Stage 1 fire restrictions, enacted for unincorporated areas of western Boulder County.

Flood

Flood

Massive flooding continues to hit Colorado Floods typically occur between April in October in Boulder County and impact areas along streams and rivers, canyons, ditches, and low-lying areas.

Before a flood:

  • Know your neighborhood flood history and low-lying areas.
  • Consider purchasing flood insurance; most homeowner’s policies do not cover damage from rising water. Your insurance agent will have more information about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
  • Determine if your home and workplace are in a flood plain.
  • Stay alert for changing weather conditions.
  • When conditions indicate the potential for flooding, get out of low-lying areas, canyons and areas downstream from dams.
  • If flooding becomes very likely, consider filling up sinks, bathtubs and other containers with clean water.

During a flood:

  • If you receive a flash flood warning, move to higher ground immediately. If you can evacuate safely and have been instructed to do so, move quickly.
  • If you cannot evacuate safely, go to the highest floor in your house. Take your emergency supplies with you.
  • Do not attempt to cross water that is above your knees.
  • Do not drive over a flooded area or around barricades. Abandon a stalled vehicle and immediately move to higher ground.
  • Avoid moving water – six inches can knock you off your feet, and 18-24 inches can float a car.
  • Avoid standing water – it will likely be contaminated and contain large amounts of debris.

After a flood:

  • Follow the instructions of authorities and obey posted warnings.
  • Wait for officials to determine if the water is safe to drink.
  • Throw away water and food that has come into contact with floodwater.
  • Check for utility outages. Utilities will have to be turned back on by a professional.
  • Continue monitoring radio and television for information on weather and recovery efforts.
  • Consider asking a professional to evaluate your home for mold.
  • Use bleach to clean up – it is effective in killing germs, and can also be used to purify water to drink (10-20 drops of plain bleach per gallon of water).

View information about current stream, ditch, and reservoir levels.