The Boulder Office of Disaster Management (ODM) is preparing for a Red Flag Warning day on Saturday, March 14. Officials expect dangerously high winds, critical fire conditions and power outages.
Xcel Energy is planning a likely Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) starting around 2 p.m. for many parts of Boulder County, including much of the City of Boulder. Officials also anticipate widespread unplanned outages. Even after the winds subside, community members could be without electricity for 24 to 48 hours while crews inspect lines for damage. You can find the most up-to-date information about outages on Xcel’s website.
How to prepare for high wind conditions and potential outages:
-Be sure you are signed up for emergency alerts, like evacuations warnings and orders, from first responders at bocoalert.org.
-To receive other helpful information during this event, sign up to receive informational updates by texting BOCOinfo to 888-777.
-Both alerts and informational texts are available in other languages by downloading the Reachwell app. Be sure to select both BOCOalert and BOCOinfo to receive all messages. Choose your preferred language and turn the sound on to receive notifications.
-Charge your electronics overnight, including phones, laptops, back-up batteries, etc. If you need power for critical, medical equipment, now is a good time to make arrangements to stay with friends or family outside the impacted areas.
-Pack a go-bag and be sure your vehicle has gas or is charged in case you need to evacuate.
-Avoid all sources of ignition – any fire that starts is likely to spread quickly.
-Only call 911 for emergencies.
-Secure outdoor furniture and other yard items or bring them inside.
-Any non-working traffic lights should be treated like a four-way stop.
All city and county trails and open space west of Hwy. 36, Hwy. 93 and Broadway will be closed all day. Flagstaff Road will be closed to all but essential local residential traffic. Please avoid these areas.
City and county officials are staffing up to monitor and respond to conditions. The Emergency Operations Center will open at 10 a.m. Saturday.
For more information, including maps, please visit: www.boulderodm.gov
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