La Plata County is collecting damage reports through Crisis Track, the State of Colorado's reporting site. The county uses these reports to show the state and federal government how much damage the flood caused. In the county's words, your report is what "is going to feed into our bill." Reports are shared with FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Report damage on Crisis Track

What to do now

• File your Crisis Track damage report. Strong local reports are what make the case for federal aid.
• Keep photos, receipts and notes of every conversation with insurers, landlords and contractors.
• If you have flood insurance, file your claim now. You do not need to wait for FEMA. See Insurance claims.

If a declaration with help for individuals is approved

• Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov, by phone at 1-800-621-3362, or with the FEMA app. Check DisasterAssistance.gov to see if La Plata County is listed.
• FEMA usually asks for: the Social Security number of one household member, the address of the damaged home, a current phone number and mailing address, insurance information, household income, a bank account for direct deposit, and a description of the damage.
• FEMA usually sets an application deadline after a declaration, often 60 days. We will post it here if one is announced.
• Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration for homeowners, renters and businesses also open only after a declaration.

Avoid scams

• FEMA never charges a fee to apply or to inspect your home.
• Real FEMA inspectors carry official photo ID. Ask to see it.
• Do not give your bank or Social Security information to anyone who calls or knocks on your door offering aid.

Home repair help available now

USDA Rural Development's home repair program offers loans of up to $40,000 at 1% interest, and grants of up to $10,000 for homeowners 62 and older with very low income, in eligible rural areas. It is a year-round program, not a flood program. Email codirectapps@usda.gov.

Resources change daily, so check lpcgov.org/flood or call 2-1-1 for the latest.

Most evacuation orders were lifted November 2 to 4, but some areas may still be under orders. Check your address at readylaplata.org before you go back.

• Document first. Take photos and videos before you clean up, then report your damage.
• Well water. If your well flooded, use bottled water and do not run the well pump until the well is confirmed safe. Testing is available at the county lab (see Where to find help).
• Septic. If your septic system was underwater, give it about two weeks to dry out before using it, and have it checked.
• Food. Throw out food that touched floodwater, was not kept cold during a power outage, or looks or smells off.
• Hazards. Stay away from downed power lines and damaged propane tanks. Watch for mold, which can start within 24 to 48 hours. Never drive through standing or moving water.
• Debris. Pile debris on your own property, away from curbs and streets. Separate green waste, construction debris and electronics. The county lists the Durango Transfer Station, Durango Recycling Center, Bayfield Convenience Center, Marvel Transfer Station and Bondad Landfill as drop-off sites; check lpcgov.org/flood before you go, because the debris plan is still being finalized. Do not take debris to the Fairgrounds.
• Used sandbags. Return them to the lot just north of the Fairgrounds rodeo arena. Treat them as contaminated: wear waterproof gloves, clothing and eye protection.
• Work in a creek or near a county road? Removing debris from a waterway needs a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit (970-749-4854). County right-of-way permit fees are waived for flood repairs.

Standard homeowners and renters insurance usually does not cover flood damage. You can file a flood claim only if you had a flood insurance policy in place before the flood.

Download WRC's printable guide (PDF)State insurance flyer (PDF)

WRC's Flood Zone Lookup checks any La Plata County address against three sources: the county's 2026 flood evacuation zones, places reported damaged in local news, and FEMA's official flood map. It is a quick guide, not a damage assessment.

Open the Flood Zone Lookup

Volunteer. Sign up once at teamupvolunteers.org or Colorado Responds, and you will be matched with an organization that needs your skills. Please do not travel to affected areas on your own. Needed now: delivering meals, helping people document damage, rides to appointments for people with disabilities, playing with children in shelters, and simply offering comfort.

Give. Donate to WRC, and 100% of your gift goes directly to WRC clients. The Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado's La Plata flood fund had raised $183,351 by November 6 and made its first grants to local organizations. To give by check, make it payable to the Community Foundation with "CERF" in the memo and mail it to P.O. Box 1673, Durango, CO 81302. Manna Soup Kitchen is also supporting flood recovery.