As we approach the one-year anniversary of the historic floods that devastated several Colorado counties in 2013, we have an opportunity to commemorate the event and join with thousands of our fellow Coloradans in remembering those whose lives were forever altered, thanking the heroes who saved lives and tirelessly provided aid, and recognizing that for many, the long road to recovery is far from complete.
Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, along with the Colorado Recovery Office and Serve Colorado, selected Saturday, September 13, as Colorado United Day in commemoration of the 2013 Floods. This is designated as a day of service that recognizes the strength and resilience of all Coloradans and offers an opportunity to again join together in service.
The Red Cross will join in commemorating the one-year anniversary by participating in several events that are planned for Colorado United Day.
• Cyclists for Lyons – Three fundraising races/rides will be taking place
-Red Cross will host a water station and preparedness information display and
provide ponchos, in partnership with Lyons Strong, in case of rain
• St. Vrain Moving Forward – Playground building in St. Vrain Valley Park
-Red Cross will host a water station and preparedness information display
• Salina Community Event – A “meditative walk through the trees” and lunch
-Red Cross will be participate in this event along with the Salina community
• Evans Picnic -Commemorative party to be held in Evans
-Red Cross will participate in these events along with the Evans community
• Jamestown Community Celebration -Red Cross will fund and participate in an emotional resilience art project
In addition to commemorating the 2013 floods on September 13, the Red Cross will continue to provide support for flood recovery. During late September and early October the Red Cross will host a series of CPR/AED and First Aid classes for residents and emergency responders in Lyons, Estes Park, Nederland and Ward. These towns were virtually cut off from emergency support during the floods and members of their community determined these classes would improve medical response should that ever happen again.
Also this fall, the Red Cross will provide funds for radio/communications equipment to shore up the emergency communications capabilities of towns like Gold Hill, Big Elk and Pinewood – allowing them to purchase and install radios, pagers, repeaters and other equipment vital for communicating during disasters, when traditional communications infrastructure may be down or hindered.
There are many activities planned to commemorate the 2013 floods. If you would like to volunteer or participate in an event please visit the Serve Colorado web site for a clickable map with links to organizations needing volunteers.