Emergency Alert Frequently Asked Questions
Read on for answers to our most commonly asked questions, and educational resources including digital handouts and videos on the topic of emergency alerting.
Are emergency alerts sent for every incident?
No, emergency alerts are not sent for every fire or other hazardous incident. They are sent at the request of our local first responders when they determine a need to alert the community of a significant threat to life safety.
Will emergency alerts come through if my phone is on a “do not disturb” setting?
No, but there is a way to work around this. Save 303-441-1400 as a contact in your phone, then adjust your settings to allow that contact to ring through when your phone is on “do not disturb”.
How can I view alert information and maps if I didn’t receive the alert?
You can view any emergency alert that has been sent throughout Boulder County at any time. Go to boco911alert.org to view the alert message, and a map of the alert area.
Can I receive alerts in another language?
Yes, to receive alerts in over 100 languages, download the ReachWell app and add the “BOCO Alert” widget.
Digital handouts that provide more context on Boulder County emergency alerts can be found in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Russian, and Nepali on the Office of Disaster Management Resource Library.
What do I do if I’m concerned that I haven’t received past alerts?
Start by checking your account at bocoalert.org to ensure that you have the most up to date contact info and addresses listed. If that information all looks correct, contact our 911 Communications Centers for support by e-mailing alerthelp@bouldercounty.gov.
Where can I find more information about emergency alerting?
For more on Boulder County’s emergency alert systems, and to sign up to receive alerts visit the Emergency Alert page of boulderodm.gov. Digital handouts and videos on emergency alerting can be found on the Resource Library page.
The Resource Library has digital handouts available in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Russian, and Nepali.
Digital Handouts
- How to Stay Informed with Emergency Alerts
- Understanding Emergency Alert Systems
- Emergency Alerting Process