Thursday Night GMRS Net Recap - Jan. 16, 2026

Every Thursday evening at 7:00 PM MST, our community gathers on the airwaves for our GMRS community net. This weekly forum is a vital space for neighbors to test their equipment, practice radio etiquette, and stay informed through local announcements.

In our session this evening, we had 11 check-ins. It was great to hear everyone’s voices as we worked through several critical safety updates for our area.

📢 Key Announcements & Exercises

1. 2026 Evacuation Drill

We spent time discussing the upcoming Evacuation Exercise. Practice is the only way to ensure that when a real emergency happens, our response is second nature. You can find the full documentation, routes, and schedules for the drill here:

👉 Evacuation Drill 2026 Details

2. Is Your "Go Bag" Ready?

Preparedness starts at home. We encouraged all net participants to review their Go Bags this week. For a quick refresher on what should be inside and why it matters, check out this helpful video guide on Instagram.

🦁 Mountain Lion Awareness: Respecting the Wild

Following the recent fatal mountain lion attack in the Estes Park area, our community discussion turned toward how we can safely coexist with these apex predators. Before diving into the "how-to," we must acknowledge the weight of this event: a life was lost, and that deserves our respect and empathy.

Mountain lions are not "monsters" hunting for sport; they are predators navigating a rapidly changing landscape. As we move further into remote areas, we displace their traditional habitats and prey, leading to more frequent encounters.

What to Do During an Encounter

If you find yourself face-to-face with a mountain lion, your immediate response is critical:

• Do NOT run: Running can trigger a predatory chase response.

  
  

• Stay upright: Never crouch, bend over, or try to hide.

  
  

• Look large: Raise your arms, open your jacket, or hold trekking poles over your head.

  
  

• Maintain eye contact: Speak firmly and confidently so the animal recognizes you as a human.

  
  

• Protect the vulnerable: Pick up children immediately so they don’t appear as small, separate prey.

  
  

Proactive Safety Habits

Preparation isn't about paranoia—it’s about respect for the outdoors.

Strategy	Actionable Tip
Visibility	Hike in groups and avoid being out during dawn or dusk.
Deterrents	Carry bear spray on your hip or chest, not buried in your pack.
Awareness	Avoid headphones and listen for "birdlike" chirps or high-pitched screams.
Pet Safety	Keep dogs leashed, as they can trigger a lion's chase response.

If an attack occurs, fight back with everything you have. Use rocks, sticks, or your bare hands, aiming specifically for the face and eyes. Many people have survived these rare encounters by defending themselves aggressively.

The outdoors is not "evil"—it is indifferent. By staying alert and prepared, we can continue to enjoy the beauty of Colorado while minimizing risk to ourselves and our families.