Boulder Office of Disaster Management (ODM) is sharing messaging from Xcel Energy regarding a Public Safety Power Shutoff. This shutoff is a preventive action taken during periods of elevated wildfire risk to reduce the chance of power lines starting a fire.  

Power outages may last 24 to 72 hours, and possibly longer depending on weather conditions and required safety inspections before power can be restored.  

Boulder’s Office of Disaster Management’s role is to share what this means for the community, how to prepare, and how to stay safe. 

What to Expect 

• Power is expected to shut off mid-day on Wednesday, Dec. 17  

• Outages may last multiple days 

• Restoration timing depends on weather and safety inspections 

• Impacts will vary across urban and rural areas 

• The restoration timeline may change based on Xcel’s ability to inspect and re-energize lines 

Life Safety and Fire Risk 

• Boulder County will be under a Red Flag Warning on Dec. 17 and High Wind Warning on Dec. 18, so there will be no open burning permitted either day, including agricultural burning   

• Do not burn anything outdoors or conduct spark producing activities 

• Treat all downed power lines as energized 

• Stay away from damaged lines, trees, and equipment 

• Report hazards through 911 if there is immediate danger 

• Have an evacuation plan ready – know what modes of transportation you could take, have them fueled/powered up, know your routes, and what essential or irreplaceable items you would need to take with you 

• If you typically keep your vehicle in a garage, make sure you know how to open your garage when the power is out (red pull tab, then you must be able to manually open the door), or consider parking your vehicle outside 

What We Need from the Community 

• Prepare now and lean into your support system of neighbors, friends, and family 

• Build an emergency kit (learn more at BoulderODM.gov) which includes battery powered lighting (flashlight, lantern, etc.) and extra batteries 

• Reduce fire risk activities 

• Check on neighbors, friends, and family, especially older adults and those living alone 

• Be patient during restoration 

Where to Get Information and Communications 

• Check with your utility provider for information, updates, and outage maps 

• The primary source of information on community impacts in Boulder County from the PSPS can be found at www.BoulderODM.gov  

• Boulder ODM Social Media - Instagram: @BoulderODM, X: @BoulderOEM, and Facebook: @BoulderODM 

• Sign up to receive emergency alerts via phone call, text message, and e-mail sign-up at www.BOCOalert.org, or to receive app notifications in other languages, download and use the ReachWell app and add “BOCO Alert” and select your language of choice 

• BOCOInfo may also share updates and information about community impacts. To receive these types of updates, text the word “BOCOinfo” to the number 888777 

• Have battery powered radios and backup battery phone chargers ready 

• Without power, prepare for limited or interrupted cell and internet service 

• Avoid sharing unverified information 

Medical and Functional Needs 

• If you rely on powered medical equipment, activate your backup plan now – whether that is using a backup power source, or staying with family or friends outside of the outage area 

• Ensure batteries, generators, and oxygen supplies are ready 

• Plan ahead for refrigerated medications- ask your medical provider how long medications can be stored at higher temperatures, especially medications that are critical for life 

• If medication access or medical equipment failure becomes a life-threatening emergency, call 911 

• Have an alternative plan, such as going to a friend or family member’s home with power 

• Do not wait until power is out to seek help 

• If you use an assistive device (like a lift chair for going up and down stairs, etc.) that helps you move around your home, consider moving critical items to an accessible location that you can get to it with or without power to your device 

Heating and Carbon Monoxide Safety 

• Use generators outdoors only, far from doors and windows 

• Never use grills, camp stoves, or propane heaters indoors 

• Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home 

• Check carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries 

• Dress in layers and minimize heat loss in your home 

• Know the signs of carbon monoxide exposure 

Traffic and Transportation 

• Expect traffic signals to not be working and anticipate longer travel times 

• Treat all intersections where power is out as four-way stops 

• Slow down and drive with extra caution 

• Fuel stations and electric vehicle charging may be limited – fuel and charge vehicles before the outage starts 

• Reduce travel when possible 

• RTD is anticipating that their busses will be operating 

Food Safety 

• Plan ahead for food safety during a power outage 

• If possible, relocate to a friend’s or family member’s home with power 

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed 

• Food stays safe for up to 4 hours in a refrigerator, 48 hours in a full freezer, and 24 hours in a half-full freezer 

• Throw out perishable food that has been above 40°F 

• If you are unsure whether food is safe, throw it out 

Water and Well Safety 

• Let cold water run for several minutes to flush pipes 

• Do not drink water that smells, looks, or tastes unusual 

• Water conservation: Minimize water use to conserve alternative water supplies for as long as possible 

• Well safety:  After a sustained power outage, private wells may lose pressure. Keep this in mind if you are in an area without electricity. When a well loses pressure, bacteria can enter the system.  

• Once power returns, you may need to flush your water lines and, in some cases, disinfect your well 

• Check for flooding or damage around the well 

• Look for loose or broken well parts 

• Test the water for bacteria if you notice any changes 

• Consider disinfecting the well if pressure was lost 

• Plan to have an alternative water supply available until power is restored. As a general guideline, plan for at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day. Households with pets or livestock should plan for additional water needs 

Businesses, Schools, and Workplaces 

• Some businesses may close or operate with limited services 

• Electronic payments and ATMs may not function 

• Families should prepare for possible school or childcare disruptions 

• Watch for official updates from schools and employers 

Animals and Agriculture 

• Ensure pets have shelter, food and water 

• Plan for how you will provide water to livestock, watering pumps require power 

• Protect temperature sensitive animal medications 

Law Enforcement and Public Safety Presence 

• Law enforcement agencies will maintain visible patrols when possible 

• Emergency response times may be impacted during outages 

• Call 911 for emergencies only 

Power Restoration 

• Power will be restored only after conditions are safe 

• Crews must inspect lines before reenergizing 

• Power will return in stages 

• Continue to watch for hazards after power is restored