Spring is a season of transition and preparation for summer. During this time, there are spring cleaning tasks like yard clean-up, decluttering, and storing winter items that help shift your home and mindset into a new season. In addition, it’s important to attend to home and property maintenance tasks to protect your property as the weather changes. It’s also important to be aware of and prepared for severe weather, wildfire, and other community emergencies that can affect you and your home, and La Plata County offers the CodeRED alert system to help you stay alert and informed.
Preparing Your Home for Spring
Protecting your investment not only keeps your property in good condition, but also helps minimize risk from Southwest Colorado’s seasonal weather patterns, including potential flooding and wildfire. Many of these tasks can be DIY, and we also have great local professionals in our area that can assist, especially if repairs are needed.
- Remove debris from gutters, downspouts, and the roof to eliminate flammable material and ensure that the system is ready to do its job and divert water away from the house. It is also a good opportunity to check for any damage such as buildup, holes, and loose or missing shingles.
- Check your foundation and siding for cracks and other damage. Spring rains, snow melt, and monsoon season can lead to water leaking into these areas, which can flood the crawlspace or potentially compromise the structure if left unattended.
- Attend to the landscaping. This includes trimming overhanging branches, removing dead vegetation, and expanding the noncombustible zone around your home.
CodeRED
A national system that is utilized within many different communities, sometimes referred to as a “reverse 911”, CodeRED allows officials to alert you via text, email, or phone with official notifications that affect the community. This includes evacuation notices due to wildfires, floods, severe weather alerts, missing child or vulnerable person alerts, public health warnings, as well as road closures and safety updates to help you stay informed and prepared. You’ll sign up with your address, which will allow for location-based alerts and real-time updates. Operated by the La Plata County Office of Emergency Management (LPCOEM) with collaboration from La Plata County Search and Rescue, Durango Police, and Durango Fire & Rescue, these agencies provide a high level of service and protection to our community 24/7/365.
CodeRED Number: 868-419-5000
Text LPCOEM to 99411 to sign up for CodeRED
LPC CodeRed website
Community Call Center: 970.385.8700
LPC OEM Evac Page: www.readylaplata.org
Wildfire Resource Center: www.lpcfireprepared.org
Business Information: www.ready.gov
Living in Southwest Colorado provides a stunning basecamp. As with anywhere, natural disasters and other emergencies can affect daily routine with little notice. CodeRED notifications allow for rapid communication so you are aware as soon as possible. For more information about living and homeownership in La Plata County, please contact The Durango Team at The Wells Group.
