• STAY PUT and call for help! It's a lot easier for Mesa County Search and Rescue to find you if you are in one place!
• DON’T PANIC!!
• Use the last hour of the day preparing a shelter
• Build a fire
• Never separate from each other!
• If you must move, travel down a drainage
• Help will come, believe it!!
• Always be prepared to spend the night!!…..

• Plan your route ahead of time, and make sure someone not in your hiking party knows your plan and expected time of return.
• Take and drink plenty of water, especially during hot days.
• You can't always depend on your cell phone! It may run out of battery or you may find yourself in an area with no cell or GPS coverage.
• Check the weather and dress for it!
• Learn more about hiking safety here.
• Remember to take your CORSAR card! If you ever need Search and Rescue it helps us pay for the cost! Click here to get yours today!

Hazards During High Water

• Swift water, dangerous currents: Not all hazards can be seen from the surface, even gentle stretches of water can have dangerous undercurrents.
• Debris and Tree snags: It’s creating dangerous undercurrents that can trap you underwater. Debris can also puncture rafts.
• Cold Water Temperatures: Hypothermia is a very real concern. Water will be colder the deeper the River gets, creating a potentially deadly situation for even the strongest of swimmers.
• Unstable Riverbanks: Ground can erode underneath, and breakaway without warning. If you’re standing on it, you can get swept away.
• Don't Swim at Boat Ramps: Currents can quickly drag someone underwater or downstream.
• Conditions will change day by day: As the weather heats up or cools down, snow will melt at a different pace creating ever-changing river conditions.
• Parts of the Riverfront trail close during times of high water. CLICK HERE for more information and detour routes.
• Visit the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center for current water levels on Mesa County rivers.

• Know the forecast! Weather can change! Check it at National Weather Service
• Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.
• Never go alone, and ALWAYS stay together!!!
• A map and compass! Cell phones will only work so far. - Global Positioning Satellite Receivers (GPS) are great, but they become useless once the batteries are dead. Never rely totally on this technology, when you go out in the backcountry ALWAYS take a map and compass with you and make sure you know how to use it!!
• Tools and spare equipment parts
• Extra clothing and “space” blanket
• A flashlight and first aid kit
• Nonperishable food and water
• An avalanche beacon and snow shovel
• Waterproof matches, lighter and a candle
• A whistle and pocket knife

Mesa County Emergency Management

MCEM works with partner agencies throughout Mesa County to prepare for disasters and emergencies. It is also important for individuals, families, and businesses to prepare for these events. The links below provide information to learn about emergency and disaster preparedness to protect yourself, your family, and your business:

Prepare Yourself: American Red Cross
American Red Cross: Colorado Wildfire Handbook
American Red Cross: Wildfire Checklist
American Red Cross: Wildfire Checklist – Spanish
American Red Cross: Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and Other Special Needs
Colorado Ready Program
FEMA Ready Program
Prepare Your Kids
Prepare your Business