Show Us: What is ‘Essential’ for You?

When a disaster or crisis strikes, you may have only minutes to evacuate to a safer place. Whether that safer place means heading into your basement or storm shelter in advance of a tornado, fleeing to higher ground to escape flood waters, or driving miles out of your neighborhood to escape the flames of a […]

When is a Power Outage an Emergency?

By Patricia Billinger  Today, we received a phone call from Lee Ann, a Conifer resident who was panicked and nearly in tears. Storms had caused power outages in several communities in Colorado, and her power company estimated that it could be several days before electricity was restored. Her boyfriend needs electricity to run his oxygen […]

What the Women’s World Cup Can Teach About Disasters

by Patricia Billinger We paused for this photo (mom’s elbow at left). Dad disappeared into the crowd. On Sunday, my husband, mother, father and I were among the more than 50,000 jubilant fans swarming to BC Place in Vancouver for the Women’s World Cup Finals. The buzz among the crowd was palpable. Red, white and […]

Your Basement Flooded. Now What?

By Patricia Billinger On Friday night, my husband and I came home from work to discover nearly an inch of water covering our entire basement floor. My cat’s empty dish floated towards the basement door. We weren’t alone. Due to heavy rain throughout May and into June, many homes in Colorado have experienced flooding. From […]