The NWS has placed Southeast Colorado, including Huerfano County and the Town of La Veta under a Flood Watch from 9/29-10/1. In an abundance of caution, we are sharing the following information to help La Veta residents and visitors prepare to take appropriate action.

Existing models indicate that vulnerable structures and facilities within the Town include:

• Residences, lodging establishments, RV parks, and businesses west of Birch St., north of the railroad tracks and east of main along Moore Ave.
• La Veta Public School campus
• Town of La Veta government operations
• La Veta Fire Protection District facilities
• All bridges over the Cucharas bridge are susceptible to damage

In the event of a flood, La Veta residents and visitors may have as little as 25-30 minutes after notification to evacuate the affected areas. State and local government agencies DO NOT have the resources to perform individual evacuations. YOUR SAFETY AND SURVIVAL WILL ALSO DEPEND ON YOUR PERSONAL PREPARATION AND ACTIONS!

Evacuation Notification Procedures:

Upon confirmation of impending flooding, the Town Marshal will issue an evacuation order and contact County Dispatch/HCNotify. The Town of La Veta will activate the evacuation sirens. The siren warning will use a series of three tones using a pattern of a constant three-minute tone followed by a two-minute break for a total of 30 minutes. HCNotify notifications will be issued to registered individuals and groups (e.g. La Veta Public Schools) in the identified evacuation zones. The siren alerts the entire town to impending flooding, but the HCNotify notification identifies the zone or zones that need to evacuate.

La Veta Resident Response Guidelines

There are three basic response options:

• Relocate now to nonvulnerable areas until the threat has passed (UP HILL)
• Prepare to evacuate and upon notification drive to high ground east of Birch St. and shelter with friends or in your car until directed to evacuate to alternate locations or return home
• Shelter high in place with the understanding that first responders will not be available to perform individual evacuations during the vent

Deciding which option is right for you depends on your personal needs. Regardless of the option you select, you will want to:

• Assemble a “Go Kit” containing the items you will need to make it on your own for at least three days.
• Secure valuables in attics or second stories
• Register with HCNotify and stay informed about flood conditions and evacuation instructions.

Visitor Response Guidelines

During a flood event, visitors located on or west of Main St. should follow traffic control instructions to relocate to higher ground east of Birch St. or the streets beyond and shelter in their vehicles until directed to evacuate to alternate locations. Given the potentially abbreviated evacuation time visitors with travel trailers staying in local RV parks are encouraged to abandon trailers and join evacuees on higher ground east of Birch St. Evacuees with motorhomes or towing campers will relocate to the east side of the County Fairgrounds (Refer to the map provided by your hosts and follow traffic control directions.) until directed to evacuate to alternate locations.