By Christina Gonzales, Dean of Students and Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
We have chosen a beautiful place to live and go to school. While we are close to hiking and biking trails and numerous ski resorts, camping areas and other recreation spots, we need to respect these places.
So when you are out recreating in and around Boulder and in the nearby foothills and mountains, please keep your personal safety in mind.
- As the bear visit to campus last week reminds us, Boulder is home to a large number of wildlife species, including mountain lions, bears and coyotes. To lessen the chance of conflicts, store pet food indoors, make sure trash is not left outdoors and supervise pets when the are outside. All wildlife should be left alone.
- Boulder Creek presents a high risk of flash flooding. If you are outdoors in a flash flood, climb to higher ground immediately. Never walk or drive into water because there is no way of knowing how deep it is.
- Major winter storms are a frequent occurrence in Boulder. For information on campus closures, check the university homepage.
- Before hiking into any of the numerous wilderness areas near Boulder, let somebody know where you are going and when you plan to return. And always bring a friend with you.
- Colorado ranks third in the United States for the number of lightning deaths. Take this risk seriously and get indoors if possible during a lightning storm.
For more outdoor safety tips visit our campus Know Your Environment page.
Please be safe and well!