Communication is Key: Why Slack & GMRS Radios are Essential for Pinewood Lake

In Pinewood Lake, Pole Hill neighborhoods we know that when it comes to mountain living, information is our best defense. To keep our community safe and informed, we rely on two primary pillars of communication: our GMRS Radio network and our neighborhood Slack workspace.

While our GMRS radios are our lifeline for voice communication and backup during power outages, Slack serves as our digital hub for real-time data, resource sharing, and automated safety alerts.

1. The Perfect Pair: GMRS + Slack

We encourage every resident to be active on both platforms.

• GMRS Radios are for immediate "boots on the ground" voice updates.

• Slack is where we post links, share photos of local conditions, coordinate mitigation efforts, and—most importantly—receive automated technical alerts.

2. Direct Integration with the National Weather Service (NWS)

One of the most powerful features of our Slack workspace is its direct tie-in to the National Weather Service (NWS). We have configured Slack to automatically pull in watches, warnings, and advisories specifically for Larimer County.

This means you don't have to go looking for the news—the news comes to you. When the NWS issues a high-priority alert, it is pushed immediately to our Slack community, ensuring everyone sees it on their phone or computer instantly.

3. Real-Time Example: Today’s Red Flag Warning

To see this system in action, look no further than the alert pushed to our Slack channel this morning, February 24, 2026.

Because of our Slack integration, neighbors were immediately notified of the following critical conditions:

🚨 NWS Red Flag Warning: Feb 24 (7:30 AM – 5:00 PM MST)

• Affected Area: Includes Fire Weather Zones in Larimer County.

• The Danger: In our foothills, we are seeing west winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 80 mph.

• Humidity: Relative humidity is as low as 7 percent.

• Impacts: These conditions are favorable for rapid fire spread.

  
  

The Bottom Line: On days like today, Slack allows us to quickly remind one another to avoid any activity that may produce a spark. With 80 mph gusts and 7% humidity, a single spark could be catastrophic. Slack gives us the platform to stay vigilant together.

4. Stay Connected, Stay Prepared

If you aren't on Slack yet, you are missing out on these automated safety updates and the vital neighborhood conversations that follow them.

How to get involved:

1. Join Slack: Email communications@plwag.org requesting to join and we will send you an invite..

2. Monitor GMRS: Keep your radio on and tuned to our neighborhood channel, especially during Red Flag events like today.

3. Check the Alerts: Enable notifications for the #alerts channel in Slack so you never miss an NWS update.

4. Join the Conversation: Enjoy all the channels in Slack to communicate with your neighbors

By using Slack alongside our GMRS radios, we ensure that no neighbor is left in the dark. Let’s stay safe, watch the winds, and keep communicating!

Stay safe today, Pinewood Lake. Avoid all outdoor burning and be mindful of anything that could cause a spark.