Risk Reduction: Colorado
Find Your Flood Map
The first step to understanding the risks in your area begins with reviewing flood maps.
On the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC) you may research, view and download (free) the available inventory of products such as flood maps, the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) Report that accompanies the flood map and other mapping products.
FEMA's Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning (Risk MAP) program empowers individuals, organizations and communities to take proactive steps to reduce flood risk. Whether you are an engineer performing a flood risk analysis, a state planner designing and implementing a hazard mitigation plan, or a well-informed homeowner who has purchased flood insurance, learn how Risk MAP can help.
Minimize Risk in Colorado
Risk Reduction for Your Home
From floods and wildfire to drought and hail, the Centennial state is subject to many natural hazards depending on location and time of year. Investing in risk reduction activities now can translate into far less impacts down the road for many of the hazards in Colorado. These measures can improve property values, enhance public spaces, and provide beneficial functions to the flora, fauna, and the environment all while protecting future generations of Coloradans.
Effective mitigation isn’t always grand or expensive and efforts will vary from person to person. Depending on the hazard, property, and other variables sometimes simple actions can have a big payoff. For example, it might not be necessary to elevate your home to reduce future flooding but simply raising electrical appliances or using flood-resistant materials, like tile instead of carpet, can offer protection for a property.
Browse Risk Reduction Resources
Wildfires
As wildfires persist in the west, it’s critical that you make your home wildfire defensible. Check with the National Fire Protection Association and its Firewise Communities for more tips, but you can get started today by:
- Cover attic and under-eave vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to decrease the chance of wind-blown embers of entering the structure.
- Clear gutters of leaves, pine needles, and other debris. This will not only help them perform their intend function of moving water to the downspout but also prevent embers from igniting in your home.
- Remove or reduce flammable vegetation from at least 30 feet around structures and replacing it with noncombustible materials such as gravel, brick, or concrete creates defensible space and provides room for structure protection from firefighters
- Talk to your neighbors! Wildfire risk reduction is best taken at the community level.
For more information, visit the Colorado State Forestry Division or the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control Wildfire Information Resource Center.
Environmental Requirements
Potential impacts to the environment and cultural resources must be considered when a community applies for FEMA funding through Public Assistance, Hazard Mitigation Assistance and Preparedness Grants.
- Find resources to help conduct an environmental and historic preservation review
- Get guidance for grant applications
- Visit FEMA's repository of environmental assessments, environmental impact statements and related National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents.