Park County Disaster Declaration
PRESS RELEASE
FEB 11, 2008 DECLARATION OF DISASTER AND EMERGENCY IN PARK COUNTY
Due to recent heavy snow and winds in excess of 110 mph, on February 11, 2008, Park County declared the area of the South Park a disaster and emergency situation.
Since Wednesday, February 6th, repeated incidences of ground blizzards, whiteout conditions and heavy drifting have closed state and county roads, straining local resources while drifting shut county roads sometimes only hours after they have been cleared.
With an expectation of more snow events in the near future, residents in Park County need extra stores of food, fuel and necessary medications and if possible should make every effort to collect those necessities before the next storm in case conditions should again block access roads.
All state and federal highways through Park County are open at this time.
FACT SHEET
PLOWING - Primary - and sometimes secondary roads whenever possible - have been cleared every day, however, many have repeatedly drifted shut in a short period of time. There are 1000 miles of private roads in Park County many of which have been blocked for several days.
HOW MANY ARE STRANDED - Fire and emergency personnel estimate that about 100 people are blocked by snow, primarily in the Hartsel and Jefferson area.
HOW HAS TRAVEL BEEN AFFECTED - Since the most recent storm on Wednesday, Park County Road and Bridge has pulled out 318 vehicles stranded by snow drifts.
WHAT ABOUT A DIRE EMERGENCY? - Volunteers with Park County Search and Rescue have been staged around the county to respond to emergencies. Other departments will respond as required.
LIVESTOCK - There have been reports of ranchers unable to reach their livestock at this time. Conditions are being watched and livestock around the county monitored.
IS THE RED CROSS THERE? - The Red Cross will be setting up shelter facilities in the South Park area in case of emergency need.
CAN PARK COUNTY HANDLE THE SNOW? - Park County manpower and equipment is being untilized at near its limits. The declaration may open doors to making other resources available to us from surrounding counties or other agencies.
HOW DO I GET HELP? - The public is asked to call 719 836-4160. DO NOT CALL 911 - The emergency dispatch staff has been inundated with calls delaying response time.
CONTACT - Public Information Officer - Northwest Fire Protection District Fire Chief Mike Roll at 719 836-3150.
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Light fuse and get away!
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