SOUTHERN COLORADO -- Below are some frequently-asked questions for those wanting to or needing help.
Where is the evacuation area?
MANDATORY EVACUATIONS:
Farish and Carrol Lake areas off Rampart Range Rd.
Mountain Shadows Subdivision
Oak Valley
Areas east of Centennial
Peregrine Subdivision
Complete evacuation maps can be found here for Colorado Springs.
What should I do to prepare to evacuate?
Pack boxes with important stuff and gather important photos, paperwork and medicine. Don't take more than you can carry easily, as you may only have a few minutes to leave once ordered out.
How will I find out if I need to evacuate?
You can sign up for reverse 911 calls, which will notify you when your area is under a mandatory evacuation.
Note: You can also sign up for push notifications from FOX21 if you have an iPhone or Android, but DO NOT make this your sole reliant method of getting this information.
Where do I go when I evacuate?
There are four Red Cross shelters set up in southern Colorado. They are:
Cheyenne Mountain High School
Lewis-Palmer High School
Southeast YMCA
Summit Elementary School (Divide)
Here is a list of hotels with vacancies.
Officials encourage you to stay with family or friends if you have that option to free up space for evacuees who need it.
What should I take with me when I evacuate?
Gather only the most important belongings, especially if you have to move quickly. The 5 "Ps" is a good rule of thumb: People, Pets, Photos, Prescriptions, Paperwork. The Department of Homeland Security has more information on what you need to know.
When will I be able to go home?
Officials will only lift the evacuation order when they feel 100 percent confident the area is no longer threatened. When that happens, you will be alerted.
How do I find out if my home was damaged?
Fill out this form, and officials will be in contact with you.
I’ve already left, can I go back home to get some more of my things?
No. Unless officials specificly announce you can return, you are no longer back into an evacuation zone.
Are there any hotels with rooms available?
Yes, there is plenty of lodging available. To find a complete list, click here.
Are there any rental cars?
Yes. Places like Budget and Hertz said they still have a number of cars available for those in need.
How do I get a cab?
Yellow Cab Services is still running in areas that aren't evacuated. Call (719) 777-7777 if you need to schedule a pick-up or drop-off.
Are there any emergency housing locations set up for evacuees?
Several people have posted on various websites they are willing to take in evacuees. However, the only supported Red Cross shelters are at the sites designated above (Cheyenne Mountain, Summit, Lewis-Palmer and the Southeast YMCA.
How can I check on a family member?
The Red Cross has set up a website for evacuees to let family members know they are okay. To post to the site or check on family & friends, click here.
I couldn’t find my pet before I left, is there a way I can check to see if it’s been rescued?
The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region is logging all animal evacuees that come in. You can check with them.
Where can I find an urgent care clinic?
There are several urgent care facilities in both El Paso and Teller counties. To locate the one nearest you, click here.
Are there any veterinarians handling pets suffering from fire or smoke exposure?
None that have officially reported so. The Humane Society has two shelters open to take in and care for animals.
Are there pet-friendly places I can stay while I’m evacuated from my home?
Rocky Mountain Health Care Services is offering limited lodging for anyone who wishes to stay with their pets.
I forgot my medication, where can I get an emergency refill?
Contact your local pharmacy.
How will I be notified when it’s safe to return to my home?
Officials will post lifts to evacuation orders on their various websites. You can also sign up for reverse 911 calls here.
I have an extra room at my house. Can I offer it to someone who needs a place to stay?
Yes. Evacuees have set up a website to help each other. Click here to visit it.
How can I help?
The Red Cross is asking for money, and you can donate on its website. Care and Share is asking for non-perishable and personal care items. Goodwill is also accepting donations.
Where can I donate money?
Red Cross is accepting monetary donations. Click here to donate.
I have a truck, can I help people move?
There is no official process set up through city or county officials, but you can check the forums on WaldoFire.com.
I’ve rescued some pets, where do I take the animals?
Take them to one of the two Humane Society shelters.
Are there any groups or organizations looking for volunteers?
Yes. All four Red Cross shelters are in need of volunteers. They are Cheyenne Mountain High School, Summit Elementary School, Lewis-Palmer High School and the Southeast YMCA.
I want to donate clothing to those who need it. Where do I take it?
Goodwill is accepting clothing donations specifically for evacuees.
How do you find out if city buses are running as scheduled?
You can track the latest bus transit alerts and schedules here.
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