Wildfires have remained a concern across the Front Range and can significantly impact moving plans in the Denver metropolitan area.
Relocation journeys offer a fresh start and new perspective to local residents, but the risk wildfires bring can travel far and wide.
While these matters may seem like a distant danger, their effects can create grave consequences.
From poor air quality to clogged transportation efforts, safety remains something to take into consideration.
Understanding the potential risks that come with a move during wildfire season and planning ahead can help to ease the transition.
Those coming into the Mile High City for the first time and others who are relocating locally all remain in the same boat.
Knowing how these matters can affect your move, health, and property will help residents remain prepared and defend against any form of disaster.
Understanding Denver’s Wildfire Season: What You Need to Know
Fire safety is something a large majority of Denver residents are familiar with, especially those who live closer to the foothills and surrounding mountain towns.
The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control is always working to keep locals and tourists informed and aware of fire risks.
There have been several accidents that led to larger forest fires, spreading into surrounding suburbs and cities.
Preventing these things from happening is a large part of their efforts.
Before the prep for a move, it is essential to gain any necessary information from this and local agencies about the risks of fires within the area you are departing or heading into.
An Overview of the Potential Heat
The fire season typically begins in May and will continue through September, making things line up perfectly with the busiest moving season, too.
There are anywhere from 2,000 to 2,500 fires in Colorado every year on average.
The most common causes of these fires are as follows:
- Burning debris. This may be a pile of leaves and branches or even waste.
- Smoking. Throwing a cigarette out of the window can lead to a wildfire quickly.
- Recreational activities. Gathering together in the great outdoors can be a lovely time. Still, those who are not careful or mindful of fire conditions may accidentally begin a storm much larger than intended.
- Lightening. Weather conditions and dryness are common culprits. When lightning strikes, it causes quite the ruckus and continues to account for about half of wildfires across the Centennial State.
- Climate change. This is a no-brainer because as the world continues to warm, things get hotter and dryer in Colorado, resulting in the perfect conditions for a wildfire.
How Wildfires Can Disrupt Your Moving Timeline
Kicking off moving adventures in the Denver area is a combination of excitement and possible anxieties.
These are natural emotions for anyone heading to a new place and leaving the comforts of a home that was previously left behind.
Factoring in wildfire season can throw a massive wrench in those plans, placing additional weights on your shoulders.
Taking stock of the details and putting in a bit of research beforehand works to your advantage. These events can become emergencies quickly.
Forest fires can spread rapidly through cities and suburbs, and when they are present in mountainous territories, their effects can translate throughout the states’ metro regions.
Travel Delays & Road Closures
One of the more significant impacts fire season can have is on travel plans.
This may create delays and roadblocks due to road closures, disrupting things for those moving locally or into the state from longer distances.
During the peak fire season, highways and main routes can become blocked off due to safety concerns in case authorities need to evacuate certain areas or prevent drivers from entering specific areas.
Smoke can spread throughout the area, traveling long distances, reducing visibility, creating dangerous driving conditions, and forcing alternative routes.
For those in the process of moving homes or businesses, the delays can lead to additional stress and a much longer commute or transition.
Sometimes, things are placed on hold, so it is wise to stay up to date on possible road closures, alternative route options, and additional dates or a prolonged time period for the move.
Know Parking and Evacuation Protocol
During wildfire season in Denver, parking and evacuation routes are prime knowledge.
These fires can escalate rapidly, especially in the drier months, leading to sudden evacuation.
For those moving in and out of the city or suburban area, knowing local procedures can save you valuable time and prevent any confusion in case of an emergency.
Parking restrictions are nothing new in the city, and they are enforced near wildlife-prone zones.
Cities may prevent parking in certain areas so that emergency vehicles can clear the streets and make room for emergency routes.
This can affect the movers’ ability to park and load or unload.
Evacuation protocols are critical to understand, especially if you are heading to a high-risk area.
Maps are available online and through smartphone applications so residents can stay up to date on procedures.
Denver officials release evacuation orders according to neighborhood, and if one is issued, follow them promptly.
This may mean leaving items behind until it is safe to return.
Potential Hazards to Self and Property
The act of moving is meant to transfer belongings from one place to the next safely, but in wildfire season, priorities can shift expeditiously.
Wildfires have become more frequent and intense, increasing the risks associated with relocation during this season.
The closer your property is to the hazard may place everything at direct risk, especially for those moving into a new home.
Stay up to date with the Colorado State Forest Service to review wildfire risk before the moving date.
If there is an immediate threat, consider moving things into short-term storage or working with local moving companies that can provide safe storage options in the interim.
This can help defer from taking everything on while trying to navigate the dangers of moving amidst a forest fire.
Air Quality Concerns are an Issue
Wildfires produce large amounts of smoke that can severely affect the air quality, making it difficult to breathe, even those without preexisting health or respiratory problems.
Smoke can be a serious health risk.
During a move, you and everyone within the household are exposed to these conditions during the loading and offloading process, which can be potentially discomforting and even harmful.
It is crucial to keep informed about local air quality and consider wearing protective gear and masks when necessary.
Air quality alerts should be sent out to your phone for those with their location services on, but they can be checked using the state website.
The Effects of Smoke on Respiratory Health
Coloradans and those heading in from other states are familiar with common breathing issues due to dryness and altitude.
Most will resort to hydration, installing humidifiers, and regular visits with a primary care physician.
Wildfires bring billowing clouds of smoke, which can carry matter and harmful gases throughout the atmosphere.
Relocating during a fire in the Rockies can add to this exposure, exacerbating the risks and complicating the entire process.
- Smoke inhalation can cause coughing fits, throat irritation, issues with breathing, and fatigue. Small children, elderly, or pregnant women are often more prone to these symptoms.
- Those who spend extended periods of time in smoke-infested air can develop bronchitis and asthmatic symptoms.
- Taking vital steps to mitigate the effects of wildfire smoke during a move is essential for respiratory health. Choosing to stay inside and rearranging the move date, limiting exposure as much as possible, and wearing an N95 mask can assist in the process.
Preparing Belongings for a Safe Move During the Wildfire Season
Moving during the wildfire season requires extra caution and additional preparation to ensure the safety of both yourself and your belongings.
From the presence of smoke in the air to potential fire exposure resulting in damage, remaining proactive is important.
To minimize the potential of loss or damage, there are plenty of steps Denverites can and should take.
By consciously taking precautionary steps to prepare before the move, you can help safeguard your home and possessions from wildfire-related damage and avoid the obstacles it may present.
Fireproofing Valuables & Documents
Traditional packing materials aren’t going to cut it for special things, valuables, or irreplaceable documents.
Before the consolidation, decluttering, and packing process begins, keep the following in mind:
- Keep any essentials accessible. With wildfires being so unpredictable, you want to keep anything you immediately need with you. Things like medications, identification documents, and emergency kits remain on your person, just in case.
- Seal items well to help avoid smoke exposure. When packing items like electronics or photographs, store them in a box with additional padding. Make use of moving blankets and specialized covers designed to protect these items.
- Use fire-resistant packing supplies. Fire-resistant boxes and storage containers are perfect for storing valuables and delicate belongings. You may even choose to place birth certificates or social security cards in fire-resistant bags for an added layer of security.
- Consider moving valuables early to avoid any damage. When wildfires threaten nearby, transporting them to a safe location ahead of time provides peace of mind. Some choose to leave them with a trusted friend or family member if the new home or apartment is in a high-risk zone.
Securing Reliable Moving Coverage
Trusting professionals to help with the relocation process is the finest solution when moving during the wildfire season in Denver.
Movers are responsible for providing a basic level of protection if your items are damaged in a move.
Many renters and homeowners insurance policies will extend their coverage of personal property damage during a move, but fire-related damages can change things.
Securing a reliable line of defense means comprehensive protection of anything that happens to your belongings.
- Understand your coverage options. This is not always something straightforward. When hiring the pros and DIY moving projects, it is critical to check with third-party insurers. The specifics of the policy will vary greatly, so be sure to ask questions about fire-related damages or loss.
- Ask your movers about their insurance options before booking. The experts provide basic liability coverage, protection while items are in storage, and full-value coverage, as well.
- Inquire for fire-specific coverage. People moving to high-risk areas will consider purchasing additional coverage to protect against fires. Some insurance providers will extend to wildfire damage, while others have more tedious policy options.
- Document all of your property. In the case of damage, documenting everything will ensure it is accurately covered. Taking photos and videos of your household belongings creates a visual record which is needed to file a claim.
Choosing the Right Moving Company in Denver Amid Wildfire Risks
The elements will always influence our lives, but the risk of wildfire doesn’t have to impact a move when there are legitimate professionals to assist.
Look for a moving company with the necessary experience navigating the specific risks associated with wildfire season, one that is familiar with the region and all of the potential hazards at bay.
There are plenty of professionals across Colorado, but not all offer flexible scheduling and affordable pricing!
With Rocky Movers in Denver, we value comprehensive options, even in situations that are less than desirable.
As a locally owned and family-operated company in the Mile High, we have operated through countless wildfire seasons, getting every client moved safely.
Our Local Moving Company Can Navigate the Heat
Experience truly matters most in the high-risk seasons, and with our local professional movers and packers, customers can sit back and enjoy the journey!
The threat of fires isn’t going anywhere, and everyone deserves a comfortable transition when moving to Denver and surrounding cities.
From Boulder to Fort Collins, our team of reliable movers will help to ensure the fears around wildfire disappear.
We are here to help by providing straightforward communication throughout the process, premium fireproof packing options, safe storage, and an extraordinary relocation experience.
Don’t go sorting through all of the potential possibilities and dangers associated with fire season.
Contact our crew to schedule your upcoming move so you can relocate to your new place with complete confidence.
