Boulder has a high flash flood risk due to its location at the mouth of several canyons and the number of people who live, work and recreate in the floodplains. When floods occur, there may be mere minutes to react. The best defense is to understand the risks, be prepared and know how to respond.
Respond in the moment
When you hear the siren or an emergency warning, tune in to local news or visit boulderodm.gov.
- If you are unable to evacuate safely, sheltering in place may be the best option if you’re in an elevated or floodproofed building. Head to the top floor if available.
- Need to get out? Follow your plan! Gather any friends and family and get to higher ground. Don’t forget that emergency kit.
- Avoid underpasses as they are among the first areas to flood. Never drive through a flooded area or around barricades; abandon your vehicle if necessary and move to higher ground.
- Once in a safe location, and if you have phone service, call or text your emergency contact to provide updates and your whereabouts.
These are great steps to help prepare for and react to a flood event, but there is always more to know. Be sure to sign up to receive messages about flash floods and other imminent threats and hazards at www.boco911alert.com . More in-depth information about flooding is available at www.bouldercolorado.gov/guide/boulder-guide-flooding.