FAQs - Office Of Emergency Management
Active Response Agencies - What are the active response agencies and how can I help make a difference in my community?
If you are interested in helping out through the local volunteer programs, here are some links to point you in the right direction: Read more »
What do I do if my family or I am in danger or if my property is threatened?
Whenever you are in an immediately life threatening situation CALL 911. If you are worried about a potential fire, flood or landslide call OEM at 970-382-6274 for help finding further information or services. During an incident, listen to local radio, read the Durango Herald and watch the La Plata County website for updates and telephone hotline numbers.
Do not call 911 for general information. Read more »
What should I do to be prepared in the back country?
If you are traveling into the back country stay within your abilities. The middle of nowhere is not the place to test your limits. Talk to the locals about your route and learn as much as you can before you go. Learn how to read a map, use a compass, operate your GPS and make a fire. Leave your itinerary with a friend and a note on your car with emergency instructions. Your cell phone will not work in most of the forest.
Get a fishing license or hiking certificate (Hunting licenses and OHV registrations work too).
Emergency Plan - How can I develop an Emergency Plan for my business?
When developing an Emergency Plan for your business, start by identifying the hazards that may impact your facility directly or indirectly through the community. Develop plans to mitigate, or minimize, the impacts from the identified hazards. Train your employees on what to do in case of an emergency or disaster, and have easy to read, step by step instructions of procedures to follow for things like water shut off, security systems and evacuation. Plan for preparation/training, mitigation, response and don't forget recovery. Read more »
What does the Office of Emergency Management do for you?
La Plata County OEM helps to identify hazards that may affect life, property and the continuity of vital services. We prepare the County Government to be ready for possible disasters. OEM works to ensure coordination between the various response agencies like fire, law enforcement, search and rescue, snow plows and the 911 call center and helps volunteers with the Red Cross and others find where they are needed most. We operate the shelters when the power is out or your home is threatened. Read more »
What should I do to be prepared at home?
There are many ways to be prepared at home and here are a few to get started:
- Educate yourself on the operation of systems in your house. Know where utility shut-offs are for your home. Learn how to safely relight pilot lights. Keep your home tidy to prevent accidents.
- Create defensible space around your home. Wildfire is a risk everywhere in our county.
- Plan for disasters with proper insurance
- Create a family plan
- Make a 72 hour kit with water and supplies for you and your family
What is the Office of Emergency Management (OEM)?
The La Plata County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is a department within County Government that is responsible for identification of local hazards, creation and coordination of response plans, mitigation of disasters, public preparedness education, coordination of response during escalating emergencies and disasters, recovery planning and response and coordination with other local, state and federal partners.
What should I do to be prepared at while traveling through the area?
In La Plata County, weather is our biggest daily concern and can change instantly without warning. The high peaks hide incoming threats and temperatures can swing 40 degrees during the day or from town to the ski resort. Carrying extra layers of clothing for all conditions is advisable, as well as storing a blanket, shovel, water and snacks in your car for emergencies. Keep your vehicle in good repair and ready for snow, mud and rain. Watch for deer and elk and other wildlife on the highway.
What other personal risks are there?
About 40% of La Plata County's million acres is beautiful and rugged public land. The San Juan National Forest and Weminuche Wilderness are a world wide destination. Hiking, climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, hunting and four wheeling are only a few of the many outdoor activities people enjoy here. These are all inherently dangerous activities, even more so due to the remote and extreme terrain.
