NEWS RELEASE
Feb 28, 2026
Contact: Ouray County Emergency Management
Phone: 970-325-7273 ext. 2
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Ouray County, CO — Ouray County to Conduct Full-Scale Evacuation Exercise – May 15
On May 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Ouray County will conduct a Countywide Full-Scale Evacuation Exercise. Residents can expect to see significant first responder activity in and around the Town of Ridgway during this time.
This is only an exercise. There is no real emergency.
This exercise has been two years in the making. Ouray County developed a Countywide Multi-Jurisdictional Evacuation Plan and has progressively tested it to ensure it works under real-world conditions. The plan was reviewed and tested at the departmental level, followed by an agency-level tabletop exercise in early 2025. In November 2025, the plan was tested at a countywide multi-jurisdictional level through a tabletop exercise. The May 15 full-scale exercise is the final step in validating the plan in a realistic environment.
Community Participation Opportunities
Ouray County residents are encouraged to participate. Participation does not require that the scenario take place in your neighborhood.
Citizens may volunteer to serve as:
Evacuees
Injured evacuees
Individuals with access or functional needs
Family members searching for loved ones
General volunteers (roles will be assigned as needed)
What Residents Should Expect
During the exercise, residents may notice increased emergency vehicle traffic, simulated
evacuations, traffic control points, shelter operations, and increased radio communications. Again, this is a planned training event.
Preparedness Reminder
Even if you are not participating in this exercise, living in Ouray County means being
prepared for evacuation at any time. Wildfire, flood, hazardous materials incidents, and
other emergencies can require residents to leave quickly.
Residents are encouraged to:
Prepare a “Go Bag” with medications, important documents, clothing, chargers, and essential supplies
Maintain at least 72 hours of food and water
Keep vehicles fueled during high-risk seasons
Identify multiple evacuation routes from your area
Develop a communication plan with family members
Make plans for pets, livestock, and those with mobility or medical needs
If you require additional time to evacuate or have access and functional needs, plan ahead. In a rural community with remote areas and limited resources, residents must be prepared to evacuate when conditions warrant and should not wait for someone to knock on their door.
Ready, Set, Go Evacuation Model
Ouray County uses the Ready, Set, Go! evacuation model:
Be Ready – Pre-Evacuation Readiness and Preparedness: Focuses on preparing residents for potential evacuation orders. Education emphasizes monitoring developing situations and preparing to evacuate.
Get Set – Activation of Voluntary Evacuation: Emphasis shifts to collecting materials, communicating plans to family members, and voluntarily evacuating for those with additional risk factors. Emergency procedures may include rerouting traffic, establishing detours, clearing traffic for EMS, and opening shelters.
Go Now! – Activation of Mandatory Evacuation: Mandatory evacuation orders are issued for areas at risk. Actions may include canvassing neighborhoods, assisting with evacuations as needed, and closing or securing hazardous areas. Mandatory evacuation is only directed when remaining in the area poses significant risk or danger to life.
Preparedness is a shared responsibility. This exercise ensures that when the time comes, Ouray County is ready.
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