I truly believe that the alert system is failing big time.

Have to agree BearMtnHIB, we are ultimately responsible. But because of location there are some who would not necessarily even know that fire or other situation is bearing down on them. Getting a emergency alert notification would certainly provide some warning.

Even with some advance notice, some people may not even be able to get out if they only have one road out as do residents in the Upper Mockingbird area of Burland. When they finally get to a road that has two exits it may be jammed. And don't forget the poorly buried natural gas lines in the road that might act like an i.e.d. leaving no access out. So having some warning, using the 3 stages that Elk Creek Fire implemented would certainly be of help to most. Some knowing their circumstances might decide to leave when they receive the first stage warning and not wait knowing that 285 is going to be a parking lot as it is.

We are the point, it seems, that the sheriff's office and fire dept have decided to give notice via emergency alert notification and I doubt they will give it up because of expense, looking at it as more of a first line of defense. I think we are stuck with it BMHIB with more to come.

We are the point, it seems, that the sheriff's office and fire dept have decided to give notice via emergency alert notification and I doubt they will give it up because of expense, looking at it as more of a first line of defense. I think we are stuck with it BMHIB with more to come.

I don't have a problem with the emergency alert notification system- but I think of it as a courtesy service, and it's not somthing we should expect. Don't wait for the government to take care of us is all I'm saying, if you want or need them to take care of you- that's why they invented condo's.

Our local government will be all too happy to expand and grow into a monstrosity if we let them. And I agree that there is an automatic propensity for them to do just that- I've seen it happening in the last 30 years.

I'm not ready to let that happen in my community- people should find other ways to inform themselves.

When listening to the scanner on the Waldo fire, they were having explosions at the homes that were burning even though the natural gas line had been turned off. It was what was left in the lines that was burning and what the firefighters acknowledged several times.

With all the poorly buried natural gas lines in the roads in parkco even with the gas turned off there could be problems. People should have a back up plan, i.e. walking out with a backpack of essentials as an alternative or other plan. I am thinking that if firefighters are present that they might help walk people out to a safe location where they can then be transported out. But as fast as fire can travel I wouldn't count on it.

BearMtnHIB wrote:

We are the point, it seems, that the sheriff's office and fire dept have decided to give notice via an emergency alert notification and I doubt they will give it up because of expense, looking at it as more of a first line of defense. I think we are stuck with it BMHIB with more to come.

I don't have a problem with the emergency alert notification system- but I think of it as a courtesy service, and it's not somthing we should expect.

Exactly. It shouldn't be your FIRST line of alert but your LAST. Ideally, you should be getting the call as you are headed down 285 with your family, pets and valuables.

I remember in Jeffco, they first called everyone who had signed up, then had to start over with the just the evacuation area. That put them way behind in timely notifications.

I don't think any department has the manpower or vehicles to walk people out and then transport them. I've never heard of that happening anywhere.

One thing I do want to point out is many elderly people would not know even where to start if they needed to evacuate so please be a good neighbor and if at all possible provide them space in your car.

While I will get myself and my animals out if I had an elderly neighbor and there was time I would check in on them and make sure they knew what was going on.

Most of our neighbors are close to our age but believe me if there was time to just run over to the 5 or 6 houses that are the closest and make sure they are aware I would.

If we ever get a pre-evac notice all the important stuff gets pack first then we can make sure the neighbors know.

But I do agree it is not up to the government to tell me when to leave, if something was close we would have the animals out of here asap and some where safe even it it is a false alarm.

just my thoughts.

Raees wrote: I don't think any department has the manpower or vehicles to walk people out and then transport them. I've never heard of that happening anywhere.

Not really expecting it but more than likely firefighters or sheriff's deputies will be going door to door and if people get trapped, like on Upper Mockingbird or Conifer Mountain and can't get past the roadblock for whatever reason, like a natural gas explosion, I could see them or other people helping each other get out. Firefighters and deputies have radios. Can't count on it but wouldn't be surprised to see them manage a worst case scenario.

I would be inclined, if I am home, after taking care of family to contact the neighbors to make sure they know before packing stuff in the vehicles. Although that would be a judgment call depending on the circumstances. Usually there is enough family around and we have practiced enough times and all the smoke we have had recently, has made it more like what it could be like to have to evacuate.

I have to agree with BearMtnHIB as well. Don't wait for the government to take care of us. An emergency alert notification is all fine and well, but just like the idiot lights in your car - don't wait for that engine light to come on before you take 'er in for that oil change and rotation. Check the mileage and figure it out!

The more we depend on unwieldy infrastructure and technology the worse off we'll be when it fails...and it will fail sooner or later!