Hazards

Winter storms bring extreme cold, heavy snow, high winds, poor visibility and dangerous driving conditions. These storms increase the risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning and heart attacks from overexertion. Older adults, young children and people experiencing homelessness face higher risks during winter storms.

Before

• Sign up for NOCO Alerts, local weather alerts and follow City social media channels.
• Winterize your home with insulation, caulking and weather stripping.
• Learn to prevent frozen and burst pipes.
• Gather supplies for your family and pets in case you need to stay home: blankets, warm clothing, food, water and medications.
• Create a vehicle emergency kit with jumper cables, sand/cat litter, flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, water and non-perishable snacks.
• Learn to recognize and treat frostbite and hypothermia.

During

• Avoid driving unless necessary. Clear snow and ice from your vehicle before driving.
• Drive cautiously near snowplows and give them extra room.
• Do not park under trees during heavy snow and wind.
• Limit outdoor time and wear layers. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
• Never use generators, camp stoves, grills, stovetops or ovens to heat your home.

After

• Monitor local news for weather updates and storm impacts.
• Shovel snow safely — work slowly, take breaks and avoid overexertion.
• Check on your neighbors.
• Walk carefully on snowy/icy surfaces using boots or shoes with good traction.

Additional Resources

Fort Collins Snow Preparations

Ready.gov Winter Weather

Ready.gov Winter Safety

Extreme cold increases hypothermia and frostbite risks. Older adults, children and people with chronic health conditions face greater risks.

Before

• Sign up for NOCO Alerts and local weather alerts.
• Winterize your home — insulate pipes, seal drafts and check heating.
• Create emergency kits for family members and pets with blankets, warm clothes, food, water and medications.

During

• Stay inside when possible. Take indoor warming breaks if you must go out.
• Wear loose-fitting layers and cover exposed skin with hat, gloves and face covering.
• Stay hydrated to prevent cold stress.
• Never use generators, camp stoves, grills, stovetops or ovens for indoor heating.
• Provide proper shelter for pets or bring them inside.

After

• Check for leaks and damaged pipes.
• Shut off water if you find damage.
• Check on your neighbors.

Additional Resources

National Weather Service Resources

Strong winds endanger everyone, especially mobile home residents and people outdoors.

Before

• Sign up for NOCO Alerts and local weather alerts.
• Build an emergency kit with food, water, first-aid supplies, medications, flashlight and battery-powered radio.
• Secure outdoor furniture, grills and trash cans.
• Prepare for outages — charge devices and plan for medical equipment needs.

During

• Stay inside away from windows and doors.
• Avoid power lines and trees.

After

• Report downed lines, damaged buildings and blocked roads.
• Never touch downed power lines.
• Drive carefully around debris.

Additional Resources

National Weather Wind Safety Information

Wildfires threaten areas near forests, grasslands and wildlands. People in these areas, outdoor enthusiasts and those with breathing problems face increased risks.

Before

• Sign up for NOCO Alerts and air quality alerts.
• Build an emergency kit with water, flashlights, batteries, battery-powered radio and masks.
• Plan multiple evacuation routes and designate a family meeting place.

During

• Monitor news and emergency alerts about the fire.
• Close windows and doors to keep smoke out.
• Follow evacuation orders and use designated routes.

Wildfire Smoke
Smoke affects air quality, even when fires burn miles away. Learn more about Air Quality. 

After

• Follow official guidance about air quality and safety.
• Return home only when authorities say it's safe.

Additional Resources

Poudre Fire Authority Wildfire Resources

Ready.gov Wildfire Resources

Extreme heat increases risks of heatstroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration. Older adults, children, people with chronic conditions, people experiencing homelessness and outdoor workers face higher risks.

Before

Sign up for NOCO Alerts and local weather alerts. Know where to find air conditioning in Fort Collins — libraries, malls and community centers.

Keep Your Home Cool

• Cover windows with drapes or shades.
• Use window reflectors.
• Weather strip doors and windows

Know Heat Illness Signs and Treatment

Heat Cramps

• Signs: Muscle pain/spasms in arms, legs or stomach.
• Actions: Move to cooler place, remove excess clothing, sip sports drinks, get medical help if cramps last over an hour.

Heat Exhaustion

• Signs: Heavy sweating, paleness, tiredness, muscle cramps, headache, dizziness, fainting, nausea/vomiting.
• Actions: Move to cooler place, lie down, take cool bath, sip sports drinks, get medical help if symptoms worsen or last over an hour.

Heat Stroke

• Signs: Very high body temperature, red/hot/dry skin without sweat, rapid pulse, dizziness, confusion.
• Actions: Call 911 immediately, cool person down until help arrives.

During

• Never leave children, adults or animals in parked vehicles.
• Use air conditioning or go to cool places like libraries, malls and community centers.
• Wear sunscreen and stay in shade.
• Choose loose, light-colored clothing and wide-brimmed hats.
• Avoid strenuous activities.
• Drink plenty of fluids.

Additional Resources

Larimer County Heat Resources

State of Colorado Heat Information

Federal Heat Safety Information

Ready.gov Heat Information

CDC Extreme Heat Resources

NWS HeatRisk Map

Tornadoes strike with little warning. Community members in mobile homes or outdoors face the highest risk during tornadoes.

Watch vs. Warning
A tornado "watch" means a tornado is possible. A tornado "warning" means a tornado has been spotted or detected by radar. Take shelter immediately if a warning is issued.

Before

• Sign up for NOCO Alerts and local weather alerts.
• Create a family tornado safety plan with designated shelter locations.
• Build an emergency kit with flashlight, batteries, first-aid supplies, battery-powered weather radio, food and water.

During

• Take shelter immediately when warned or if you see a tornado.
• Lie flat face down on the ground, and cover your head.
• Stay away from windows and doors to avoid flying debris.

After

• Avoid damaged areas with downed power lines and unstable buildings.
• Help injured people without putting yourself at risk.
• Report damage to local emergency management.

Additional Resources

Ready.gov Tornado Information

National Weather Service Tornado Safety Tips

Red Cross Resources

Thunderstorms can produce lightning, thunder, heavy rain and sometimes hail.

Before

• Sign up for NOCO Alerts and local weather alerts.
• Secure outdoor items that could blow away.
• Build an emergency kit with flashlight, batteries, first-aid supplies, battery-powered weather radio, food and water.
• Use surge protectors to keep your appliances and electronics safe.

During

• Go inside a building or vehicle when you hear thunder or see lightning.
• If caught outside, stay low; avoid hilltops, open areas and tall trees.
• Stay out of water — do not swim, boat or stand in water.
• Follow weather alerts and go inside when warned.

After

• Check weather reports before going back outside.
• Inspect your property for damage.

Additional Resources

Weather.gov Thunderstorm Safety

Ready.gov Thunderstorm and Lightning Information 

Red Cross Resources

Flash floods surge quickly after heavy rain; they damage homes, businesses and infrastructure. People in low-lying areas, near water or in floodplains, face higher risks.

Before

• Sign up for NOCO Alerts and follow City social media.
• Check if you live in a flood-prone area.
• Build an emergency kit with water, flashlights, batteries and radio. Consider waterproof bags in high-risk areas.
• Move valuables to higher levels.
• Plan evacuation meeting places.

During

• Stay alert and follow flood warnings.
• Never enter flood waters — turn around, don't drown.
• Move to higher ground away from water and low areas.
• Stay away from power lines and electrical wires.

After

• Stay away from floodwater, which may have hidden dangers.
• Wait for official clearance before returning home.
• Take photos of damage and contact your insurance company.
• Help neighbors.

Additional Resources

City of Fort Collins Flooding Information

Larimer County Floodplain Information

CDC Flood Safety Information

The Larimer County Health Department offers resources about communicable diseases like COVID-19, Mpox and West Nile.

View Public Health Resources

City of Fort Collins West Nile Resources