Personal Safety is a priority

In a wildfire, personal safety is the first and most critical priority. Secure your belongings only if it is safe to do so and will not delay your evacuation.

Prepare in advance so that you can act quickly when an evacuation order is given. 

Prioritizing belongings during an evacuation

In a rapidly developing wildfire, you may not have time to gather everything. Focus on the most critical items first by following the "6 P's" method: 

• People and pets: The most important priority is ensuring all household members and animals are safe and accounted for.
• Papers: Gather important legal, financial, and insurance documents. Consider storing digital copies on a cloud server or a USB drive in case physical documents are lost.
• Prescriptions: Collect a two-week supply of medications, medical equipment, and eyeglasses.
• Pictures: Grab irreplaceable family photos and other cherished memorabilia.
• Personal Computer: If feasible, take your hard drives and other electronic devices containing important data.
• Plastic: Bring credit cards, cash, and other forms of payment. 

Steps to take before a wildfire threatens

Advance preparation is key to protecting your valuables without sacrificing safety during an emergency. 

Inventory your possessions

• Create a home inventory: Document your home's contents with photos and videos. This is crucial for insurance claims after a fire.
• Keep records secure: Store inventory records and photos in multiple locations, such as on the cloud, on a secure USB drive, or in a safe deposit box. 

Secure important documents and data

• Use fire-resistant containers: Keep important documents like birth certificates, passports, and insurance policies in a high-quality, fire-resistant safe or lockbox.
• Leverage cloud storage: For digital files like tax documents, family photos, and computer backups, use cloud-based storage services. This keeps them safe even if your physical devices are destroyed.
• Store duplicates off-site: Keep backup copies of essential documents with a trusted relative or in a bank safe deposit box that is outside of the fire risk area. 

Prepare a "Go Bag"

• Assemble a portable kit: Pack a "Go Bag" with essential items like clothing, a first-aid kit, and enough non-perishable food and water for 72 hours.
• Make it easy to carry: Use backpacks for essential items and a wheeled tub for heavier supplies to make transport easier.
• Keep it accessible: Store the Go Bag in a cool, dry, and easily accessible place in your home, vehicle, or office. 

Storing non-essentials during fire season

For items that you do not need to take with you, consider these options for protection:

• Portable storage units: These weather-resistant containers can be delivered to your property, allowing you to pack and organize belongings. They can then be moved to a secure, off-site location for greater protection.
• Off-site storage facilities: Rent a self-storage unit in an area with a low fire risk to house valuable items like electronics, furniture, or heirlooms.
  • Use durable containers: Pack items in airtight plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes, which can let in smoke and soot.
  • Don't store flammable materials: Never store flammable items like gasoline, propane, or aerosol cans, as these create a significant fire hazard. 

Steps to take during an evacuation warning

If a wildfire is approaching, and you have time to prepare, take these additional steps to protect your property and belongings:

• Dress to prevent burns - wear long pants, boots, goggles, cap, bandana if you have them, but don’t waste time looking
• Move combustibles away: Bring in combustible outdoor furniture, doormats, trash bins, and anything else that can burn. Move propane tanks and BBQ appliances away from structures.
• Secure your home: Close all windows and doors, but leave them unlocked for firefighters. Close interior doors to prevent drafts.
• Turn on exterior lights: This helps firefighters locate your home in the dark and smoke.
• Park to face outward: Park your vehicle facing away from the fire and loaded with your Go Bag for a quick exit. 
• Ladders and water hoses: Place a ladder against the house (for debris removal) and have water hoses connected to exterior faucets. Fill large containers with water to provide a water source for firefighters if they are on your property.

Steps to take during an evacuation order

If the evacuation order comes, act immediately.  Load people and pets and GO!  Follow the pink arrows or other traffic direction.  Fires and other hazards driven by the Boulder winds or down the canyons can be there in minutes. 

The department maintains a shelter and family rendezvous point at the New Life Church, 28th and Jay Road.  When you reach the Church, sign in so we can monitor your safety and status.  If you cannot get to the church, call 303 440 0235 with a brief report so we’ll know your family status.

For detailed instructions on evacuation preparation, emergency alerts, and evacuation pre-planning, please see Evacuation Preparation.