Archuleta County Sheriff's Office issues evacuation warning notice for floods

ARCHULETA COUNTY, CO — The Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office, is issuing a public announcement regarding Evacuation Warning status. All low-lying and flood prone areas along the San Juan, Rio Blanco, Navajo, and Piedra Rivers are in Evacuation Warning Notice. Public safety and the protection of life remain our primary objectives as critical weather conditions continue to impact flooding behavior. Sandbags are available at the Archuleta County Building at 1122 HWY 84 and the Tara Community Center at 333 Milton Ln, Arboles.

Active Evacuation Warning Zones along: San Juan River, Rio Blanco River, Navajo River and Piedra River.

Safety Guidelines:

Drive with Caution: Expect increased emergency vehicle traffic on major and minor access roads. Please be advised that river levels are rising, and potential flooding is expected in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Please expect localized
flooding, submerged riverbanks, and unsafe swift-water conditions. Avoid walking, playing, or camping near the riverbanks. Never drive through flooded roads. Secure low-lying property and move equipment or outdoor items to higher
ground if necessary. Keep pets away from rising water.

Stay Informed: Conditions can change rapidly. Continue to Follow the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office Face Book Page or call the Public Call Center.

Information & Resources:
For continued updates on the Flooding Event and emergency announcements: Incident Call Center: (970) 508-9928.
Official Web & Social Media updates: Archuleta County Sheriff's Office Official Facebook Page.

Register with Nixle for Citizen Alerts & Warnings at
https://www.archuletacounty.gov/services/citizens-alert-nixle.

Evacuation Terminology:

Evacuation Warning
An Evacuation Warning is when public safety officials issue a warning that there is a high possibility of an evacuation due to an imminent threat that poses a risk to life or property.
▪ Instruction (Warning Goal): The warning will be sent to allow residents to have time to start preparing their method of transportation and gathering of their belongings.
▪ Public Messaging:
1. Arrange transportation, confirm your evacuation plan, gather items from your home, be ready to leave and if you feel you are in danger leave immediately.
2. People with access and functional needs or with large animals should act now.
Evacuation Order

An Evacuation Order is when public safety officials are ordering residents to leave immediately if located within the designated evacuation area.
▪ Instruction (Evacuation Order Goal): Residents are ordered to leave with time to get to a safe place.
▪ Public Messaging:
1. The incoming threat poses an extreme risk for loss of life and property in designated areas. Residents who refuse to comply with an evacuation order will not be forcibly removed from their home.
2. You should not expect rescue or lifesaving assistance after the onset of the emergency event.
3. You may be stranded for several days.
4. Authorities will return people home as soon as it is safe to do so.

5. Arrange transportation, confirm your evacuation plan, gather items from your home and be ready to leave.