Clear Creek, Jefferson counties adopt shared evacuation alerts and Hi-Lo sirens
A patrol-car high-low tone will accompany an Evacuation Order for an immediate threat to life; officials say it supplements phone, text and email alerts.
Clear Creek and Jefferson counties have adopted shared evacuation terminology and a patrol-car “Hi-Lo” siren for Evacuation Orders, according to a July 23 joint announcement from Clear Creek County. The system is intended to provide an in-person warning when other alert channels fail or do not reach residents.
The counties’ emergency-management offices and Jeffcom 911 dispatch are aligned with Douglas County on the system. The alternating high-low tone will be used only with an Evacuation Order, when officials determine there is an immediate threat to life. Law enforcement will use the tone and a prerecorded evacuation message while moving through affected neighborhoods.
Clear Creek’s evacuation information page says the county has divided areas into neighborhood polygons to target evacuation communications and installed Hi-Lo equipment in sheriff’s patrol vehicles. The reviewed announcement does not specify a separate Jefferson County map or which municipal vehicles are equipped. Residents should follow the geographic area named in an official alert rather than assume a siren applies countywide.
What the levels mean
- Evacuation Order: An immediate threat to life. Leave immediately; the ordered area is closed to public access.
- Evacuation Warning: A significant threat to life or property. Residents should prepare to leave. People who need extra time — including those with access or functional needs, pets or livestock, or limited transportation — should leave early.
- Shelter in place: Conditions outside are more dangerous than staying indoors. Go inside, close and lock doors and windows, and remain there until conditions improve or responders issue new instructions.
The Hi-Lo system supplements, rather than replaces, phone, text, email and other emergency-notification methods. Those systems can depend on cellular networks, internet connectivity, communications infrastructure and commercial power, which can be disrupted during a disaster. Officials did not identify a specific recent incident as the reason for the rollout.
Residents can sign up for LookoutAlert, the regional notification system, which Jefferson County says can send text, email and voice messages. Enrollment is available through the LookoutAlert website, the Smart911 app or by texting “LookoutAlert” to 67283.
Clear Creek’s emergency-notification system also sends phone calls, texts and emails. Residents without internet access or who need help can call the Clear Creek sheriff’s office at 303-980-7300. People who may need assistance should plan for transportation, medication, pets and other support before an order is issued and contact local emergency-management officials about available accommodations. When the Hi-Lo sounds, residents should evacuate immediately and follow responders’ directions.