“Lyons Prepared,” then and now (volunteer opportunities)

Lyons Prepared is an all-citizen volunteer group that formed because of the 2013 floods in Lyons. During the floods and for several days following the disaster, the Lyons community became several islands cut off from one another physically with no ability to communicate due to the damage caused by the violent flood waters. 
 
Lyons Prepared founding members from all around the Lyons area and the Lyons Fire Protection District (LFPD) recognized the need for a redundant communication system in case another natural disaster like the 2013 flood occurred again. As a result, Lyons Prepared was formed. Each volunteer maintains a MURS radio equipped to listen and communicate with an incident command center operated by LFPD. The purpose of this volunteer group is to communicate with LFPD in an emergency when communications go down; relay information from their respective locations to LFPD; communicate accurate information and dispel rumors within their neighborhoods; and to check on neighbors in times of emergency. 
 
For almost 10 years, Lyons Prepared volunteers have trained to operate radios and conducted radio tests to maintain that network. And like everything, emergency communications are evolving and improving, e.g., opt-in reverse 9-1-1 phone calls, text messages, and email alerts are now available in Boulder and Larimer Counties. If you have not signed up for one or both County alerts, LP encourages citizens of the LFPD (in Larimer and Boulder County) to do so. 
 
Like emergency communications, Lyons Prepared is also evolving. The volunteer group is transitioning to be a part of the LFPD Auxiliary to provide support as needed. And volunteers will continue to maintain the radio network. This is especially useful for areas in the Fire District where communications are “spotty” due to our mountainous terrain. The LFPD is seeking volunteers to participate in the Auxiliary for a variety of community-oriented education, communication, and outreach initiatives in support of the Fire District’s mission. Interested citizens can apply to volunteer with the Auxiliary. Please reach out to LFPD to learn more please call the LFPD office at 303-823-6611 (Mon – Fri, 8 AM to 4 PM) or send an email to:  admin@lyonsfire.org

NOTE: This article has been updated as of 12noon Thursday, 9/14/23.