It feels like we’ve had quite a few conversations lately about a number of different topics (construction, economy, wildfire, drought and more) that have a common thread — the need for our community to be resilient, and the need to support one another as a community.
Many are stepping up to explore our downtown area to show their support to help our local businesses stay strong through the ongoing road reconstruction, shoulder season for tourism and economic uncertainties, and we hope more will soon realize we have some pretty awesome things available all over town. In addition to frequenting our favorite establishments, we’ll also be setting out soon to shop for some birthday gifts, and we’re excited to see what’s new in our local stores since we were there last.
We also need to be resilient because of where we live.
Many are drawn to the area’s beauty, but we have to keep in mind that beauty comes with risks and we need to be ready year-round to respond quickly to conditions, whether that be a heavy winter storm that has knocked out power or dry lightning that leads to a wildfire.
Despite this week’s wonderful rain and snow, we live in a fire-prone environment, and we need to be ready for fire, just like in the winter we need to be ready for snow.
Coincidentally thousands in Pagosa Country also experienced a power outage this week due to what La Plata Electric Association reported to be caused by a “wildlife encounter.”
According to the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS), just under half of all Coloradans live in the wildland-urban interface and are at risk of wildfire.
The good thing is, we can all take steps to be more prepared for the expected, making us more resilient as a community and putting us in a position where we can hopefully help others who are not able to be as resilient.
May is Wildfire Awareness Month, as proclaimed by Colorado’s governor, and the CSFS notes via a press release, “It is imperative that Coloradans who live in and around natural vegetation and are most at risk of wildfire take actions to prepare for wildfire.”
As we reported last week, fire potential for our area is forecast to be above normal.
The CSFS and local fire and fire mitigation officials encourage the following actions to prevent wildfire risk:
Regularly clear leaves, pine needles and other debris from your deck, roof and gutters.
Rake and remove pine needles and leaves 5 feet from your home.
Store firewood at least 30 feet from your home, preferably uphill, and never on or under your deck.
Move items under your deck or porch to a storage area.
Prune branches hanging over your roof and within 10 feet of your chimney.
Remove flammable material within 6 vertical inches of your home’s siding.
Mow grasses to 4 inches or less within 30 feet of your home.
Clear brush, shrubs and other plants within 10 feet of propane tanks and gas meters.
Screen attic, roof, eaves and foundation vents and wall-in areas below decks and stilt foundations with 1/8-inch metal mesh.
The CSFS, and local officials, also encourage being ready to evacuate in the event of a fire, with the CSFS offering the following tips:
Make an evacuation plan for people and pets.
Prepare a go-bag and disaster supplies kit.
Sign up for emergency notifications from your local office of emergency management.
Ensure home address signs are visible from the street.
Identify at least two ways out of your neighborhood and a safe place for you to go.
Practice evacuating your home with your family and pets.
Create a family emergency communication plan.
Together, we can be resilient and build a stronger community in this beautiful place.
Randi Pierce
