Make sure you are registered to receive life-saving emergency alerts that will provide you with critical information and guidance on the actions you need to take to stay safe during disasters. Learn more about the different types of alerts, and sign-up for BOCO Alert or download and use the ReachWell app.
It’s important to understand the terms and information that are used in emergency alerts so that you can take the correct action to keep yourself safe. The following terms and descriptions provide information about the language used in emergency alerts in Boulder County.
The following terms go over the different types of alert severity and what each type means:
The following are the types of directive actions that will be sent in an alert, and their meaning:
The following chart provides an overview of all of the alert types that may be used in Boulder County in the communities of Boulder, Erie, Jamestown, Lafayette, Longmont, Louisville, Lyons, Nederland, Superior, Unincorporated Boulder County, and Ward.
Automatic
Using your senses and intuition, you are always your first alerting system.
Be aware of your environment. If you see, smell, hear, or sense a hazard, make decisions that will ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.
Opt-in
Text message pushed to cell phones.
Sign-up needed: Create or modify your account at www.BOCOAlert.org.
If you block or screen messages, consider adding 303-441-1400 as a contact in your phone and name the contact “Emergency Alert Opt-In”
Automatic
“Amber Alert style” notifications sent to your cell phone through the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system when first responders determine a general broadcast is necessary during an imminent life threat.
Ensure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are enabled in your cell phone settings.
Automatic
Everbridge Resident Connection is a database of residential and business phone numbers with an associated address in one of BOCO Alert’s jurisdictions.
Everbridge aggregates contact information from various publicly sourced databases which creates an additional list of community members for first responders to notify.
Any cell phones in this database will automatically receive text messages when alerts are sent. Resident Connection is not a substitute for opting in to messages at www.BOCOAlert.org.
Opt-in
Voice call to cell phones, landlines or VOIP phones.
Sign-up needed: Create or modify your account at www.BOCOAlert.org.
If you block or screen messages, consider adding 303-441-1400 as a contact in your phone and name the contact “Emergency Alert Opt-In”
Automatic
Voice call to Lumen landlines and Xfinity VOIP phones registered in the communities listed in the document title above.
Lumen landlines and Xfinity VOIP phones are automatically updated in our database quarterly. Phone numbers from any other vendors can be added in your opt-in account. Create or modify your account at www.BOCOAlert.org.
Automatic
Everbridge Resident Connection is a database of residential and business phone numbers with an associated address in one of BOCO Alert’s jurisdictions.
Everbridge aggregates contact information from various publicly sourced databases which creates an additional list of community members for first responders to notify.
Any cell phone numbers, landlines, and VOIP phones in this database will automatically receive a voice call when alerts are sent. Resident Connection is not a substitute for opting in at www.BOCOAlert.org.
Opt-in
Everbridge Public Safety App
Download the Everbridge Public Safety App to access alert message content and maps. If location services are enabled in the app, you will receive an alert when your cell phone enters Apps an active incident zone.
Opt-in
ReachWell Translation App Alerts are automatically sent to ReachWell Translation App, where users can access the content in over 100 languages. Alerts are received by opting into a unique ReachWell group and do not require sharing your location. Users will receive all alerts issued in all cities and towns in Boulder County.
Download the ReachWell App and search for “BOCO Alert” to utilize translation options and receive alerts without sharing your location.
Users will need to read the alert to determine if it applies to their current location.
Automatic for Flash Flood and Tornado Warnings
Due to immediate safety concerns during flash floods and tornados, opt-in account holders will receive information to all voice, text and email contacts if one of their addresses is within the area defined
by the National Weather Service.
Create an opt-in account at www.BOCOAlert.org.
Opt-in
Alert sent to e-mail.
Sign-up needed: Create or modify your account at www.BOCOAlert.org.
Automatic
Alert sent to AM/FM radio listeners and broadcast TV viewers through the Emergency Alert System (EAS) when
first responders determine a general broadcast is necessary during an imminent life threat.
May be received by anyone listening to AM/FM radio, or watching broadcast TV.
Automatic
Outdoor audible alert for flash flood warnings, tornado warnings, or upon request from first responders for other imminent life threats.
Sirens are located throughout some communities: Central and South Boulder, Eldorado Springs, Erie, Jamestown, Lafayette, Louisville, Lyons, and Superior.
