Elbert County OEM

Keeping You Safe: First Responders Brush Up on Incident Command Training Public safety is one of the highest priorities for Americans today—and here in Elbert County, we work hard to make sure our responders are ready for anything. Seamless coordination during an emergency doesn’t just happen. It’s built through constant practice, teamwork, and advanced training. Focused on this pursuit, the Elbert County Office of Emergency Management recently hosted ICS‑300: Intermediate Incident Command System for Expanding Incidents, bringing together an incredible group of dedicated professionals from: • Elbert FPD • North Central FPD • Elizabeth FPD • Rattlesnake FPD • Elbert County Public Health Training locally makes a real difference. It strengthens relationships between agencies, ensures everyone can operate as one unified team when major incidents strike, and cuts down travel time for our volunteer responders. BE in the KNOW. Register for ElbertCountyAlert.com #ElbertCounty #EmergencyManagement #ICS300 #FirstResponders #CommunitySafety #LocalHeroes

Watch a County Road Turn into a Flooded Danger Zone Flash flood warnings alert us to the danger we face when fast heavy rain turns a familiar road into a flood. Watch what happened to CR 73 between CR 112 and CR 98 on Saturday night, August 15 at about 6:30 p.m. after a heavy rain moved through the area. Flash Flood - youtube.com/shorts/4PKKb1v1c… Remember: Turn Around. Don’t Drown. Be in the know! Subscribe to ElbertCountyAlert.com

UPDATE: CR 105 Is Now Open. Thank you for your patience.

ROAD CLOSURE ALERT: County Road 105 between County Road 82 and County Road 90 is closed due to unsafe conditions caused by recent storms. Updates will be provided when travel conditions improve. Stay in the know! Sign Up for Elbert County Alert: elbertcounty-co.gov/653/Elbe…

Elbert County could see another round of thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, with the potential for heavy rainfall, large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes. With the significant rainfall our area has received over the past couple of days, flooding is an increased concern today. Additional heavy rain could quickly cause water to rise across roadways, low-lying areas, creeks, and normally dry drainage areas. Residents are encouraged to remain weather aware throughout the afternoon and evening: • Never drive through a flooded roadway • Avoid low-water crossings and areas already experiencing flooding • Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings • Secure outdoor items that could be affected by strong winds • Consider moving vehicles and equipment under cover due to the potential for large hail • If a warning is issued for your location, be prepared to take action immediately Storms could begin affecting portions of the county as early as this afternoon and into the evening.

UPDATE: CR 150 and CR 85 Are Now Open

Flooding Closes CR 150 and CR 85 Road Closures Alert: CR 150 between Comanche Creek Road to property address 22111 CR 150; and CR 85 between CR 150 and Way of Peace are closed due to flooding. Updates will be provided when travel conditions improve. Stay in the know! Sign Up for Elbert County Alert: elbertcountyalert.com/

Elbert County OEM Proves "Grid-Down" Readiness at 2026 ARRL Field Day Have you ever thought about how the Elbert County Office of Emergency Management (ECOEM) would manage a large disaster if cellular towers and the entire power grid—all internet and digital communications – were destroyed? Elbert County OEM along with heavily trained radio operators from the all-volunteer Colorado ARES Region 1 District 5 in Douglas and Elbert County, not only recognized the threat, they also recently put that scenario to the test during the nationwide American Radio Relay League (AARL) 2026 event over a 24-hour period on June 27 and June 28. “Proving the power of analog in a digital world, this exercise of our disaster communications capabilities was a vital test of true infrastructure resilience for the Elbert County OEM during a simulated catastrophic communication failure,” said Jacob Love, Director of the Elbert County Office of Emergency Management. “This exercise proved that when modern technology fails, Elbert County remains securely connected,” said Love. To learn more visit: elbertcounty-co.gov/m/newsfl…

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in place for Unincorporated Elbert County beginning June 22, 2026 As we prepare to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, we want everyone to enjoy the holiday safely and responsibly. Due to current conditions and fire danger, ALL Fireworks are prohibited July 4 throughout Unincorporated Elbert County — including those that are normally considered legal. While we encourage our community to come together and celebrate this historic milestone, we ask residents to do so safely and within the law. Help protect our community, homes, and open spaces. Attend one of the many professional fireworks displays happening throughout the area. For a list of some Fourth of July celebration events happening nearby, click on the link provided: bit.ly/4fWWPqB Let’s honor this special 250th celebration with pride, while keeping community safety our top priority. See something? Say something: - Call the Fireworks Hotline at 303-814-7118 (available July 3–5, 6 p.m.–midnight). - Outside those hours, contact Douglas Regional 911’s non-emergency line at 303-660-7500. - If you see flames or smell smoke, don't hesitate to call 911. Thank you for doing your part to keep Elbert County safe this Independence Day Holiday. For more information on Elbert County Burn Restrictions visit: elbertcounty-co.gov/176/Burn…

Thinking About Your Independence Day Plans? The Fireworks Hotline Is Your Safety Resource. Independence Day is one of the most celebrated Holidays in our community. While the professional fireworks shows are still expected to occur nearby, an individual’s use of fireworks that explode or leave the ground are always illegal. What can I do if I witness illegal fireworks? • If you see illegal fireworks, call the Fireworks Hotline 303-814-7118. The Hotline will be staffed and available to receive fireworks-related complaints from July 3 through July 5, between 6 p.m. and midnight each evening. • Outside of these dates and hours, report fireworks-related concerns through Douglas Regional 9-1-1's non-emergency line at 303-660-7500. • Do not call 9-1-1 unless there is an emergency. Additional Safety Tips: • Be extra careful with legal sparklers and small fireworks — they can still cause fires. • Avoid using legal fireworks near grass, dry vegetation, or in windy conditions.

Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop across the area after 2:00 PM today. Hazards may include: • Large hail • Strong wind gusts • Heavy rainfall • Isolated funnel clouds Now is a good time to review your severe weather plans and make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings. Stay weather aware this afternoon and evening. Monitor local forecasts and be prepared to take shelter if warnings are issued. Know when to go! Sign Up for Elbert County Alert: elbertcounty-co.gov/653/Elbe…

UPDATE: County Road 166 Is Now Open

County Road 166 Closed Between County Road 21 and County Road 29. Motorists traveling County Road 166 east and west are asked to be prepared for alternate routes. Avoid County Road 166 and County Road 21 intersection and the County Road 166 and County Road 29 intersection. Expect closure until 5 p.m. Tuesday May 26.

Elbert County Weather-Related Closure Wednesday, May 6, 2026 Due to a severe spring snowstorm creating unsafe driving conditions, Elbert County government offices will be closed Wednesday, May 6. Many county services are available online by visiting elbertcounty-co.us Please drive safely and be weather aware.

Elbert County Government on Two Hour Delay Wednesday, May 6 due to Expected Severe Weather. With the safety of the traveling public as our top priority, all Elbert County Government offices will be on a two-hour delayed schedule Wednesday, May 6. Information on closures or delays for Elbert County Combined Courts can be found here: coloradojudicial.gov While a significant storm will move across Colorado tonight, Elbert County crews will be out clearing county roads of ice and snow throughout the duration of the storm. The priority for snow removal is high traffic roadways to ensure safe passage for emergency vehicles. CDOT crews will be out statewide. If you must travel during this storm, please allow extra time to arrive safely at your destination. For information on snow and ice removal responsibilities on state highways within Elbert County, visit the Colorado Department of Transportation website. What to Know: • Check COtrip.com or the COtrip Planner app before driving • Expect slick conditions early Wednesday • Slow down, increase following distance, and never pass snowplows • Be aware of possible traction/chain laws and safety closures

YOUR SEVERE WEATHER WARNING IS AS CLOSE AS YOUR SMARTPHONE Be among the first to know if your home, life, or land is threatened by a tornado. Register for ElbertCountyAlert.com for the free service that sends timely and urgent notifications direct to you – by text, email, or phone call – from your local public safety authorities. Don’t delay. Do it today.

Visible Smoke in Elbert County – March 26, 2026 Smoke visible in parts of Elbert County today is coming from fires outside our county. Thank you to everyone who reached out and shared what they saw. Your situational awareness and reporting to authorities helps keep our community safe and informed. We will continue to monitor and share updates as needed.