Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

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Broomfield, Northglenn and Surrounding Areas Moved to Level Red: Severe Risk

Updated: November 20, 2020

Level Red Capacity LimitsThe City and County of Broomfield, the City of Northglenn and surrounding areas have been moved to Level Red: Severe Risk on the state’s COVID-19 Dial Framework, effective November 20. In response to the state’s guidelines, North Metro Fire has already implemented changes in an effort to help reduce the alarming spread of COVID-19 in the region and state.

North Metro Fire will remain open for business, as it has been throughout the pandemic, but the District will continue to reduce staffing levels at its administration building to comply with state guidelines.

With reduced in-person staffing and to help keep everyone safe, North Metro Fire encourages residents and customers to conduct business with the District either electronically or over the phone instead of in person. Anyone who needs to conduct business at the District’s administration building or Training Center must make an appointment first.

Level Red Guidelines and Restrictions: English, Espanol

Measures Taken by North Metro Fire to Protect You

With the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Colorado, North Metro Fire Rescue District has taken extra precautions to protect the health and safety of its community members and first responders.

North Metro Fire has implemented additional personal protection protocols for its first responders to help prevent exposure and the spreading of COVID-19 while responding to emergency calls. Additionally, the fire district is temporarily suspending station and engine tours, participation in community events, and other nonessential activities, in accordance with federal and state recommendations.

We have been working with our public health partners and closely following COVID-19 and its potential impact on our community and emergency operations. One of our top priorities is to ensure we take the right precautions to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to our patients and at-risk populations. Additionally, we want to protect our first responders’ health, so we can continue to respond and help those who need us.  

North Metro Fire joins a number of Denver metro area fire departments in adopting measures for emergency response and scaling back from external events. The proactive steps align with recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Precautionary measures taken for emergency operations include:

  • 911 dispatchers will screen patients who call with an emergency.
  • If COVID-19 is suspected, crews will limit exposure by wearing protective gear and restricting the patient exam to one paramedic.
  • Family members or other riders will not be allowed to ride in the ambulance with the patient. In rare cases, the parent or guardian of a patient who is a minor may be allowed to ride in the ambulance.
  • If the patient is suspected of having COVID-19 and needs to go to the hospital, North Metro Fire crews will create a protected area in the ambulance to minimize exposure and will notify the designated hospital. The ambulance will be decontaminated following the transport of the patient to the hospital.  

Please review these helpful handouts that further explain our procedures and how you can protect yourself and others:

Suspension of External Activities

Currently, North Metro Fire has suspended all business travel, participation in community events and other nonessential external activities for an indefinite time, until we feel it is safe for our employees and our community to resume normal activities. This includes canceling station tours, engine tours, ride-alongs and car seat checks and other events. However, we are offering virtual safety education classes to the public. If you are interested in scheduling a safety presentation, please fill out our online form, and an life safety education specialist will help fulfill your request. 

District Board Meetings to be Held Virtually

In order to increase social distancing and minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our community, North Metro Fire is hosting its regular board of directors meetings virtually. Residents will have the opportunity to attend the monthly board meetings remotely by utilizing a videoconferencing service, Zoom. Residents can connect online with video or simply audio to listen and participate in board meetings. The District will post the login information on the District’s website and on each meeting agenda.

How to Properly Use a Mask and Gloves to Protect Yourself and Others


Guidelines for Self Protection and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19

All residents are encouraged to follow the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the CDC and their local public health departments for the latest information on COVID-19. Here is a great website from the CDC containing helpful information and guidelines to help protect you and those around you. 

The following are guidelines from CDPHE and CDC:

Take everyday actions to protect yourself and those you love

  • There are effective ways to reduce the risk to yourself and the people you care about.
    • Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
    • Where a mask or face covering when outside your home, and make sure it covers both your mouth and nose.
    • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, or use your inner elbow or sleeve.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Stay home if you’re sick, and keep your children home if they are sick.
    • Clean surfaces in your home and personal items, such as cell phones, using regular household products.
    • Avoid group gatherings with members outside of your household and crowded public places.
    • Practice social distancing - Avoid crowded public places (shopping centers, movie theaters, concerts, etc.), avoid gatherings, and maintain distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.
    • FEMA: Guidance for COVID-19 preparedness
    • CDC: Getting your household ready for COVID-19
    • CDPHE Environmental Cleaning Guidance for COVID-19 - English | Spanish | Simplified Chinese | Vietnamese

Higher risk people

  • Certain people are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, including:
    • Older people (over age 60), especially those over 80.
    • People who have chronic medical conditions like heart, lung, or kidney disease or diabetes.
    • Older people with chronic medical conditions are at the highest risk.
    • People at higher risk should take action now to be prepared for this virus if there is an outbreak in their community. 
    • Everyone’s daily preventive actions are important in reducing spread to people who may experience more severe illness.
    • More guidelines from the CDC for higher risk populations

If you suspect you are sick

  • Check out North Metro Fire’s info sheet adopted from CDC guidelines
  • From the CDPHE:
    • We encourage anyone who has symptoms or believes they may have been exposed to COVID-19 to:
      • CALL OR EMAIL a healthcare provider first. If the provider recommends you get testing or care, follow the provider’s advice BEFORE going into any health facility. Ask your provider about private lab sites where you can get tested.
      • DO NOT go to an emergency room to get a test for COVID-19 unless you are having a medical emergency. For COVID-19, that means severe respiratory symptoms such as shortness or breath or breathing difficulties.
      • DO call 911 or go to an emergency room if you are having a medical emergency. Tell the dispatcher your symptoms.
  • Those with mild symptoms are advised to isolate themselves from others for at least 10 days and to notify their primary care physician. Most people will not need hospitalization. 

Resources and Services for Assistance

Colorado Hotline for COVID-19 Questions (not for diagnosing cases): CO-HELP is Colorado’s call line for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). People who have general questions about COVID-19 can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911, for answers in many languages, or email them at COHELP@RMPDC.org for answers in English.

What You Can Do to Help

  • You have an opportunity to help those in your community who are suffering as a result of school closings, business closings and reduced operations, and social isolation. Consider these ways of helping out during this challenging time:
    • Donate money to local nonprofits, especially those assisting lower income families
    • Give money or food to your local food banks (Broomfield FISH, Immaculate Heart of Mary Food Bank, Food for Hope in Adams County)
    • Make an appointment to donate blood. Many of the local hospitals and blood banks are experiencing low inventories of blood. If you are healthy and have no COVID-19 symptoms, consider donating blood. 
    • Reach out to individuals who are at higher risk of getting COVID-19, and offer to bring them food or groceries
    • Find ways to support your local small businesses (take advantage of ’to go’ orders and online business options)
    • Connect with your friends, families and neighbors on the phone, through social media and email, and help minimize the mental toll social isolation can have.

Local Ways You Can Help 

Several organizations in our community are working hard to meet the needs of residents in our area struggling to put food on the table or purchase essential items for their family. You can step up to help!

  • Broomfield
    • Broomfield Community Foundation – financial donations to Disaster Relief Fund will support grants for nonprofit organizations fulfilling basic needs for community residents
    • Broomfield VOAD – Central resource helping connect volunteers with local nonprofit organizations supporting the community’s needs during Coronavirus
    • Broomfield FISH – Local food bank serving Broomfield
    • A Precious Child – Assisting families with basic needs, such as clothing, hygiene items and baby supplies
  • Northglenn and Adams County
    • Immaculate Heart of Mary Stewardship Center – Food bank and resource center serving the City of Northglenn and surrounding areas
    • Food for Hope – Food bank serving Adams County
    • Senior Hub - The Senior Hub is a nonprofit agency providing services and support to assist aging adults in Adams and Arapahoe Counties, so they can remain at home as long as possible. 
  • Check out other opportunities to support healthcare workers, local businesses and residents in need through the state-hosted Help Colorado Now website.

Avoid Scams

Many people are using Coronavirus as an opportunity to take advantage of individuals to get them to purchase products or make donations to fraudulent companies and organizations. Do not fall victim to these scams!

North Metro Fire is not and will not ask its residents for money for its firefighters. Any organization calling and making such a request is not affiliated with our fire district. Please check out these resources with tips to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.