What is typical here

Government
Security-Widefield is unincorporated El Paso County; Fountain is an incorporated city
Housing
Many 1950s to 1970s ranch homes and split-levels, plus subdivisions from the 1990s onward
Residents
A large share of renters and military families, given the proximity to Fort Carson
Water features
Fountain Creek runs along the area, with smaller drainages feeding it
Permits
Generally the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department; confirm for your address

Older ranches versus newer subdivisions

Mid-century ranch homes

  • Low-slope or moderate roofs, sometimes with several layers of old shingles
  • Older single-pane or early replacement windows that break in hail
  • Basements or crawlspaces with older drainage around the foundation
  • Mature trees in some yards, smaller trees in others
  • Aluminum or wood siding that dents or splits

Newer subdivisions

  • Steeper architectural shingle roofs, often on two-story homes
  • Vinyl siding and vinyl windows that crack in hard hail
  • Engineered drainage with detention ponds and channels
  • Young trees and long wood fence lines exposed to wind
  • HOA or metro district rules on exterior changes

Who to call depends on where you are

Because Security-Widefield is unincorporated, road and drainage issues in public areas generally go to El Paso County rather than to a city. Fountain residents contact the City of Fountain. Utility providers also differ across this part of the county: some addresses are served by city-owned utilities, some by a different electric or gas company, and some by local water districts. Your bill is the quickest way to know whom to call for a downed line or a gas smell.

Many homes here are rentals, including houses owned by people who were stationed at Fort Carson and moved on. When storm damage hits a rental, the tenant reports and protects belongings while the owner arranges structural repairs. Clear written communication matters more when the owner is far away.

Older ranch roofs can hide surprises. If a home has multiple layers of roofing, a hail replacement usually includes tearing all of them off, and the decking underneath may need repair. Ask the insurer and contractor to address both before work starts.

Before the next storm season

  • Find your electric, gas and water providers on your bills and save their emergency contacts.
  • If you rent, confirm how your landlord wants storm damage reported.
  • If you own a rental, give tenants a written plan and a local contact.
  • Ask a roofer how many layers of roofing your home has.
  • Check that window wells and low doors are not in the path of runoff.
Map of Security-Widefield and Fountain. It shows an area, not an office or a job site.

General information for Colorado Springs, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.