courses: ICS-100: Introduction to ICS, ICS-200: Basic ICS, and IS-700 NIMS.

Date:    February 21-22, 2012

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Location: Kinsco
    1530 Skyway Drive, Longmont, CO 80504

Register: COTRAIN, Course ID: 1006001
   This course is first come, first served. No charge. No lodging.

Contact: Robyn Knappe at Robyn.Knappe@state.co.us or 720-852-6617

View the ICS-300 Course Flyer for more information.

Course Announcement: Disaster Sheltering for Companion Animals

2012-01-23T11:50:00.001-07:00

Disaster Sheltering for Companion Animals is designed to help communities of any size actively and formally prepare for disasters affecting both animals and humans. Natural or man-made disasters can strike at any time, and depending on their scope and severity, the local community needs to be equipped to handle the resulting influx of dogs, cats and other small companion animals.

Dates:          March 23-24, 2012

Time:           9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Location:     Westminster Public Safety Building
                     9110 Yates Street, Westminster, CO 80031

Cost:            $180

Registration and Course Information:
Visit the American Humane Association website for more information and to register.

Contact:      AEStraining@americanhumane.org

Course Announcement: Management of Financial Issues Related to a Disaster

2012-01-23T11:37:00.000-07:00

Please save February 13 for the training, the time will be 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and the location has not been determined. Please do not hesitate to contact Melinda Johnson at Melinda.Johnson@rmpdc.org if you have any questions! Registration will be on COTRAIN once a location has been confirmed.

Course Information

Before, during, and after a disaster, one of the major concerns for emergency management personnel is money. Questions often arise related to who is going to pay, what needs to be tracked, what should the impacted agency pay for, what is the impacted agency responsible for, what forms need to be utilized, how long will it take to receive money, and what disaster funds are available to various agencies. Many of these questions have continued to arise during the project focused on making the North Central All-Hazards Region Health and Medical Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) functional.

In an effort to address questions related to financial management of disaster costs and to educate participants in the MMRS MOU, the Denver MMRS is offering a day-long Disaster Finance Symposium. Objectives of the training include:

Review finance components of emergencies and disasters
Examine the declaration process for local, state, and federal governments
Discuss recovery considerations
Determine partnerships and agencies available for assistance
Review local policies and procedures to ensure the best results following an emergency or disaster
Discuss tools, forms and communications that will facilitate efficient utilization of the North Central Region’s Health and Medical MOU

The information presented is a collaboration of a financial symposium developed the Colorado Division of Emergency Management and information and best practices gathered from other states and hospitals that have successfully managed finances during a disaster involving healthcare agencies. The information is intended for hospital emergency managers, hospital financial managers, local emergency managers, local government financial personnel, purchasing and logistics staff, and any other positions that are actively involved with expenditures, financial tracking, or reimbursement related to an emergency or disaster.

Course Announcement: ICS 300

2012-01-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

ICS-300 Intermediate ICS Principles

ICS-300 provides training on and resources for personnel who require advanced application of the Incident Command System (ICS). The course expands upon information covered in the ICS-100 and ICS-200 courses. Attendance both days is mandatory.

Date:    February 14 - 15, 2012

Time:    8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Location:    South Metro Fire Administration Headquarters
   9195 E. Mineral Avenue, Centennial, CO 80112

Register: COTRAIN, Course ID #: 1005860
                      This course is first come, first served, No Charge. No lodging.

Target Audience:
Individuals who may assume a supervisory role in expanding emergency incidents.

Recommended Prerequisites:
NIMS IS-700, IS-800, ICS-100, ICS-200

For more information download the ICS 300 Course Announcement flyer or contact Robyn Knappe at 720-852-6617 or Robyn.Knappe@state.co.us.

DEM Weekly Update ~ January 20

2012-01-20T17:26:00.000-07:00

Colorado Division of Emergency Management Weekly Update January 20

Topics included in the Weekly Update include:

2012 Colorado Emergency Management Conference Registration
Emergency Management Program Guide for Colorado
Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Specific Task Books
Emergency Management Academy Reminder
Kudos to Share

Steve Steed, Teller County Emergency Manager
Carolyn Bluhm, City and County of Denver, OEM and HLS Community Relations Specialist
Lori Hodges, CDEM Field Manager
Jack Cobb, CDEM Communications Manager
CDEM Elected Officials Guide for Disasters and Emergencies

Denver CERT - It is Time to Grow
Job Announcements
Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program
Resources Focused on Emergency Management and Education
Training Information

Please contact Micki Trost, DEM PIO, at Micki.Trost@state.co.us with any questions or comments.

DEM Weekly Update January 13, 2012

2012-01-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

Colorado Division of Emergency Management Weekly Update January 13
Topics included in the Weekly Update include:

Scholarship application for 2012 Colorado Emergency Management Conference
CEMA Certification Committee isRecruiting Members
Job Opening with the Federal Emergency Management Agency
Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program
Resources Focused on Emergency Management and Education
Training Information

Please contact Micki Trost, DEM PIO, at Micki.Trost@state.co.us with any questions or comments.

Scholarship Application for Colorado Emergency Management Conference

2012-01-09T14:36:00.000-07:00

Scholarship Purpose:
The purpose of this scholarship is to provide funding to pay the registration fee ($150.00 in 2012) for an emergency manager (EM), an employee or volunteer working with a voluntary organization involved in emergency response, or a student to attend the Colorado Emergency Management Conference. This scholarship program is funded by proceeds derived from the silent auction held at the Colorado Emergency Management Conference and/or contributions from the Colorado Emergency Management Association (CEMA).

Procedure:
To be eligible for this scholarship, an applicant must be:

working EM in Colorado or staff
working with a voluntary organization – e.g. members of VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters)
a student enrolled in an EM or Homeland Security program in Colorado

Application:
The completed Colorado Emergency Management Conference Application must be received by email at CEMAapplications2012@gmail.com on or before February 3, 2012.

Due Dates:

Applications sent out no later than: January 9, 2012

Submit completed application no later than: February 3, 2012

Scholarship recipients notified no later than: February 10, 2012

Colorado EM Conference: March 6 – 8, 2012

Download the Colorado Emergency Management Conference Application for details on the process.

CEMA Certification Committee Recruiting Members

2012-01-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

The Colorado Emergency Management Association (CEMA) Certification Committee is looking for new members.

If you are a CEMA member and would like to volunteer to be on the Certification Committee, please contact Jim Lancy at 720-898-6876 or jlancy@arvada.org.

The time commitment involves one meeting each quarter. Meetings are held in person and by phone, allowing folks from all over the state to participate without having to drive out of area.

DEM Weekly Update January 6, 2012

2012-01-06T16:00:00.003-07:00

Colorado Division of Emergency Management Weekly Update January 6

Topics included in the Weekly Update include:

2012 Colorado Emergency Management Conference
Job Opportunities Available
Share Your Comments on the National Preparedness Report
Joint Budget Council Update
Creating Usable Web Sites
2011 DEM Customer Survey
Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program
Resources Focused on Emergency Management and Education
Training Information

Please contact Micki Trost, DEM PIO, at Micki.Trost@state.co.us with any questions or comments.

Two Job Opportunities Available with the Denver Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security

2012-01-06T10:52:00.002-07:00

The Denver Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security has posted two job opportunities.

Deputy Director
Emergency Exercise and Training Coordinator

The job descriptions and qualifications are listed on the Denver Human Resources page. Each of these postings are open until January 19. Go to the Denver Job Information page for more information or to apply.

Please share this information with anyone who may be interested or in your agency newsletters.

Training Course: ICS 400 Advanced ICS Principles

2012-01-06T10:26:00.000-07:00

ICS-400 provides training on and resources for personnel who require advanced application of the Incident Command System (ICS). The course expands upon information covered in the ICS-200 and ICS-300 courses. Attendance both days is mandatory.

Personnel must have completed the following ICS courses or an equivalant to these courses:

ICS 100: An Introduction to ICS
ICS 200: Basic ICS
ICS 300: ICS Intermediate
IS 700 NIMS

Course Date: January 16-17, 2012

Course Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. each day

Course Location: Florence Police Department

300 West Main, Florence, CO 81226

Target Audience: Individuals who may assume a supervisory role in expanding

emergency incidents.

Registration: COTRAIN, Course ID #1006001

This course is first come, first served.

No charge. No lodging.

Course Contacts:

Robyn Knappe at robyn.knappe@state.co.us or 720-852-6617

Scott Morrill at smorrill@gunnisoncounty.org or 970-641-2481

Download the ICS 400 Course Flyer.

Training Course: Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Train the Trainer

2012-01-03T15:42:00.001-07:00

Community Emergency Response Team Train the Trainer Course

Course Dates:     January 25, 26, and 27, 2012

Course Time:     8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Course Descripton:
The course introduces potential instructors to the CERT curriculum, covers administrative issues and prepares trainers to teach the class by demonstrating instructional methods. This course is required for all citizen instructors prior to teaching a class. Typically, CERT instructors act in a volunteer capacity.

Instructors come from a variety of disciplines that include emergency management, fire, law enforcement, and EMS; or citizen volunteers attending at the request of their sponsoring local CERT program.

Attendees that successfully complete the prerequisites and the course are added to the Colorado CERT Trainer database maintained by The Office of Preparedness located in the Division of Homeland Security.

Course Location:
Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office HQ - Training Room
13101 East Broncos Parkway, Centennial, CO 80112
Parking is FREE

Course Registration:    COTRAIN, Course ID #1031180

Target Audience: Future CERT course instructors

Additional Requirements/Prerequisites:
Certificate of Completion of the classroom CERT course and hands-on exercise (waivers only for Law Enforcement, Firefighters, and EMS Personnel); Certificates of completion -ICS 100 and 700; Background Check; Signed Train the Trainer Agreement; and a sponsoring agencies approval.

Please note that lunch is NOT provided, however, there are numerous locations nearby and an adequate lunch break will be provided. For more information download the course flyer or contact: Cathy Prudhomme or 720-852-6650.

Future CERT training information:

Denver CERT Program will also be having a CERT Train The Trainer (TTT) Course on weekends and evening hours for people who work and can’t make the weekday course. It will be in May 2012 and information will be out in late January.

During the Denver CERT TTT program they will be working with the trainers to help build a program within their community, business and faith based organizations. This class will be the beginning of a growing process. As a Program Manager, Denver will be there to help you create your CERT program for your organization and make it a successful one. Denver will be asking its participants to have the same prerequisites as the state program has to maintain continuity in Colorado.

For more information about the Denver CERT Program contact Carolyn Bluhm.

Training Course: Hospital All-Hazards Course (Pueblo)

2012-01-03T15:15:00.000-07:00

Colorado Medical Community

Dates Offered: January 10-11, 2011

Times Offered: This is a 4-Hour Course offered in the following sessions (please register for one):

JANUARY 10 - 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
JANUARY 10 - 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
JANUARY 11 - 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
JANUARY 11 - 1:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m.

Course Location: Pueblo City-County Health Department
3rd Floor, Conference Room C
101 W. 9th Street, Pueblo, CO 81003

This course is hosted by the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program and Pueblo City-County Health Department.

Class size limited to 35 per session.
There is no cost to attend.

RSVP to Loraine Greenwood by electronic submission; Fax-(719)583-9902; or E-Mail - loraine.greenwood@co.pueblo.co.us.

Emergency Operations Plan Templates

2011-12-30T14:04:00.000-07:00

In a follow-up to the November Emergency Manager Academy, two different templates for Emergency Operations Plans have been provided. These are based on the November 2010 Version of FEMA’s Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 101: Developing and Maintaining Emergency Operations Plans.

Neither FEMA nor the State is mandating a particular template, even though we prefer the ESF format for consistency with the National Response Framework. Each emergency manager can choose the one, or create a hybrid of both, that meets your jurisdiction’s needs. As you will see, the information within both is virtually the same. The only difference is how that information is organized. You can download each of the templates:

When using the templates you will see that each section/paragraph header of the templates is in black. Underneath each header, in grey, is a brief description of what should be contained in that section/paragraph. Sometimes multiple items should be addressed. For example, mass care covers sheltering, feeding, pet and service animal issues, medical support, access and functional needs populations, etc.

For more detailed assistance, please contract your DEM Regional Field Manager.

CDEM Weekly Update - December 30, 2011

2011-12-30T12:35:00.000-07:00

Colorado Division of Emergency Management Weekly Update ~ December 30, 2011

Topics included in the Weekly Update include:

DEM 2011 Customer Service Survey
Templates for Emergency Operations Plans
Emergency Management Conference Draft Agenda
INMA Managing Director Position Announcement
Educational Resources
Training Information

Please contact Micki Trost, DEM PIO, with any questions or comments.

Training Course: Advanced Incident Management/ Unified Command

2011-12-29T11:23:00.000-07:00

FREE TRAINING: MGT 344 Advanced Incident Management/ Unified Command

This is an ICS 400 Equivalent Course that is being taught by instructor’s from the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX).

You must register at www.co.train.org no later than January 13^th, 2012. If you register, you will be expected to attend the class. A minimum of twenty-six students must register to hold this course.

Course Logistics:

Date: January 24-25, 2012

Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Location: Colorado Springs Fire Department Complex

Registration: COTRAIN, Course ID 1031125

Course Prerequisites:

ICS 100
ICS 200
ICS 300
ICS 700
Any type of course on terrorism. An example is online course AWR 160

Download a copy of the Course Flyer for additional information.

Contact Kim Lee, South Central All-Hazards Region, with any questions at kalee@springsgov.com.

What Are You Doing To Prepare?

2011-12-28T16:56:00.001-07:00

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS QUIZ: WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO PREPARE?

Are you prepared for an emergency? Quiz yourself on the questions below to see just how prepared you are. If you don’t know the answer to some of the questions, visit Ready.gov or your local Office of Emergency Management for tips and resources that can help make sure you, your family, and your community are Ready.

• Does your local government have an emergency or disaster plan for your community? If so, do you know what it is?

• Do you know how to find the emergency broadcasting channel on the radio?

• Does your city/county have an emergency alert system? Is so, are you signed up to get alerts?

• Do you know your local evacuation routes? How would you get out of town from work? How about from home?

• Does your city/county have a Citizen Corps Council? (If you don’t know, visit www.citizencorps.com)

• In the last year, have you prepared or updated your Emergency Supply Kit with emergency supplies like water, food and medicine that is kept in a designated place in your home? Visit Ready.gov for an Emergency Supply Kit checklist.

• In the last year, have you prepared a small kit with emergency supplies that you keep at home, in your car or where you work to take with you if you had to leave quickly?

• In the last year, have you made a specific plan for how you and your family would communicate in an emergency situation if you were separated?

• Are you prepared to help your neighbor? In most emergencies, the best way to get help quickly is by working with your neighbors. Do you know anyone in your neighborhood who might need a little extra help preparing for or responding to an emergency?

• Have you established a specific meeting place for your family to reunite in the event you and your family cannot return home or are evacuated?

• In the last year, have you practiced or drilled on what to do in an emergency at home?

• In the last year, have you volunteered to help prepare for or respond to a major emergency?

• Have you taken first aid training such as CPR in the past five years?

CDEM Weekly Update December 22

2011-12-22T12:54:00.000-07:00

Colorado Division of Emergency Management Weekly Update ~ December 22, 2011

Topics included in the Weekly Update include:

WebEOC Mapper Updates
South East Colorado Blizzard and Statewide Winter Storm Overview
Colorado 2-1-1 Contact Information
2011 Denver CERT Program
Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) Update
FEMA Snow Assistance and Severe Winter Storm Policy
FEMA Announcement of the Whole Community Document to External Stakeholders
Educational Resources
Training Information

Please contact Micki Trost, DEM PIO, with any questions or comments.

After the Snow Stops

2011-12-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

The Denver Emergency Management Coordinator, Carolyn Bluhm, reminds us that the next challenge today is being concerned with the removal of the snow once it is done falling. Please be safe. It is going to be cold, icy and the snow is heavy and packed. Know your limits when removing snow and take it slow or break it into a couple of shifts to avoid over exertion emergencies.

In addition, please take a moment to check on your neighbors that maybe elderly, have a mobility concern or have any other functional needs to see if they need any assistance.

For additional information visit their website www.denvergov.org/oem.

Morning Weather Forecast and Status Updates

2011-12-22T08:55:00.002-07:00

The Colorado Division of Emergency Management will be posting current weather status and forecast throughout the day as we complete conference call updates with the National Weather Service Boulder.

8 AM Weather Status Update

The snow will be tapering off today from the North moving South today. Currently the line is around Ft. Collins and we should see the storm moving out of the area to the South around Noon to 2 p.m. this afternoon with an additional accumulations. Winds will be still be from the North tapering off also as the storm moves out this morning and very diminished winds by noon. We should see winds 8-12 MPH West of I-25 and 10-15 MPH East of I-25

Current Accumulations & Anticipated new accumulations:

Foothills 6-9k Ft. received 18-24 inches and will see new accumulations of 3-6 inches
West of the Metro Area received 9-14 inches and will see new accumulations of 2-4 inches
North of the Metro Area received 3-6 inches and will see new accumulations of around 1 inch.
South of the Metro Area received 9-12 inches and will see new accumulations of 2-5 inches
East of the Metro Area received 4-6 inches and will see new accumulations of 1-2 inches.
DIA received 4-6 inches and will see new accumulations of 1-2 inches.
Metro Area - Downtown received 7-10 inches and will see new accumulations of 1-2 inches
Palmer Divide received 12-15 inches and will see new accumulations of 2-5 inches.

Currently No actions to activate the State EOC at this time. Currently OPS and Situation are working in the EOC maintaining situational awareness.

10 AM Weather and Status Update

A 9 a.m. conference call with the National Weather Service Boulder, local emergency managers and CDEM provided the following updates:

Snow fall remains about the same as this morning with 1-2 inches expected in the next couple of hours for most areas. In the foothills beginning in Morrision and continuing south to Castle Rock will receive 3-4 inches of snow.
All snow fall should come to an end between 3-5 p.m.
The weekend forecast is quiet on the weather front with a nice white Christmas.
Low temperatures in the 0-10 degree range will occur for a short time and begin warming up overnight.
Baca County has opened one shelter due to adverse road conditions. There are 71 people currently at the shelter.
There are no local emergency operations centers activated at this time.
There were no major road closures reported.
The State EOC has not been activated, however, Operations and Situation ESFs are working in the EOC to maintain situational awareness.
The next conference call will occur around noon.

1 PM Weather and Status Update

A 12 p.m. conference call with emergency managers from southern Colorado, CDOT, DOC, CSP and CDEM was coordinated by the South/South East Region Field Manager.

Each county shared information on snow fall totals and road conditions. County and cities are busy plowing snow.
Law Enforcement agencies are responding to motor vehicle slide offs.
Many of the counties and cities were closing offices early today and encouraging citizens to limit driving is possible.
There were no requests for resources made at this time.
There were no life safety issues.
There were no other conference calls scheduled for Thursday.

Contact Micki Trost, CDEM PIO, with any questions at micki.trost@state.co.us or 303-472-4087.

Are You Prepared? Step One: Create a Vehicle Emergency Preparedness Kit

2011-12-21T16:56:00.000-07:00

Winter has arrived full force in Colorado this week. And, the rest of the week snow and severe cold weather temperatures are forecast for much of Colorado. It is the perfect time to double check your vehicle's emergency kit or create one. Remember to take it slow and check the road and weather conditions before traveling across the state. If you have not put together your vehicle emergency preparedness kit use the check list below to get started.

Vehicle Emergency Preparedness Kit

In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car. This kit should include:

Jumper cables
Flashlights and extra batteries
First aid kit and necessary medications in case you are away from home for a prolonged time
Food items containing protein such as nuts and energy bars; canned fruit and a portable can opener
Water for each person and pet in your car
AM/FM radio to listen to traffic reports and emergency messages
Cat litter or sand for better tire traction
Shovel
Ice scraper
Warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change of clothes
Blankets or sleeping bags

Also consider:

A fully-charged cell phone and phone charger
Flares or reflective triangle
Baby formula and diapers if you have a small child
Pet food

Be prepared for an emergency by keeping your gas tank full and if you find yourself stranded, be safe and stay in your car, put on your flashers, call for help and wait until it arrives.

To join FEMA's Resolve to be Ready 2012 Campaign visit their website for information on other types of emergency preparedness kits and how to create your family emergency plan.