As wildfire season approaches, we want everyone in our community to know: Larimer County emergency management personnel are here for the community. Our teams are trained, experienced, and committed to helping people stay safe during any emergency. Recent messaging from the Department of Homeland Security regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has generated questions about the availability of disaster services. As we enter wildfire season, it is a good time to provide clarity about local programs and services.

Any emergency or disaster in our community starts and ends at the local level of government. This will not change. The Larimer County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will continue to work with our federal partners, we will support the community with information and resources to prepare for hazards and threats, and we will assist the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office in emergency and disaster response. 

Our first priority will always be life safety. OEM works closely with emergency responders to ensure safe and effective evacuations. Our goal is to help people get to safety quickly, without unnecessary barriers. Emergency shelters are open to all community members. We do not separate or turn people away based on who they are. We're here whether you need a place to stay, medical assistance, help with a pet, or just someone to guide you through the moment. We treat every person with dignity and respect and work with trusted community partners to ensure individual needs are met.

Larimer County’s Office of Emergency Management works daily with local responders, nonprofits, volunteers, and federal agencies like the U.S. Forest Service and Rocky Mountain National Park to keep our systems strong. Even as things may change at the national level, our commitment to this community does not change because, in the end, all disasters are local.

Here’s how you can prepare now:

• Make a plan: Talk with your family about where you’d go, how you’d get there, and what you’d bring.
   
• Sign up for emergency alerts at www.nocoalert.org to stay informed.
   
• Be fire-wise: Never leave campfires unattended, and stay aware of your surroundings.

Our guiding value is simple: doing the most good for those who need it most. Whether you’ve lived here for generations or just arrived, Larimer County emergency management is here to serve the community—always.