Living or vacationing in the mountains of Summit County is magical and filled with adventure. However, it can also be filled with dangerous winter conditions. Being prepared for winter weather is key to ensuring your winter life or vacation doesn't become an emergency. Follow these tips to ensure your home, vehicle and family are prepared for whatever winter may bring.
Please note that the Town of Blue River does not have emergency shelters. If there is a loss of power, we ask that you remain in your home and not travel. In addition, please keep calls to law enforcement and emergency services to emergencies only by calling 9-1-1.
For snow removal operations the Town's plow contractor will go out when there is 4"+ of snow. At times, plow operations are delayed conducting operations. This to ensure roads are cleared at the best time during a storm. It does take our plow contractors 9 1/2 hours to plow the entire town. In addition, berms that are created in front of driveways are part of plow operations and the responsibility of the homeowner to remove. During events, the Police, Town Manager and Plow Contractor keep in communication and will address areas in need to ensure emergency access remains open on all roads. If you have a concern about a road, please utilize the Town's road report form: Capital & Road Maintenance Projects | Town of Blue River (colorado.gov). This is submitted directly the Town Manager and will be addressed immediately.
We highly recommend checking all road conditions for highways and interstates prior to any travel in and out of the mountains during winter. Prior to traveling, please visit www.cotrip.org for the latest road information.
We encourage you and your guests to sign up for area alerts including SCAlert and TextMyGov. This will enable both you and our visitors to stay in the know during an event or emergency. You can find more information about winter weather preparation here: Winter Weather | Ready.gov
Winter Driving
General Preparedness Actions
- Expect snow covered roads with blowing snow creating whiteout conditions. Stay off the roads if possible!!!!
- If trapped in your car, then stay inside.
- The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
- Keep utility connections outside of your home clear of snow and protected from falling snow.
- Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.
- Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power.
- Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Remember the needs of your pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.
- Be prepared for winter weather at home, at work and in your car. Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water and non-perishable snacks.
- Keep a full tank of gas.
- Stay away from downed power lines. Always assume an electric line, even one that is on or near the ground, is energized and therefore dangerous. Never, under any circumstance, touch or move a downed power line. If you come across a downed power line, leave the area and report it immediately by calling 1-800-895-1999.
Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
Power Outages
Customers can help Xcel Energy get a jump on power restoration by reporting outages. Customers have a number of ways to report their outage:
- Xcel Energy mobile app available on iOS and Android
- Online at xcelenergy.com/out
- Text ‘OUT’ to 98936 to report an outage, or text STAT to the same number to check the status of a power outage.
- Call 1-800-895-1999 and follow the prompts—the automated phone reporting system lets customers report outages in less than 60 seconds. Once the cause of the problem is identified, the system or an Xcel Energy representative will provide customers with an estimated restoration time.
Additionally, the Xcel Energy website hosts an outage map that displays information on the number of customers out and anticipated time for restoration. Customers can also stay informed by following Xcel Energy on Facebook and Twitter.
Generator Safety
Generators can be helpful when the power goes out. It is important to know how use them safely to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and other hazards.
- Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.
- Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill you, your family and pets.
- Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause electrical shock.
- Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
- Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Home Preparedness Tips
- Keep a 5-gallon water jug around full of water. The water can then be used to fill toilet tanks if the power goes out.
- Keep extra bottles of water handy for drinking.
- Have extra blankets on hand.
- If possible have a generator installed for back up power.
- If you have a fireplace or wood stove, ensure you have plenty of firewood with instructions on use.
- Ensure you have flashlights and batter operated lanterns with extra batteries.
- When a storm advisory or warning is issued, fill a bath tub with water. The water can be used to fill toilets or if needed cooking.
- Keep small camping supplies and propane tanks available for cooking.
