El Paso-Teller 911 Authority

9-1-1 Calls Total for May: 27,486

Thank you to everyone who played a part in answering these calls.

Today is National Trails Day! Before you enjoy Colorado's beautiful trails, keep these Top 6 Hiking Tips in mind:

🌦️ 1. Check the weather (then check it again)
Afternoon storms build fast, especially in the mountains. Start early and plan to be below tree line by early afternoon.

💧 2. Bring more water than you think you need
The dry air and elevation will dehydrate you quickly, even on short hikes.

🧭 3. Know your trail
Carry paper maps, know your route, and tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back.

🧥 4. Pack layers
It might be warm at the trailhead but cold, windy, or even snowy higher up.

🌞 5. Protect yourself from the sun
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential. UV exposure is stronger at higher elevations.

📶 6. Know your cell reception
Service can be spotty in the mountains. Be aware of coverage in your area if you need to call 9-1-1. If a call to 9-1-1 can't be completed, try texting 9-1-1 in an emergency. Moving to higher ground can also improve signal strength for emergency calls.

For more hiking tips visit https://www.nps.gov/articles/hiking-safety.htm

Your mobile device might be blocking Peak Alerts. Some devices use spam or solicitation blockers that can silence unknown callers. To avoid missing an important emergency alert, we recommend saving the following numbers in your phone.

All Peak Alerts text messages will display the short codes 88911 or 89362.

Phone calls may come from different agencies depending on the location of the emergency:

• Colorado Springs Police Department: 719-309-4135
• Cripple Creek Police Department: 719-323-6532
• El Paso County Sheriff's Office: 719-426-2457
• Fort Carson Emergency Communications Center: 719-694-3527
• Teller County Sheriff's Office: 719-387-7223
• Woodland Park Police Department: 719-354-2703

Not signed up for Peak Alerts yet? Visit PeakAlerts.org to create a free account and stay informed during emergencies.

Looking for a free activity this Saturday? We've got two events for you!

Come visit our table at the Teller County Sheriff's Office Open House!
Saturday, June 6th 10am - 2pm
11400 West US Hwy 24 Divide, CO 80814

OR

Come visit our mobile classroom at the Colorado Springs Fire Department Open House!
Saturday, June 6th 9am - 1pm
375 Printers Parkway Colorado Springs, CO 80910

One of the great things about Colorado is its incredible wildlife! Enjoy the beauty of nature while always keeping safety your top priority. If you are ever hurt or in danger, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Colorado is home to black bears, which can actually be black, brown, or blond in color. If you encounter a black bear in the wild, stay calm and stand still. Do not run or climb a tree. Give the bear space and wait for it to move away.

If the bear does not leave the area, slowly wave your arms above your head and speak in a calm voice. Step off the trail to the downhill side while keeping an eye on the bear. Slowly back away until the bear is out of sight.

These tips and more can be found in the Pikes Peak Regional Preparedness and Safety Guide. To download a copy, visit pproem.com.

After 27½ years of dedicated service, the El Paso-Teller County 9-1-1 Authority is honoring Christy Davis on her retirement.

Christy has been a cornerstone of the Authority since its early years, providing leadership, professionalism, and unwavering support to staff, board members, and partners throughout nearly three decades of growth and change.

Her kindness, loyalty, and commitment to public service have made a lasting impact on our organization and the communities we serve. Christy also holds the special distinction of being the first employee to retire from the Authority.

Christy's official last day with the El Paso-Teller County 9-1-1 Authority was May 28th.

Please join us in congratulating Christy Davis on her retirement and thanking her for her years of service to El Paso and Teller Counties. Great job Christy! Enjoy your well-earned retirement!

We are hiring a Front Desk Receptionist.

This posting will remain open until Wednesday, June 10th, 2026 @ 4:00pm MST.

Are you passionate about supporting critical public safety services and providing exceptional customer service?

The El Paso-Teller County 9-1-1 Authority is seeking a friendly, professional, and organized individual to join our team as a Front Desk Receptionist. We are looking for someone who enjoys working collaboratively with a dedicated team, takes pride in delivering excellent service while contributing to the mission of strengthening emergency communications services throughout El Paso and Teller Counties.

To learn more and apply, visit: https://elpasoteller911.bamboohr.com/careers/45?source=aWQ9MTg%3D

June is National Camping Month! Celebrate safely!

From mountain weather to wildlife, Colorado camping comes with a few unique challenges. Keep these Top 6 safety tips in mind:

🔥 1. Practice fire safety
Follow local fire restrictions, never leave a fire unattended, and fully extinguish it before leaving or sleeping.

🐻 2. Store food properly
Keep food, trash, and scented items secured. Use bear-proof containers to avoid attracting wildlife.

🌦️ 3. Be weather-aware
Conditions can change fast. Prepare for cold nights, rain, and sudden storms, even in summer.

💧 4. Bring enough water (or a way to filter it)
Natural water sources aren’t always safe to drink. Plan ahead with extra water or a reliable filter.

📍 5. Share your plan
Let someone know where you’re camping and when you’ll return, especially if you’re heading to remote areas.

📶 6. Know your cell reception
Service can be spotty in the mountains. Be aware of coverage in your area in case you need to call 9-1-1. If a call to 9-1-1 can't be completed, try texting 9-1-1 in an emergency. Moving to higher ground can also improve signal strength for emergency calls.

For more camping and outdoor safety tips, visit the US Forest Service: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug/safety-ethics

Do you know what to do if an emergency happens in your area—but you haven’t received an alert?

Don’t wait.

If you recognize a threat, take action to protect yourself and those around you. Move to a safe location, follow trusted safety practices, and call 9-1-1 if help is needed and responders are not already on scene.

Your safety starts with you—be prepared to act. PeakAlerts.org

Can we count you in? 👀

THIS Saturday is our FREE May Program: Home Ignition and Wildland Urban Destruction with Tom Welle.

The program will focus on how homes ignite during wildfires and practical steps to reduce risk. Get the details below:

• DATE: Saturday, May 30
• TIME: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• LOCATION: Church in the Wildwood, United Church of Christ - Green Mountain Falls, CO

RSVP here: https://bit.ly/4u9Kp2G