Be Ready to Go: Evacuation Preparedness in Crystal Lakes
In Crystal Lakes, the beauty of mountain living comes with the responsibility of being prepared for natural emergencies. Whether it's wildfire or flood, understanding evacuation procedures can save lives—yours, your family’s, your neighbors’, and emergency responders’. This page outlines what to expect, how to respond to different types of evacuation alerts, and how our warning siren system works. Your readiness is crucial.
Know the Evacuation Levels
🚨 Imminent Evacuation – Flooding
Situation: Flood occurring now in Crystal Lakes.
What to Do:
- If you are in a floodplain, seek higher ground immediately.
- Do not stop to gather belongings.
- Crystal Lakes Warning Sirens will sound.
🔥 Immediate Evacuation – Wildfire in or Near Crystal Lakes Fire Protection District
Situation: Wildfire threat is active and approaching.
What to Do:
- Gather people and pets.
- Leave immediately.
- Do not delay to pack personal items.
- Crystal Lakes Warning Sirens will sound.
🔥 Mandatory Evacuation – Ordered by Larimer County or Crystal Lakes
Situation: A wildfire poses a significant threat.
What to Do:
- Gather people and pets.
- Leave quickly and safely.
- Take only essential personal belongings.
🔥 Voluntary Evacuation – Recommended by Authorities
Situation: Wildfire may impact the area soon.
What to Do:
- Evacuate early if you need extra time, have medical concerns, or feel unsafe.
- Move pets, livestock, and recreational vehicles.
- Use this time to prepare for possible mandatory evacuation.
🚗 Self-Evacuation – When You Feel Unsafe
You do not have to wait for an official order. If at any time you feel unsafe, evacuate on your own. Trust your instincts.
Evacuation Planning Resources
- Evacuation Advice
- Planning Ahead
- Last-Minute Checklist
- Know the Siren System
The Crystal Lakes Warning Siren System
CLRRA has partnered with the Crystal Lakes Volunteer Fire Department to install a community-wide siren system to alert residents of emergencies. Here's what the sirens mean:
🔊 Wildfire Threat – ALERT Tone
- What You’ll Hear: Traditional siren tone.
- Action Required: All property owners should evacuate immediately.
- Coverage: Sirens are located in various parts of the Association to ensure full coverage.
- Support: Emergency personnel will assist with directions and evacuation support.
🔊 Dam Failure – WHOOP Tone
- What You’ll Hear: Distinctive "whoop" tone siren.
- Location: Siren near the Wapiti Mail Sheds.
- Action Required:
- Floodplain residents: Evacuate immediately.
- Other residents: Shelter in place to keep roads clear.
© 2025 Crystal Lakes Road & Recreation Association (CLRRA) 300 Tami Road, Red Feather Lakes, CO 80545
Prepared in coordination with the
Crystal Lakes Volunteer Fire Department and the
CL Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) Evacuation Committee
Warning Siren System
For the Safety of the community, Crystal Lakes Associations have partnered with the Crystal Lakes Volunteer Fire Department
in order to provide an evacuation siren system in place throughout the Association
🔥Wildfire
Sirens (alert tone) in all parts of the association will sound if a wildfire threatens the community. All property owners should evacuate immediately if they hear this siren. Emergency personnel will be on hand to help direct evacuating property owners out of the area.
💧Failure of the Dam
The evacuation siren (whoop tone) in case of failure of the dam is located near the Wapiti Mail sheds to cover the floodplain area. Property owners in the floodplain should evacuate immediately if they hear this siren; all other property owners should remain on their lots, to keep the roads clear for those evacuating the floodplain.