Colorado homeowner guide

Main water shutoff

At the meter or wall entry. Colorado's freeze-thaw cycles (the Front Range can swing 50°F in a day) stress plumbing. Know the shutoff and test it before winter.

Radon: test immediately

Colorado has high radon potential: 52 of its 64 counties are in EPA Zone 1, the highest potential. The Front Range (Boulder, Jefferson, Larimer, El Paso counties) is particularly high, but elevated radon is found statewide. Test within 30 days of move-in. Don't wait 90 days. Act if above 4 pCi/L.

Wildfire defensible space assessment

Front Range and mountain communities have significant wildfire risk (Marshall Fire 2021 burned 1,000+ homes in Boulder County in a non-traditional wildfire season). Assess your home's defensible space at move-in. Walk 100 feet around the perimeter and identify combustible materials, wood piles, decks, and vegetation.

Dry air maintenance

Colorado's low humidity (20-30% is common) means wood floors, trim, and cabinetry can split and separate. Maintain indoor humidity between 35-45% with humidifiers during heating season. Check caulking around windows, doors, and joints annually; dry air causes caulk to crack faster than humid climates.

HVAC and humidifier maintenance

Colorado's altitude affects HVAC efficiency; high-efficiency furnaces may need recalibration at altitude. Service annually. Whole-house humidifiers are common in Colorado; clean and service them annually to prevent mold in the unit.

Colorado hail is among the worst in the nation

The Denver metro sits in the most hail-intensive zone in the US (known as 'Hail Alley'). Hailstones of 4+ inches have been recorded. Inspect the roof after every hail event. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are the most important roofing upgrade for Colorado homeowners. Many CO insurers offer 20-30% premium discounts for Class 4 roofing.

Pro recommended: Licensed Roofer

Roof and exterior inspection after winter

Inspect for winter damage: cracked shingles from thermal cycling, damaged flashing, and ice dam residue. Address before summer storm season.

Defensible space maintenance

Mow dry grass within 30 feet of the home. Remove dead vegetation, wood piles within 30 feet, and combustible patio furniture during red flag conditions. Zone 1 (0-30 ft): essentially non-combustible. Zone 2 (30-100 ft): thinned, spaced trees with no ladder fuels.

Red flag day protocol

Red flag conditions in Colorado (low humidity + high wind + dry fuel) can produce explosive fire spread. On red flag days: no outdoor burning, move firewood away from the structure, park vehicles on pavement (not on dry grass), and know your evacuation route.

Colorado blizzard preparation

Colorado's Front Range can experience rapid-onset blizzards, temperature dropping 50°F in hours. By October 1: heating system serviced, pipes insulated, 7-day supplies stocked, snow blower serviced, and vehicle winter kit assembled.

Mountain home winterization

Mountain homes above 7,000 feet: winterize water systems if the home will be unoccupied. Drain pipes completely and add RV antifreeze to toilet traps. Altitude means freeze events are more frequent and severe.

Colorado's radon emergency

Colorado's average radon level is 6.6 pCi/L, well above the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L. Approximately 50% of Colorado homes have radon above 4 pCi/L. CDPHE (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment) provides licensed mitigator listings. Sub-slab depressurization systems cost $800-2,000 and reduce levels by 80-99%.

Pro recommended: Certified Radon Mitigation Contractor

Class A fire-resistant roofing

Replace wood shake or treated wood shingles with Class A fire-resistant roofing (metal, tile, or Class A asphalt). Embers from wildfires travel up to a mile ahead of the fire front and land on roofs and in gutters.

Vent and deck protection

Screen all foundation vents, soffit vents, and attic vents with 1/8-inch metal mesh to stop ember intrusion. Replace wood decks and combustible railings with composite or metal alternatives within Zone 1 if possible.

Go-bag and 'Ready, Set, Go' protocol

Colorado uses a 3-tier system: Ready (prepare to leave), Set (be prepared to leave immediately), Go (evacuate NOW; do not wait for a mandatory order). Pre-pack a go-bag with 72-hour supplies, medications, documents, photos. Practice the evacuation route twice yearly.

Pre-evacuation home protection measures

If time permits on Ready or Set status: connect garden hoses to all exterior spigots, close all windows and doors, remove combustibles from deck, move patio furniture inside, and place a white flag or marker visible to firefighters indicating the home has been prepped and evacuated.

Front Range rapid-onset blizzards

Colorado blizzards can go from sunny to whiteout in hours. Keep vehicle gas above half at all times in winter. Stock 7 days of supplies. Never drive in a blizzard warning; C-470 and I-25 close during major events.

Leave immediately on Go order

When Go order is issued: leave immediately. Do not return for belongings. Take medications, important documents (or know where digital copies are), pets, and phone charger. Use your pre-planned evacuation route; do not use roads that may be cut off by fire.

Shut off and drain

Main water off at meter. Open all faucets. In mountain areas, know how to drain the full system. CO plumber wait times after cold events: 48-72 hours on the Front Range, longer in mountain communities.

Flash flood and groundwater flooding

Do not enter flooded basement if electrical equipment is submerged. Call Xcel Energy (1-800-895-4999), Black Hills Energy (1-888-890-5554), or your utility to disconnect at the meter. Pump out, dry immediately.

Colorado blizzard and wildfire-related outages

Xcel Energy: 1-800-895-4999. Black Hills Energy: 1-888-890-5554. Mountain communities may experience extended outages. Generator outside only, 20+ feet from any window.

Evacuate and call from outside

Rotten egg smell: everyone out. Leave door open. Call 911. Xcel Energy Gas: 1-800-895-4999. Black Hills Energy: 1-888-890-5554. Colorado Springs Utilities: 1-719-448-4800. Do not re-enter until cleared.

Two exits, winter gear, never re-enter

Two ways out of every room. Winter coats/boots accessible. Outdoor meeting place. Crawl under smoke. Call 911. Never re-enter.