No matter the weather, South Metro Fire Rescue is ready to respond when you need us.

Colorado’s weather can change quickly, creating dangerous conditions at home and on the road. Stay informed, plan ahead, and take precautions to keep yourself and your community safe when severe weather strikes. 

Sign up for Reverse 9-1-1 to receive an Emergency Alert in the event of a severe weather emergency. 

 

Watch multiple South Metro Responses during a blizzard: 

While you're out clearing snow from your driveway and sidewalks, please take a few extra minutes to uncover your fire hydrant. It could make all the difference in a fire emergency in your neighborhood! 

Task your kids to help clear they hydrants in your neighborhood - Take a picture, tag @SouthMetroPIO and #ShovelForSafety to be featured on our social media pages this season! Keep up with South Metro Fire Rescue by following our social media accounts. 

 

Colorado’s drastic temperature swings can make frozen lakes unpredictable and unsafe.
Frequent freeze-thaw cycles weaken the ice, creating cracks and uneven thickness across the surface. Sun-exposed areas often have thinner ice, while shaded spots may appear stronger. These variations make it difficult to judge ice stability and increase the risk of breaking through.

Keeping children safe near frozen bodies of water:  

• Do not sled on or around frozen lakes, streams, or ponds.  

• Even if the surface appears solid, the underlying layers may be compromised, posing a risk to individuals walking, skating, or driving on the lake.  

Keeping pets safe near frozen bodies of water! Watch a SMFR ice rescue by clicking the link below. 

Keep pets on a leash when near bodies of frozen water.  

• Avoid letting pets wander onto frozen lakes or ponds. No matter how thick you believe the ice to be. 

• If your pet falls in, call 911 immediately. It's crucial to contact emergency services immediately rather than attempting a rescue yourself. South Metro Fire Rescue is trained and equipped to perform a safer and more effective rescue operation.  

What to do if you see someone fall through the ice:  

• Reach-Throw-Go – if you can’t reach them from the shore, throw them a flotation device or rope. If you still can’t help the person immediately, go for help and call 911. Rescue and Medical care may be necessary.  

What to do if you fall through the ice:  

• Don’t panic. Remain calm and reserve energy.  

• Try to get your arms onto the ice and kick as hard as you can with your feet to help lift you onto the ice and then roll to safety.  

• Do not attempt to stand up. The strongest ice is probably the direction you came from, so try to get out the same way you came. 

 

Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

Lithium-ion batteries power many everyday devices — phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, cars, toys, and more. They’re efficient and powerful, but if damaged or misused, they can overheat, catch fire, or explode. 

South Metro Fire Rescue encourages everyone to buy, charge, and recycle safely to reduce your risk of fire. 

• Buy Smart
  • Choose products with safety certifications from a nationally recognized testing lab.
  • Research before you buy. (Visit our website for tips!)
• Charge Safely
  • Use only manufacturer-approved chargers.
  • Charge on a hard surface — never under bedding or on furniture.
  • Unplug once fully charged.
  • Stop charging immediately if you notice swelling, odor, heat, leaking, or unusual noises — and move the device away from anything flammable.
  • Call 9-1-1 if you see smoke or fire.
• Recycle Right
  • Never put lithium-ion batteries in household trash or curbside recycling.
  • Use a proper battery recycling location. (Find safe disposal options on our website!)

 

Thank you for doing your part to keep yourself, your home, and our community safe. Please share this important safety information with friends and neighbors so we can all stay safe together! 

From our South Metro Family to yours, we hope you have a magical holiday season and a happy new year!