When I first moved to this city, an elderly neighbor shared some advice with me.

He said that in Colorado Springs, you never know what nature will do, so you should always be prepared. At first, I thought he was just a worrywart, but as time went on, I realized he was absolutely right. Wildfires, heavy snow, floods, hail... this area is exposed to a surprisingly wide range of natural disasters.

The most frequent natural disaster in the Colorado Springs area is wildfire. The combination of a dry climate, strong winds, and the vast surrounding forested areas increases the risk of wildfires. The Waldo Canyon Fire in 2012 was one of the most destructive wildfires in El Paso County's history, destroying hundreds of homes. Extra caution is needed during the dry summer months, and it's important to regularly check the fire danger index on the El Paso County Emergency Management website.

To prepare for wildfires, the first step is to create defensible space by clearing flammable plants within 30 feet of your home. It's also essential to have a Go Bag ready for immediate evacuation. A Go Bag should include copies of important documents, medications, three days' worth of food and water, extra clothing, a flashlight, and chargers. If you have pets, make sure to include pet supplies as well. It's advisable to identify at least two evacuation routes in advance.

Winter snow and blizzards should not be taken lightly. Thanks to the Chinook wind, Colorado Springs has relatively mild winters, but when a powerful winter storm hits, roads can become impassable for days. During a blizzard, it's best to stay indoors and wait it out. It's recommended to stock at least 72 hours' worth of emergency food and water, and if possible, a week's worth. Consider alternative heating methods in case your heating system fails.

Flash floods can occur unexpectedly during the summer thunderstorm season. There are several rivers in the Colorado Springs area, such as Fountain Creek, where sudden heavy rain can lead to rapid flooding. If a flash flood watch or warning is issued, you should immediately avoid areas near rivers and low-lying roads. Never attempt to drive through flooded roads; detouring is the safer choice. Always remember the American emergency evacuation principle: Turn around, do not drown.

Registering for an emergency alert system is fundamental to life in Colorado Springs. By signing up for the CodeRED system operated by El Paso County, you can receive immediate notifications via text and automated calls for weather alerts, wildfire evacuation orders, and other emergencies. The FEMA App and Weather.gov app also provide real-time weather alerts and emergency information. Simply installing these apps and enabling notifications can cover half of your preparedness.

Having a home emergency kit is also important. The basic contents recommended by the Red Cross include one gallon of water per person per day (at least for three days), three days' worth of emergency food (canned goods, dried foods, etc.), a flashlight with extra batteries, a first aid kit, a whistle, dust masks, moist towelettes, basic tools, a can opener, local maps, a phone charger, and a power bank. With these supplies, you can safely endure the initial 72 hours of most emergencies.

The most important lesson I've learned from living in this city for a long time is that disaster preparedness starts not from anxiety, but from a calm readiness. If you prepare in advance, you can respond calmly and without panic when an actual situation arises. Make an emergency plan with your family, and establish emergency contact methods and meeting places in advance. It's especially important for households with pets to know the locations of shelters that can accommodate them during evacuations.