Boulder County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) is staffing today in support of the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) announced by Xcel Energy. The shutoff is expected to begin at 10:00AM on Wednesday, December 17th and may affect a large portion of Boulder County due to elevated fire danger conditions.
Current Conditions
Boulder County will be under a Red Flag Warning on December 17th and a High Wind Warning on December 18th. Power outages may last 24 to 72 hours, and possibly longer depending on weather conditions and required safety inspections before power can be restored. No open burning is permitted on either day.
What ARES Is Doing
ARES volunteers are providing auxiliary communications support to emergency management and served agencies during this event. When commercial power goes down, cell towers and internet infrastructure can become unreliable. Amateur radio operators provide a backup communications path that doesn't depend on the commercial grid.
Our team is monitoring conditions and standing by to assist with communications support, information relay between agencies, and backup communications if primary systems are affected.
Critical Safety Reminders
- Treat all downed power lines as energized and stay away from damaged lines, trees, and equipment
- Use generators outdoors only, far from doors and windows
- Never use grills, camp stoves, propane heaters, or your gas stove/oven to heat your home
- Check your carbon monoxide detectors
- If you keep your vehicle in a garage, know how to manually open the door (red pull tab) or park outside
- Have your evacuation plan ready with routes identified and vehicles fueled
Medical Equipment and Medications
If you rely on powered medical equipment, activate your backup plan now. Don't wait until the power goes out. Ensure batteries, generators, and oxygen supplies are ready. For refrigerated medications, check with your provider about safe storage times at higher temperatures.
Food, Water, and Wells
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. Plan for at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day.
If you're on a private well, be aware that sustained outages can cause pressure loss, allowing bacteria to enter the system. You may need to flush lines and disinfect your well once power returns.
Traffic and Travel
Treat all intersections where signals are out as four-way stops. Fuel stations and EV charging may be limited, so top off now. RTD expects buses to continue operating.
Where to Get Information
- Primary source for community impacts: BoulderODM.gov
- Emergency alerts: Sign up at BOCOalert.org or download the ReachWell app
- Text "BOCOinfo" to 888777 for updates
- Social media: @BoulderODM on Instagram and Facebook, @BoulderOEM on X
- Have a battery-powered radio ready as cell and internet service may be limited
Updates
We'll post updates here as the situation develops. Check on your neighbors, especially older adults and those living alone. Stay safe out there.