Evacuation routes have been establiashed for every lot in Crystal Lakes. If you do not know what your evacuation route is, contact the Crystal Lakes Associations Office at (970) 881-2250. You will see blue signs with white arrows attached to the Crystal Lakes street signs -- these indicate the primary evacuation routes. Please respond promptly and follow directions if you are asked to evacuate. Keep in mind that responding emergency personnel and vehicles may be approaching the incident as you are evacuating. Drive lawfully and carefully.

In the case of imminent danger, you may be instructed to take refuge in a Safety Zone. Fire Department and emergency response personnel will assist if it is necessary to access a designated Safety Zone.

All members are encouraged to check your primary evacuation route, and familiarize yourselves with that route as well as secondary routes. Be prepared, and advise your guests. It is suggested that you post the Evacuation Plan in a conspicuous location (on a door or refrigerator), so that you review it frequently and refresh your plan in your mind.

What you can do to be prepared to evacuate

Develop an evacuation list and put it in a prominent place
Review the list of evacuation routes for your area
Make an up-to-date home inventory by walking through your home with a video or still camera. Store a copy of this inventory in a safe location off the mountain.

What to do if the evacuation order comes

If the fire is near, pack up your family and leave immediately!
No possession is worth endangering you or your family.

However, if you do have a few minutes, here is a suggested Evacuation List:

The SEVEN "Ps" & a Pillow

People
Pets
Photos
Prescriptions (in original containers & eyeglasses)
Precious momentos (baby books, artwork, paintings, heirlooms)
Purse/wallet
Papers (checkbook, insurance, address book, deeds, title to vehicles)
Pillow (blankets, change of clothes)

Additional Steps to Take if Time Allows

Leave a towel or rag on your door to inform fire crews that you have evacuated.
If you have a water source near the house (cistern, pool, or hot tub) make sure that the fire crews can locate it.
Close your garage door, but leave it unlocked (disconnect the garage door-opener, if applicable, so door can be opened if power is out).
Place combustible patio furniture in the house or garage (but NOT near windows).
Shut off your propane at the tank.
Turn off all pilot lights.
Close exterior vents.
Place a ladder near the house so firefighters have easy access to the roof.
Connect garden hoses to outside faucets and charge the hose. Do not leave the water running. This could drain your well before the fire reaches your property and would eliminate that resource when the firefighters need it most.
Close all exterior doors and windows.
Close all interior doors.
Remove lightweight drapes or other combustible materials from around windows.
If available, close fire resistant drapes, shutters or blinds.
Move overstuffed (or easily flammable) furniture into the middle of the room.
Leave lights on in the house.
Tell your neighbors where you will be going and exchange contact information.
Once you have evacuated, register with the Red Cross or other coordinating agency.

Questions regarding this information may be addressed to the Crystal Lakes Volunteer Fire Department through the Crystal Lakes Office at (970) 881-2250 or by using the Contact link to the left.