TheDenverChannel.com








Denver News
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters
Related To Story
PARK COUNTY'S SNOWED IN


Park County Braces For Another Blast Of Winter

Crews, Resources Converge Offer Help

POSTED: 2:14 am MST February 14, 2008
UPDATED: 3:41 am MST February 14, 2008

It’s news some residents in Park County don’t want to hear. Snow is once again on the way.

“We see the clouds moving in and say ‘not again,’” said Paul Hagan, a longtime resident of Sun Mountain in Park County. “Enough is enough,” Hagan said.

Residents received a reprieve Wednesday, which allowed crews make some headway clearing roads and getting to folks in need of food, medicine and other supplies.

“In all, 21 rescue missions have been performed, reaching as many as 45 homes,” said Mike Roll, Chief of North West Fire Protection District and Park County Public Information officer.

” No evacuations have been necessary at this time, but should the need arise we have a shelter on standby,” Roll said.

Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and local volunteers have helped set up the shelters and are providing warm meals for responders and victims, according to Roll.

Resources remain from throughout the state and will continue efforts through the week.

“In addition to the 30 snow removal vehicles from Park County, we have received equipment and personnel from Pueblo, Baca, Jefferson, El Paso, and Garfield Counties as well as Colorado Springs, Department of Corrections, and CDOT,” Roll said.

Many residents stocked up on food and other items prior to the storm moving in Wednesday night. Up to a foot of new snow was expected in the area.

A declaration of Disaster and Emergency has been issued in Park County.

“The scary thing is, all this work we’ve done and we could have one swoop from mother nature then we’ve got to start over and do it again,” Roll said.

Park County included the following details in a released received by 7NEWS Wednesday evening.

FACT SHEET :

PLOWING – Park County has 16 graders with plows and wings, 7 loaders, and 7 snowplow trucks working at this time. All equipment is out on the roads at this time. We have also received 1 grader from Pueblo County, 1 loader/blower from El Paso County, 2 loaders from Baca County, 1 dozer from Jefferson County, 2 dozers from Arapahoe County, and 2 loaders, 1 loader/blower, 2 loader/plows, 2 dozers, 1 truck/blower, and 2 graders from CDOT, and 1 grader, 1 loader, 1 dozer, and 1 backhoe from the Department of Corrections with 4 staff and 4 offenders to operate them. We are anticipating more help from the Department of Corrections to arrive tomorrow.

HOW MANY ARE STRANDED – Updated estimates are that up to 250 homes have been drifted in. Of the 200 that we have not made physical contact with, plows are working to access their roads or we have verified in some way that the residents are safe.

HOW HAS TRAVEL BEEN AFFECTED – All roads are open, however visibility may be very limited due to high winds and blowing snow. Blowing snow is anticipated tonight and tomorrow.

WHAT ABOUT A DIRE EMERGENCY? – Volunteers with Park County Search and Rescue as well as crews from Arapahoe, Clear Creek, and Jefferson Counties have been staged around the county to respond to emergencies and will begin rescue operation toady. Other departments will respond as required.

HOW DO I GET HELP? – The public is asked to call 719 836-4160. DO NOT CALL 911 – The emergency dispatch staff has been inundated with calls delaying response time. Emergency 911 response is running normally – if you have a fire, police or emergency medical need please call 911 for assistance

Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Boost your home value and make buyers bite with these bathroom updates. More

Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

Snacking can be a healthy part of your diet, as long as you choose the right snacks. Get tips for eating between meals. More

MyReport Network

E - News Registration focus group
  My Report Network: Tell your story on 7NEWS. Sign up to be a member of our My Report Network
Sponsored Links

MyReport Network

E - News Registration focus group
  My Report Network: Tell your story on 7NEWS. Sign up to be a member of our My Report Network

Job Searching Tips

A little extra effort can go a long way on a cover letter. Find out how you can help yourself land that interview. More