As Douglas County braces for potential high winds and low humidity that could fan the flames of wildfires, residents are being put on high alert for possible power outages as well on Friday, Dec. 19. Xcel Energy, gauging the volatile conditions, is considering the need to promptly initiate a second Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) as early as 6 a.m., particularly targeting mountain communities and areas along the Front Range. Although Douglas County isn't on the planned outage list, citizens should still be prepared for sudden unplanned outages. According to Douglas County, "It is important that residents do not call 911 to report an outage."
With the current Stage 1 Fire Ban in Douglas County, open burning and fireworks remain strictly off-limits. The county's emergency management teams, together with local fire departments, are vigilantly monitoring conditions and stand ready to rapidly address any wildfires that may ignite. "Conditions are expected to be critically dry on Friday, increasing the potential for ignition," Douglas County warns. Power outages, if they occur, might stretch on for days until the winds die down and it is safe to restore electricity.
Residents are strongly encouraged to prep for an electrical outage. This includes keeping devices fully charged and assembling an outage-ready kit with essentials like a battery-powered radio, flashlights, batteries, backup phone chargers, and a phone not dependent on electricity. Other items like a non-electric alarm clock, bottled water, non-perishable food, a manual can opener, and a first aid kit are also advised. For homes with power-operated doors, the county suggests having the manufacturer's instructions handy for manual opening options. To report outages or emergencies, Xcel Energy can be reached at (800) 895-1999 for residential or (800) 481-4700 for business needs.
When it comes to road safety in potential power outage scenarios, treat non-functional traffic lights as a four-way stop. The rule is simple: come to a full stop, then take your turn while staying alert for pedestrians, cyclists, and emergency vehicles. Reducing travel can further diminish risks during these events. For those dependent on electricity for medical equipment, Xcel Energy is setting up additional outreach to assist qualifying medical customers.
