Think it can't happen here? No, it does happen here

The phrase "it can happen here" is a reminder that disasters and emergencies are not limited to specific regions or areas; they can occur anywhere, including in our own community here in Eagle County. It serves as a call to action and a reminder that preparedness is essential regardless of where you live.

Not only can it happen here, but it in fact does happen here. “It” is natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, rockslides, and more that impact us and bring the community to a standstill.

It is human nature to assume that bad things will never happen to us; bad things will only happen to others. We see tragedies on the news like the Maui fires or hurricanes in the southeast. We know and acknowledge that bad things happen but assume it will never happen here. We’ll always have an escape route, so we do not always plan for the worst-case scenario.

It is completely normal to have this belief; it is in our nature as human beings to subconsciously assume bad things will only happen to others and not to us. Except that is just wrong – it can happen here, and it does happen here, and it will happen here again. Recognizing that disasters can happen here underscores the importance of preparedness. Individuals, families, and communities must have plans and resources in place to respond effectively when disaster strikes.

I encourage you to think back to March 18, 2023, when we were hit by a pair of rockfall episodes — one along Interstate 70 in Dowd Canyon, and another on U.S. Highway 24 on Battle Mountain – along with a gas spill on I-70 west of Edwards. Or more recently, just last week on September 7, when a motor vehicle incident and ensuing fire shut down traffic in both directions on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 6.

It's not limited to rockfalls or wildfires. We have a history of sinkholes - including in Red Cliff, East Vail, and Avon – that have negative impacts on transportation, neighborhood access, and personal property. These types of disasters do, unfortunately, regularly happen here and we must plan for them.

The primary objective of disaster planning is to save lives. Having a well-thought-out plan in place ensures that not only emergency responders but also community members know what to do in the event of a disaster helps reduce the risk of gridlock and other unintended consequences. Our past events serve as valuable lessons, which should serve to motivate us to develop and implement comprehensive disaster plans.

Effective and efficient communication must be part of the plan. We need strategies to disseminate information and provide updates to the community, in addition to coordinating efforts among different agencies and organizations. This can help calm fears and ensure people receive accurate information.

Effective disaster preparedness and response are community-wide efforts. Engaging the entire community, including local government, first responders, businesses, schools, and residents, is critical for a coordinated and effective response. Local governments and organizations should continue to allocate resources to disaster preparedness and response efforts, including infrastructure improvements, emergency services, and public education campaigns.

These types of disasters pose a significant threat to human life, property, and the environment. Well-funded and equipped fire districts and first responders can respond more effectively, reducing the risk of injuries, deaths, and property loss.

Thank you to our first responders and remember that it is crucial to have a plan to ensure public safety, protect property, preserve the environment, to effectively respond to and mitigate the impacts of wildfires and other disasters, because it does happen here.

Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership, the regional chamber of commerce. Learn more at VailValleyPartnership.com