December 16, 2025
Public Safety Power Shutoff Information
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Disaster
Ready
Dec. 16, 2025
Public Safety Power Shutoff Information for Dec. 17
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
Xcel Energy’s Public Safety Power Shutoff is a preventive action. Preparation and community awareness are the most effective tools for reducing risk and keeping everyone safe.
