Safety Tips and Resources

Colorado traffic law is designed to produce safe outcomes for all users of our roads, paths, and trails. Drivers and cyclists have a role and responsibility for the safety of themselves and all other drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and equestrians.

• Bicycle safety

The Blue Envelope Program is designed to improve communication between law enforcement officers and individuals with disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder, and individuals with dementia, or other conditions that could impact communication with law enforcement officers. Participants of the program place their essential documents in a blue envelope and provide the envelope to law enforcement officers. The envelope is a method to alert law enforcement officers of the potential need for additional communication accommodations or awareness.

• Blue Envelope program

Know what you can burn, when you can burn, and if you need a permit or registration.

Burning is sometimes necessary for land management, agriculture, and recreation. But it’s important to follow the rules to keep our community and environment safe.

Please be aware that open burning is not allowed with or without a permit / registration if the burn area is subject to fire restrictions (i.e. fire ban), or during any of the following National Weather Service alert days:

• Red Flag Warning – High fire danger due to wind, heat, and low humidity
• High Wind Warning/Watch – Dangerous winds
• Fire Weather Watch – Conditions are likely to increase fire risk
• Fire Danger Warning – High risk based on weather and fuel

Always check the local forecast before burning!

• Burn permits

• Secure firearms: Keep guns locked in a safe or secured with a quality safety lock. Do not leave the key in the lock. Many locks allow a firearm to remain loaded but still secure.
• Store ammunition separately: Keep it locked away and out of reach of children.
• Keep out of children’s reach: Children are curious and resourceful. Don’t assume they’ve been taught to leave guns alone; this includes visiting friends’ homes. Ask about gun safety measures before your child visits.
• Safe handling: Always point firearms in a safe direction, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, and load only when ready to fire.
• Avoid impairment: Never handle firearms after drinking alcohol or while using impairing medications. Ask your doctor if your prescriptions affect firearm safety.
• Know how to make firearms safe: Learn how to secure an unattended gun and wait for law enforcement to take possession. A gun won’t fire unless mishandled.

Free Gun Locks

In partnership with the National Shooting Foundation, the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office offers free gun locks (limit two per household, while supplies last). Available Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., at the Sheriff’s Office headquarters, Superior Substation, and Lyons Substation.

For more information about Firearm Safety, please call Deputy Kyle Javes at 303-441-3655 or kjaves@bouldercounty.gov at the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office.

Fire restrictions can be enacted either by the Sheriff or the Board of County Commissioners when certain outdoor conditions are met.

During any of the following weather events, open burning is not allowed in unincorporated Boulder County from time of issuance until midnight in which the event expires: Red Flag Warning, High Wind Warning, High Wind Watch, and Fire Danger Warning. Check the local forecast for up-to-date information.

It is CRITICAL that visitors and residents alike do everything possible to prevent fires of all kinds. Please do what you can to protect our beautiful lands, homes and wildlife areas from the devastating effects of wildfires.

• Current Fire Restrictions
• Current Weather Status

Fireworks Laws in Colorado

• Illegal: Any fireworks that leave the ground or explode.
• No fireworks of any kind are allowed during fire restrictions or Red Flag Days.
• Check local rules: Cities and towns may have stricter laws.
• Under 16: It’s illegal to sell, give, or allow anyone under 16 to buy fireworks. Violations can mean fines up to $750, up to 6 months in jail, or both.

Permissible Fireworks

• Small ground-based devices such as:
  • Cylindrical or cone fountains (limited pyrotechnic amounts)
  • Wheels and ground spinners
  • Illuminating torches, colored fire
  • Sparklers (under 100g composition)
  • Small trick noise makers (toy propellant devices, cigarette loads, matches, etc.)
  • Snakes or glow worms
  • Certain multiple-tube devices producing only showers of sparks under 15 feet high
• Not included: Aerial devices or loud ground explosives like firecrackers.

Fireworks Safety Tips

• Never let young children handle fireworks; sparklers burn at ~2,000°F.
• Avoid fireworks in brown paper packaging (often for professional use).
• Always have an adult supervise.
• Keep your body away from the device when lighting; move back quickly.
• Never re-light or pick up duds.
• Never aim or throw fireworks at people.
• Keep water or a hose nearby.
• Light one at a time; never carry in pockets or use in metal/glass containers.
• Soak spent fireworks with water before disposal.

• Choose safe trees – Fresh or fire-resistant; keep away from heat sources and exits.
• Water fresh trees daily – Dry trees ignite easily.
• Use tested lights – Check for damage, limit to 3 sets per extension cord.
• Turn lights off – Before bed or leaving home.
• Keep candles away – Never on trees; use sturdy, non-flammable holders.
• Child-safe décor – Avoid sharp, breakable, or food-like items.
• Fireplace safety – Clear decorations/paper, keep a screen in place, never burn wrapping paper or dry greens.
• No metallic tree lights – Use spotlights instead.
• Stay flame-safe – Don’t smoke near décor; avoid loose clothing near fire.
• Have a fire plan – Make sure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

Please help keep yourself safe and support our search and rescue teams by planning ahead and recreating responsibly. Search and rescues in Boulder County are free of charge, except ambulance transport, but rescuers are volunteers. Plan ahead and do your part to minimize preventable emergencies.

Before You Go

• Know before you go. Learn about the trail, route, or area you plan to visit. Understand the difficulty level, any potential hazards, and whether you need specialized gear.
• Check the weather. Colorado’s weather changes rapidly, especially in the mountains. Always check current and forecasted conditions for your destination and time activities.
• Tell someone your plan. Let someone know where you’re going, who you’re with, and when to expect you back. Share details like your vehicle’s make and license plate. If plans change, update them.
• Have a backup plan. Many trailheads fill quickly. Know where else you can go if parking or access is limited.
• Know your limits. Choose trails or waterways that match your fitness and skill level.

What to Bring

• Food and water. Bring more than you think you’ll need, especially water. A good rule is one liter per hour of activity, plus electrolytes. Drink often and eat salty snacks.
• Navigation tools. Carry a paper map or download offline maps. Consider a handheld GPS with an SOS feature in remote areas. Track your location with landmarks and maps.
• Emergency gear. Always pack a first aid kit, flashlight or headlamp, whistle, emergency blanket, and extra batteries or a phone charger.
• Dress appropriately. Wear moisture-wicking layers, sun protection, and clothing suited to changing conditions.
• Fully charged cell phone. Text 911 if you don’t have a strong enough signal to call.

If You Need Help

• Call or text 911. If calling doesn’t work due to signal strength, try texting 911.
• Personal Locator Beacon. If you are recreating in remote areas with no cell phone service, carry a Personal Locator Beacon so rescue crews can find your location more quickly.
• Stay put. If you get lost, try to retrace your steps or stay put. If it’s dark, you’re injured, or exhausted, stop and wait for help.

Weather Safety

• Watch the weather. Expect temperatures to drop 3–5°F for every 1,000 feet of elevation. Anticipate afternoon thunderstorms and plan to be done recreating before they arrive.
• Lightening. If caught above the tree line in a storm, descend quickly and avoid isolated trees. In open areas, crouch low with feet together and stay at least 15 feet apart from others.
• Recognize heat illness.
  • Heat exhaustion symptoms: pale face, nausea, cramps, moist skin, headache. Treatment: hydrate with electrolytes, rest in the shade, and cool your body with water.
  • Heat stroke symptoms: flushed face, confusion, dry skin, seizures, unconsciousness. Treatment: cool immediately with water and fans, call 911, and seek emergency care.

Dogs and the Outdoors

• If bringing your dog, pack extra water and snacks for them.
• Be mindful of trail and ground temperatures to protect their paws.

There are no current restrictions on tubing or single chamber flotation devices.

Water Safety

• Wear proper safety gear:
  • Life jacket/PFD: Correct size, snug fit, allows movement, and rated for your activity.
  • Drysuit or wetsuit: For cold water to prevent hypothermia.
  • Helmet: For shallow water or when underwater hazards are unknown.
• Label your equipment: Put your name and contact info on tubes, kayaks, or other gear in case you are separated from it.
• Don’t go alone: Recreate with others or tell someone your plans and expected return time.