A Commitment to a Safer Community
Safety and Preparedness Resources for the Public
Upcoming Community Education Classes
Free one-hour classes to empower everyday heroes like you!
Allergic Reactions 101: Signs, Symptoms & Safety
May 15th from 6pm to 7pm
May 16th from 9am to 10am
Allergic reactions can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening emergencies, and knowing how to respond quickly can save a life. This class will cover common allergens, recognizing the signs of an allergic reaction, and when to seek emergency care. Participants will also learn how to use an epinephrine auto-injector and take preventive measures to reduce risks. Whether you or a loved one has allergies, this class will provide the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in critical moments.
Download the Allergic Reactions Flyer (image)
Hidden Hazards: Household Chemical Safety
June 12th from 6pm to 7pm
June 13th from 9am to 10am
Everyday household products can pose serious health and safety risks if not stored or used properly. This class will cover common hazardous chemicals found in homes, safe storage practices, and how to prevent accidental poisonings and chemical burns. Participants will also learn what to do in case of exposure, including first aid steps and when to call for emergency help. Whether you have children, pets, or simply want to create a safer home environment, this class will help you recognize and manage potential dangers.
Download the Hidden Hazards Flyer (image) to be provided
Wilderness Ready: Smart Choices for Outdoor Adventures
July 10th from 6pm to 7pm
July 11th from 9am to 10am
Spending time outdoors is fun and rewarding, but understanding basic safety is essential for every adventurer. This class covers the fundamentals of outdoor recreation safety, including how to plan ahead, pack essential gear, recognize changing weather conditions, and navigate common hazards. Participants will also learn basic first aid skills and what to do in case of an emergency. Whether you're new to outdoor activities or looking for a refresher, this session will provide a solid foundation for safe and enjoyable adventures.
Download the Wilderness Ready Flyer (image) to be provided
Every second counts in a home fire.
The Difference is Night and Day!
Click Here for Grand County Wildfire Council (GCWC) Reflective Signs
Wildfire Preparedness
What are the primary threats to homes during a wildfire?
Research around home destruction vs. home survival in wildfires point to embers and small flames as the main way that the majority of homes ignite in wildfires. Embers are burning pieces of airborne wood and/or vegetation that can be carried more than a mile through the wind can cause spot fires and ignite homes, debris and other objects.
There are methods for homeowners to prepare their homes to withstand ember attacks and minimize the likelihood of flames or surface fire touching the home or any attachments. Experiments, models and post-fire studies have shown homes ignite due to the condition of the home and everything around it, up to 200’ from the foundation. This is called the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ).
Firewise® Home Ignition Zone Helpful Tips
Keep 100 ft of garden hose attached.
Keep fire tools available: shovel, rake, ladder
Avoid outdoor burning.
Recycle, mulch, & compost whenever possible.
Remove debris buildup on and under decks.
Within 5 ft. of house, plant drought tolerant native plants.
Keep your roof clear of leaves, needles, & debris.
Keep your woodpile 30 ft from structures & fuel tanks.
Keep your grass green & mowed 100 feet from any structures.
For the next 70 feet, thin and prune your coniferous trees.
Keep driveways accessible for fire trucks and provide a turn-around area.
Keep burnable materials from under and around structures.
Grand County Evacuation Map
Smoke & CO Alarms General Information
Smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide detectors have been proven to save lives! Are your batteries good? You know to change your batteries when you change your clocks (Daylight Savings), but did you realize that detectors expire? Be sure to check the date and replace smoke alarms within 10 years and CO alarms within 7 years of manufacture. Grand Lake Fire has smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors available at cost at the station. We’ve done this to help get a smoke and CO alarm in every home in Grand Lake Fire’s district. Call us or stop by the station for more information.
Smoke and CO Alarm Checklist courtesy of Estes Valley Fire (PDF)
Smoke Alarms
America's fire death rate is one of the highest per capita in the industrialized world. Fire kills approximately 3,000 and injures approximately 20,000 people each year. The majority of deaths are in homes without a working smoke alarm. A smoke alarm greatly reduces your chances of dying in a fire.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
A carbon monoxide detector or CO detector is a device that detects the presence of the carbon monoxide (CO) gas in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. CO is a colorless and odorless compound produced by incomplete combustion. It is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it is virtually undetectable without using detection technology. Elevated levels of CO can be dangerous to humans depending on the amount present and length of exposure. CO detectors are designed to measure CO levels overtime and sound an alarm before dangerous levels of CO accumulate in an environment, giving people adequate warning to safely ventilate the area or evacuate.
More Helpful Home Tips
Home Heating Fire Prevention Tips
Heating equipment caused an estimated 56,000 home fires and caused 470 deaths between 2009 and 2013.* Learn how to stay safe.
Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from heat sources.
NEVER leave a space heater unattended.
Turn off when leaving a room or sleeping.
NEVER plug a space heater into an extension cord.
NEVER use a cooking stove to heat your home or dry clothes.
Place heaters on level, flat surfaces ON THE GROUND.
Have a qualified service professional inspect your heating system annually. Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms.
Never use a space heater or any appliance with a damaged cord.
*According to the National Fire Protection Association
Keep Fire Hydrants Clear
If there’s a fire hydrant near your house, do your part to keep it accessible this winter.
Remove any snow and ice.
Clear a wide enough perimeter around the hydrant for firefighters to work (about 3 feet)
Clear a path from hydrant to street