Colorado · Preparedness Guide
Ready for what Colorado actually throws at you.
Winter wildfires driven by 100-mph winds, Front Range floods that destroy 200 miles of highway overnight, avalanche country above 10,000 feet, and a drought that is reshaping the entire Colorado River Basin.
About this guide
Built for Colorado. Not everywhere.
Colorado's hazard profile breaks rules. The Marshall Fire on December 30, 2021 — in the middle of winter — was driven by 100+ mph winds across drought-parched grass and destroyed 1,084 structures in Boulder County in hours. It was the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history and proved that fire season is no longer seasonal. The September 2013 Front Range floods dropped 15 inches in 48 hours, killed 8 people, and destroyed 200+ miles of highway across a dozen counties — $2B in damage. Colorado's mountains face avalanche risk every winter. Its eastern plains generate some of the most violent tornadoes in the country. And the Colorado River — which originates in the Rockies and supplies 40 million people downstream — is under historic stress. Altitude and terrain make every Colorado hazard more dangerous and help slower to arrive.
Local self-reliance starts with knowing your place.
Quick facts
Top hazards: Wildfires, Flooding & Flash Floods, Blizzards & Winter Storms
CO has expanded Medicaid — adults up to 138% FPL may qualify
USDA hardiness zones: 3a (high mountain valleys / South Park) to 7a (western slope / Grand Junction)
Unemployment: up to $844/week for 26 weeks
Free or low-cost soil testing available through the state extension service
Seven topics, one state
What this guide covers.
Each section focuses on one question. Find what you need without wading through what you don't.
Local Risk Readiness
Official maps and tools for flood, fire, earthquake, water, dam, river, and local hazard awareness.
Am I at risk? →
Local Learning
Find nearby courses, extension programs, and emergency training that build practical skills.
Where do I learn? →
Local Community
Connect with local gatherings, neighbor-help efforts, civic groups, and community support networks.
What's happening near me? →
Local Emergency
Find official alerts, emergency agencies, trauma centers, and crisis-response information near you.
Who do I call? →
Local Gardening
Use local frost dates, planting zones, soil data, extension calendars, and composting guidance.
What can I grow? →
Local Safety Net
Find food, utility, health, unemployment, and 211 resources before hardship becomes crisis.
Where can I find help? →
Local Transportation
Find your county transit provider, demand-response ride service, and carpool matching options.
How do I get around? →
Checklists
Simple step-by-step preparedness checklists for your home, family, garden, documents, and local risks.
What do I do next? →
Get specific
Make it personal to your county.
Enter your ZIP code to see real-time weather alerts, drought conditions, FEMA disaster declarations, and county-level resources.
Next steps
Where do you want to go next?
Know your risks
See what's actually likely where you live.
Flood zones, hazard maps, and the CO risks that apply to your county.
Local Risk ReadinessBuild the basics
Start with three days of self-reliance.
The universal first step — before you personalize, get the 72-hour foundation in place.
First 72 Hours