Season 4, Episode 1 - Staying Prepared in El Paso County: Tips and Insights from Local Emergency Experts | Beyond the Dais

Staying Prepared in El Paso County: Tips and Insights from Local Emergency Experts

September marks National Preparedness Month—a timely reminder for communities across the U.S. to evaluate their emergency plans and resources. In a recent episode of "Beyond the Dais," host Scott Anderson sat down with Meredith Nichols, Deputy Director of the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management, and Ben Bills, Public Information Manager for the El Paso-Teller County 911 Authority, to discuss how residents can be proactive in preparing for emergencies specific to the Pikes Peak region. Their insights reveal the importance of collaboration, personalized planning, and leveraging local tools like Peak Alerts to stay informed and resilient.

Meet the Experts: Building Resilience in the Region

Both Meredith Nichols and Ben Bills bring extensive experience to their roles in emergency management. Meredith Nichols' global background in community development and hands-on disaster response—from rural Colorado to Cambodia—has shaped her approach to community resiliency and resourcefulness. Having served in large-scale disasters like the East Troublesome Fire and COVID-19 response efforts, she emphasizes continually improving coordination and adaptability in preparing the Pikes Peak region for a wide range of risks.

Meanwhile, Ben Bills has spent over 25 years in the 911 profession, transitioning from dispatcher to educator. His passion for public outreach drives efforts to demystify emergency services and empower residents, young and old, to understand how and when to use 911 and emergency alert systems. His team’s work extends into schools and community events, championing timely and actionable information.

Communication is Key: Peak Alerts and Staying Informed

A major focus of the discussion is on Peak Alerts, the region’s emergency notification system. As Ben Bills explained, the transition from landlines to cell phones means that signing up for Peak Alerts is now a proactive step every resident should take. Registration at peakalerts.org allows users to choose up to five locations that matter most—home, work, school, or elderly relatives’ addresses—and designate how they want to receive alerts (phone, text, or email).

Unlike blanket county-wide notifications, Peak Alerts are targeted: only those impacted by a specific emergency (like a wildfire evacuation or hazardous materials spill) receive actionable messages. A significant update includes a public information map link in each alert, enabling recipients to visually verify affected areas and search specific addresses for real-time updates. For non-English speakers, the ReachWell app provides alerts in over 100 languages, and the Everbridge app allows your phone to receive alerts based on your current location—a boon for travelers or commuters.

Seasonal Preparedness: Getting Ready for Winter (and More)

With Colorado’s unpredictable weather, being prepared is a year-round commitment. Meredith Nichols and Ben Bills offer actionable tips for the coming snow season:

Car Readiness: Update emergency kits with winter essentials—shovel, sand, extra layers, and a phone charger or backup battery. Routinely check heaters, defrosters, and tires before winter sets in.
Home Safety: Ensure carbon monoxide detectors work, know how to shut off your water in case of frozen pipes, and keep pipes insulated.
Smart Travel: Only drive if necessary during storms, inform someone of your travel plans, and avoid overwhelming 911 with non-emergency calls (e.g., power outages should be reported to utility companies unless there’s immediate danger).
Emergency Contacts: Keep crucial numbers for repairs handy, be ready to communicate with family via alternate plans if networks are overwhelmed, and take advantage of text-to-911 in emergencies where a call isn’t possible.

How to Get Involved and Learn More

Ready to take the next step? Meredith Nichols recommends visiting pproem.com for downloadable guides on hazard-specific preparedness, including both English and Spanish versions. Residents can also follow updates on hazard mitigation plans and learn about the wide spectrum of potential regional risks—ranging from wildfire to cyber threats.

For those unable to use the internet, Ben Bills encourages calling 719-785-1971 for one-on-one assistance with alert registration, and to help elderly neighbors and family sign up for Peak Alerts as well.

As El Paso County continues to face evolving threats, from wildfires to winter storms to technological disruptions, individual and collective preparation is more crucial than ever. By leaning into local expertise, utilizing robust alert systems, and fostering a culture of proactive readiness, residents can ensure their families and communities remain safe—no matter what challenges arise.

For more expert insights, real stories, and detailed local guidance, listen to "Beyond the Dais" wherever you get your podcasts. Stay informed, stay connected, and make preparedness part of your routine.