Extreme High Wind Wildfire Risk

Recovery Resources

If you need support in getting connected with, or identifying recovery-related resources as a result of this last high wind event, please call 970-980-2800 and press option 2 to leave a voicemail, and someone will get back with you as soon as possible. We are actively monitoring this voicemail box through the weekend.

Red Flag Warning and High Wind Warning

The National Weather Service has issued the following alerts for Larimer County.

Red Flag Warning in effect for Larimer County between 6000 and 9000 Feet from 5:00 AM MST on December 19 until midnight December 19.
Red Flag Warning in effect for Larimer County below 6000 from 10:00 AM MST on December 19 until midnight December 19.
High Wind Warning in effect for Larimer County below 6000 feet from 12:00 PM on December 19, until 8 PM MST December 19.

There is extreme wildfire risk in Larimer County on Friday, December 19, due to the strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a fast moving wildfire.

These extreme winds can damage power lines, resulting in power outages throughout the county.

Public Safety Power Shutoff

Xcel Energy will be implementing a second PSPS event on Friday, December 19, as early as 5 AM in Larimer, Boulder, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Jefferson, and Weld counties, due to high wind, dry ground conditions, and low relative humidity returning.

A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event is when a power company turns off power in certain areas to prevent wildfires during extreme or critical wildfire risk conditions. Customers can look up their location on Xcel's Outage Map for up-to-date information on restoration efforts, and to check if they may be impacted by the anticipated PSPS event on Friday, Dec. 19.

For more information on the Xcel Power Safety Power Shutoff visit, https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/outage-safety/wildfires/power-shutoffs/event-update

Power Outage Preparedness

Due to high winds, all of Larimer County is susceptible to power outages. Please take appropriate action to be prepared.

Prepare Your Home

Set your fridge and freezer to the coldest setting to keep food cold for up to four hours in the fridge and up to 48 hours in the freezer.
Turn off or unplug electrical appliances or equipment that could surge when power returns.
Consider purchasing portable charger banks and stock up on batteries.
Designate a dedicated outdoor space for generators, grills and stoves, and make sure they are functioning properly. Do not operate these items indoors or in partially enclosed spaces.
Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank
Practice opening garage doors without the electronic motor.

Prepare Yourself and Your Community

Write down emergency numbers and critical contact information.
Acquire a first aid kit of sufficient size for your household and keep it stocked.
Keep an emergency supply of prescription and non-prescription medications on hand, and plan for medications, like insulin, that require refrigeration.
Fully charge personal phones and medical devices, and ensure a backup power source is available for electrically powered medical equipment.
Check in with your neighbors, especially the elderly and those with disabilities.
Keep your pets’ needs in mind when obtaining supplies.

If you are energy dependent, please contact your provider for guidance.

Food Safety

Follow this general food safety guidance if you experience a power outage that lasts more than four hours:

Your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to four hours during a power outage. Keep the door closed as much as possible.
Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers after 4 hours without power.
Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture.
If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. Consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately for a new supply.
Never taste food to determine its safety.
Visit FoodSafety.gov to download detailed guides on how to handle specific food items after a power outage.
When in doubt, throw it out!

Retail food establishments, including restaurants, cafeterias, and grocery stores, can find food safety guidance for power outages on our Food Safety page.