The fall weather is turning to winter and with this comes the potential for storms that can bring wind, rain, and snow across the state. These changes in weather and other unforeseen events may also bring power outages that disrupt daily routines and pose safety risks.
Prepare an outage kit before an outage strikes to ensure that you and your family stay safe.
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management encourages Coloradans to prepare for a possible outage by taking a few important steps.
Be Ready to Stay Connected
- Know how to contact your electricity provider, via online or phone, for status updates or to report an outage.
- Have flashlights, batteries, and a portable phone charger on hand
- Learn more about preparing an outage kit from Ready.gov Power Outage Fact Sheet.
Stay Safe After the Outage is Over
- If you smell a gas odor, immediately evacuate from the building or area. Once you're away from the building, call 911.
- If you see damaged power lines, leave the area immediately and call 911.
- Avoid electrical shock in flood areas. Don’t go into flooded areas or use any electrical equipment or electronics that may have been submerged. Have a qualified electrical inspector check the electrical system.
- When in doubt, throw it out. Ask your provider about using refrigerated medicines.
- Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep generators, camp stoves and charcoal grills outdoors only in well-ventilated areas at least 20 feet away from windows.
Safe Electronics
- Use a surge protector.
- During an outage, unplug appliances and electronics to avoid power overloads or damage from power surges.
- Turn off the utilities only if you suspect damage or if local officials instruct you to do so.
- Your gas line can only be turned on by a qualified professional. If any circuit breakers have been tripped, contact an electrician to inspect them before turning them on.
Utility Contacts and Outage Preparedness Recommendations
- Xcel Energy: https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/
s/outage-safety - Black Hills Energy: https://www.blackhillsenergy.
com/outages - Colorado Rural Electric Association https://crea.coop/co-op-map-
of-colorado/
About the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC)