Boulder County and the cities and towns within the county, face risks from hazards every day. These hazards vary
in their probability of occurrence. Communities are faced with not only the threats themselves, but also with a
wide variety of other factors which make the process of mitigating against, preparing for and responding to them
more complex. An Integrated Emergency Management System (IEMS) approach to comprehensive emergency management
requires a systematic analysis of the hazards facing all of Boulder County. There is also a significant difference
in the potential impact of a disaster on a "prepared" jurisdiction versus an "unprepared" jurisdiction. Identified
hazards can be reduced or avoided altogether with hazard mitigation. It is appropriate to consider mitigation
strategies when doing a hazard analysis. Mitigation costs are often less than that of the loss of life or property
that occurs if no action is taken.
Several general factors that should be considered in determining if a hazard is significant are:
- Historically, the hazard has affected the jurisdiction;
- Probability of occurrence;
- Possibility of loss of life or property and;
- Weather patterns or geographical considerations.
Various hazards have been rated as high, moderate or low. The ratings are based on a scale of 1 through 5 with 5
being the highest. The first category, historical, includes past incidents and the severity of those incidents. The
second category, potential, includes the possibility of such an incident occurring. The scores for each category
are added together in the summary for a final hazard probability. A hazard with a score or 2, 3 or 4 is considered
a low risk hazard. One with a score of 5, 6, or 7 is considered a moderate risk hazard and one with a score of 8,
9, or 10 a high risk hazard. The system of scoring was used as a general guide for rating each hazard, but the
overall determining factor was the potential for loss of life.
The following pages contain information about the various hazards that impact Boulder County.
Information includes the hazard and its definition; a description of the hazard and its frequency; and mitigation
options and strategies for each hazard. Please note: Hazard mitigation consists of activities that help prevent the
occurrence of a disaster or reduce losses if a disaster occurs. Some of the mitigation options or strategies listed
may overlap with preparedness functions.
(From the Office of Emergency Management)
