Know the Alert, Know What to Do: Jefferson and Clear Creek Counties Launch Standardized Emergency Messaging
Jefferson County, CO. – Jefferson and Clear Creek counties are announcing the implementation of clear, standardized evacuation messaging for major disasters and emergencies. The Sheriff’s Offices of Emergency Management for Jefferson and Clear Creek counties – along with Jeffcom 911 dispatch – are now aligned with Douglas County in using the Hi-Lo audible warning system for evacuations.
The Hi-Lo system emits a distinctive alternating high-low tone from patrol cars as law enforcement evacuates residents in the event of a critical incident. It is a sound like no other siren you typically hear. The distinctive tones of the Hi-Lo audible warning systems are not intended to replace existing emergency notification methods – instead, they will enhance door-to-door evacuations. Most alert methods rely on communications infrastructure, cellular networks, internet connectivity, and commercial power. Those systems are not always available in disasters. The Hi-Lo system provides an additional safeguard to support alert and warning operations when every second matters.
It’s simple:
When you hear Hi-Lo,
It’s time to go.
Evacuate immediately.
The Hi-Lo alert tone will only be used during an evacuation order, when there is an immediate threat to life. County partners, along with city police and fire departments within each county, support this messaging with the following standardized terminology:
Order (Use of Hi-Lo Alert)
- There is an immediate threat to life.
- Leave immediately. Do not delay. Emergency responders may not be able to provide assistance once conditions deteriorate.
- Areas under an order are closed to public access.
Warning
- There is a significant threat to life and/or property.
- All residents should prepare to leave immediately. Individuals requiring additional time to evacuate, including those with access and functional needs, pets, livestock, or transportation limitations, should leave the area.
Shelter in Place
- Conditions outside are more dangerous than remaining indoors.
- Go inside immediately, close and lock doors and windows, and prepare to remain inside until conditions improve or emergency personnel provide additional direction.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for their county’s local emergency notifications and stay informed about preparedness initiatives throughout the year.
The standardized messaging is part of the ongoing Front Range Wildfire Initiated Community Conflagration Initiative, or WICC, formed more than a year ago to improve coordination during major wildfires and emergencies. The initiative includes sheriff’s offices in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Gilpin, Jefferson and Larimer counties; the North Central Region All Hazards Planning Region; fire protection districts; and municipal police and fire departments. Partners continue to advance WICC recommendations through training, exercises, curriculum development and outreach to additional Front Range and mountain agencies.