Boulder County is no stranger to disasters, after fires and floods alike have dramatically impacted the community.

Public safety is a focus of renewed interest, two weeks after a group of demonstrators were firebombed on the Pearl Street Mall in what investigators are calling an antisemitic attack.

The attack came about four years after the 2021 King Soopers mass shooting, creating some “cumulative trauma” from terror attacks on the community, said Mike Chard, director of the office of disaster management for the city of Boulder and Boulder County.

Chard laid out four keys to remember in the event of a public safety emergency. The first two are to be aware of threats but don’t live in fear, and if you see something, to say something.

“We don’t necessarily take cues of what’s off, to heart,” Chard explained.

The final two keys are to be aware of one’s surroundings — what should and shouldn’t be there? — and to have a plan. On the latter point, Chard said, have a plan to meet up with loved ones, or remember where the car is parked, in the event a quick escape is needed.

Human-caused public safety threats can be more difficult to contain than a wildfire. As volatile as fires can be, it’s easier for law enforcement to anticipate how one will escalate, whereas the effect of a terror attack is in part determined by the perpetrator’s plans, Chard said.

The American Red Cross lays out a similar set of preparations. Those include having an emergency contact who lives far enough away that they likely won’t be impacted by the same event.

“Make sure every household member has that contact’s, and each other’s, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers (home, work, pager and cell). Leave these contact numbers at your children’s schools, if you have children, and at your workplace,” the Red Cross advises.

The Red Cross also recommends assembling an emergency preparedness kit, including medications, first aid supplies, clothing, sleeping bags, food and water, a battery-powered radio or television and important family documents.

In the event of a terrorism attack, the Red Cross recommends following the advice of local law enforcement and staying in tune with news for updates and instructions.

If an individual is near the attack, the Red Cross advises to check for injuries and help anyone who is seriously injured. If it happens near one’s residence, the organization says to shut off damaged utilities and to check for damage with a flashlight, not matches.

It’s unfortunate, Chard said, that this is a reality the community is facing but it’s nonetheless important to be prepared. Chard added that because attacks can happen quickly, law enforcement may not have enough time to issue an emergency alert.

“The wounds are still healing,” Chard said of the Pearl Street attack. “This will take some time.”