Governor Polis Declares Disaster Emergency and Deploys Colorado National Guard to Provide Weather Support, State Employees Will Telework Along the Front Range With Some Regional Facility Closures

DENVER - Today, Governor Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency due to the severe winter weather conditions expected in parts of Colorado and authorized unarmed Colorado National Guard members to provide winter storm response support. The declaration also activates the Colorado State Emergency Operations Center and the State Emergency Operations Plan and directs the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to take all necessary and appropriate State actions to assist the affected jurisdictions with their response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. This also allows the OEM to mobilize state resources and to make contracts and awards using Emergency Procurement Procedures. 

The storm is expected to develop throughout the day, and this declaration is necessary to have resources in place to support rescue efforts around the state as the storm worsens into the evening. 

The Governor and the Department of Personnel & Administration also announced that State of Colorado government offices along the Front Range will move to remote work where possible. Agencies will use their discretion to close public-facing state offices based on weather conditions throughout the day, with some facilities in Southern and Southeastern Colorado likely closing for the full day. Please consult the relevant facility or agency for more information. State facilities essential to public health and safety will maintain regular operating schedules and essential staff will report as usual. 

The Colorado Judicial Branch posts its own information regarding closures and delays related to Colorado’s courthouses and probation offices. Visit www.coloradojudicial.gov for current information related to courts and probation. The Colorado General Assembly posts daily schedules at www.leg.colorado.gov. 

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