Latest News – October 10

Fallen Heroes Honored with Plaques on Hwy 91

A crowd of emergency responders, veterans, officials and residents gathered at the Fallen Heroes Highway memorial sign on Highway 91 last Friday, Oct. 7. The event marked the unveiling of the new plaques which have been placed at each sign on the Leadville and Copper Mountain locations to commemorate by name local Fallen Heroes. Photo: Leadville Today/Brennan Ruegg

Fire Prevention Week Marked in Leadville October 15

Yesterday marked the beginning of National Fire Prevention Week held October 9-15, 2016.  Locally the occasion will be marked this Saturday, Oct. 15 from noon to 5 p.m. with an Open House at the Leadville/Lake County Fire Rescue (LLCFR) house, located at 9^th Street and historic Harrison Avenue.

There will be several Lake County and Leadville agencies and departments on hand to provide information on public safety issues.  During the day many demonstrations will be held, such as a wildfire table simulation, extrication demonstration, & a charged fire hose available for the public to experience. A BBQ will also be held throughout the day starting at noon.

The LLCFR will also be accepting donations for the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food Drive, going on throughout the month of October. So residents may also bring canned and non-perishable food items to the Fire House on October 15.

While National Fire Prevention Week focuses on promoting fire safety and prevention, fire safety should be practiced all year long. Many potential fire hazards go undetected because people simply do not take steps to fireproof their home.

Many bedroom fires are caused by misuse or poor maintenance of electrical devices, careless use of candles, smoking in bed, and children playing with matches and lighters. Most potential hazards can be addressed with a little common sense. For example, be sure to keep flammable items like bedding, clothes and curtains at least three feet away from portable heaters or lit candles, and never smoke in bed. Also, items like appliances or electric blankets should not be operated if they have frayed power cords, and electrical outlets should never be overloaded.

Leadvilel children help wash down the new fire engine during the Tolling of The Bell Ceremony last month. National Fire Prevention Week will be celebrated at the Fire House this Saturday, Oct. 15. Photo: Leadville Today/ Brennan Ruegg

Emergency Preparedness Meeting on Thursday, Oct 13

The Lake County Office of Emergency Management will hold a public meeting this Thursday, Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. at CMC Climax building, room 401 to discuss the effects of possible hazards and threats to our community such as wildfire.  This Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment meeting will cover how individuals and the community as a whole can be best prepared for identified threats and hazards that may occur in Lake County. There will be some resources available to help you plan for the threats and hazards that could occur in our county and will answer questions as well.

Sign Up for Leadville/Lake County Alert System

There are two safety alert systems you should already have in place.  Number one is to sign up for the Alert Call List with the Lake County Office of Emergency Management (LCOEM).

Sign up your land line, sign up your cell, sign up your parents number, but sign up. Do it now, it only takes a few minutes and then you’ll be plugged in to any official notifications from Lake County. Sign up here: LINK.

Number two, if you’re on social media, be sure like the LCOEM Facebook Page. This is the primary way the LCOEM will be disseminating information during an actual emergency.

In conclusion, be prepared! Have the family meetings about what you would do, where you would meet, how you would communicate with each other.