Evacuations

Depending on the type of emergency, you may need to take a different action. For instance, if a grass fire is threatening your home, you may need to evacuate. If a dangerous person is in your neighborhood or there's a hazardous materials incident, you may need to shelter in place.

Notifications

Emergency Notifications icon with ringing bellIt's important to subscribe and provide your preferred information to LookoutAlert, the system through which Broomfield residents can receive important emergency notification alerts of potential hazards and threats. Additionally, first responders in the field will do their best to notify you if there is a threat to your neighborhood. 

If you feel unsafe, though, don't wait for a notification. Take action to keep you and your family safe. 

Know Your Emergency Action Terms

Shelter in Place

There is a hazard in your area and you should remain or go indoors, not go outdoors, and not evacuate the area. This may be the safest strategy for hazardous materials, law enforcement, or other incidents wherein an evacuation could actually increase the danger to you.

  • Stay inside
  • Close and lock your doors and windows
  • Shut down your HVAC system is air quality is impacted
  • Wait for information from first responders before leaving your home

Voluntary Evacuation

There is a hazard in your area that may require you to evacuate in the near future. Everyone should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.

  • If you feel you are in danger and want to leave, do so.
  • If you need additional time to evacuate, you should consider leaving now.
  • If you need to arrange for transportation assistance, you should do so immediately.
  • If you have livestock or other large animals, you should consider removing them from the hazard area now.

As part of the evacuation process, a designated location will be chosen for large animal and small animal evacuation to be sure they are safe. Follow the information being communicated on the Current Emergency Status/Active Emergency Information page, on social media or your local news - when locations are identified, that information will be shared through those channels.

Mandatory Evacuation

There is a hazard in your area and you have been ordered to evacuate immediately. DO NOT DELAY – mandatory evacuation means you need to leave immediately! If you need assistance evacuating yourself or need help evacuating animals, call 911.

  • Get your "go kit" and leave your home.
  • Know multiple ways out of your neighborhood in case one exit route is blocked, closed or unpassable because of the emergency. 
  • Follow the information being communicated on the Current Emergency Status/Active Emergency Information page, on social media or your local news - an evacuation center will be designated and the information will be shared through those channels.
  • Go to a designated evacuation center or a safe meeting place that your family has planned for reunification. The evacuation center will provide information and be a safe place for you and your family.
  • Do not return to your home until the authorities lift the evacuation order.

Communication

  • Notify family members of your location and safety. Text messages may go through more easily than phone calls during a large-scale emergency.
  • Mark yourself "safe" on social media if you use those platforms.
  • Communicate with your employees if you own or manage a business.


After an Emergency

Whether you have been impacted by a tragedy or your community has, the recovery process can be a long one. You are not alone. There are resources to help you and there are avenues for you to help others. 

Following a disaster, many want to donate items for victims. However, rarely can organizations and cities take in and process all the physical donations. The best way to help others following a disaster or tragedy is to make a financial donation to an authorized and designated fund and to volunteer through your local volunteer organizations.