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Important Information Regarding the Potential Xcel Energy Public Safety Power Shutdown

Update: December 19 @ 8:00 am

Due to the wind event today, the following clinic are closed to in-person visits today in anticipation of power outages and to support patient safety:

  • Internal Medicine Associates of Boulder/Geriatrics of Boulder
  • Anchor Point Primary Care
  • Boulder Creek Family Medicine
  • Gunbarrel Family Medicine
  • Boulder-area Specialty care clinics

A patient communication went out last night and we are continuing to reach out this morning about these changes. If you have a scheduled visit at one of these locations today and have not been contacted yet, please call your clinic or send a message to us through your MyBCH portal account to reschedule or change to a virtual visit (if possible).

We encourage patients to message through the portal for non-urgent inquiries.

Update: December 18 @ 8:00 pm
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for tomorrow, Friday, December 19, in anticipation of Friday’s Boulder County wind event. This alert indicates that conditions are extreme and pose a significant risk for fire weather. Boulder Office of Disaster Management (ODM) is sharing messaging from Xcel Energy regarding a possible Public Safety Power Shutoff on Friday, Dec. 19. This anticipated shutoff is a preventive action taken during periods of elevated wildfire risk to reduce the chance of power lines starting a fire. Power is anticipated to shut off early on Friday, Dec. 19

We are closely monitoring the situation to ensure minimal disruption to care. At this time, there are no planned service closures. However, if you have an appointment scheduled at Foothills Hospital, we recommend calling for instructions in the event of a power outage.

If you have an appointment scheduled at one of our primary or specialty care clinics, we will make every effort to contact you directly to reschedule in the event of a power outage. However, we also encourage you to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns regarding an upcoming appointment at any of our facilities.
Important Information

Medical Equipment and Medication Guidance During Power Outages
BCH is unable to supply oxygen tanks, refrigerate medications or provide charging facilities for durable medical equipment.

Please refer to the information below from the Boulder Office of Disaster Management for charging locations for personal devices and medical equipment for those who have lost power:
Personal Device and Vehicle Charging Locations for Thursday, Dec. 18 - Boulder ODM

For assistance with home oxygen equipment, please contact your oxygen or medical equipment provider. They can help ensure you have the necessary supplies to manage during a power outage.

Update: December 18 @ 10:00 am
Currently, Anchor Point Primary Care (1645 Broadway) and Internal Medicine Associates (5495 Arapahoe Avenue) are without power. If you have an appointment scheduled at this location, please call your clinic for further instructions.

Anchor Point: 303-415-8900
Internal Medicine Associates of Boulder: 303-415-4250

Update: December 17 @ 11:16 am
Currently, Anchor Point Primary Care (1645 Broadway) is without power. If you have an appointment scheduled at this location, please call the clinic for further instructions at 303-415-8900.

Update: December 16 @ 5:26 pm
Boulder Community Health is actively preparing for the potential Xcel Energy public safety power shutoff (PSPS) beginning at 10 am MT Wednesday, December 17. Additionally, we are in regular communication with Xcel Energy representatives and have requested an exemption from the public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) to ensure uninterrupted health care services at our facilities. At this time, we do not have any planned hospital or clinic closures, however, we are monitoring the evolving situation and will contact patients should we experience any service disruptions.

Please check back here and on our social channels (Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn) for news and updates related to BCH services and facilities.

How to stay informed
For details on the power shutoff, visit the Xcel Energy website. Xcel Energy’s Public Safety Power Shutoff Event Update page provides the latest information and the outage map.

Sign Up for Office of Disaster Management Alerts and follow ODM on their social media channels
The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) will share information from Xcel and other resources and updates throughout Xcel’s power outage if it occurs. The ODM Resource Library includes a resource on Power Outage Preparedness.

BOCO Alerts
BOCO Alerts shares emergency notifications and safety instructions during disasters and emergencies. Sign up at www.BOCOAlert.org and create an account to receive alerts.

Alerts in over 100 languages
You can receive updates in more than 100 languages, including English and Spanish, through the ReachWell app. Download the app and add BOCO Alert and BOCO Info to receive both emergency alerts and incident updates. More information: https://boulderodm.gov/preparedness/reachwell/

Frequently-Asked Questions

Scheduled Appointments at Foothills Hospital or a BCH Clinic

Q: Will BCH notify me if I need to reschedule a scheduled appointment for a hospital-based service (imaging, surgery)?

A: At this time, we do not have any planned service closures. However, in the event that a service interruption occurs due to the power shutoff, someone from our team will contact you directly to reschedule your appointment or procedure. We are closely monitoring the situation to ensure minimal disruption to your care.

Q: Will BCH notify me if I need to reschedule a clinic-based appointment for primary or specialty care?
A: Currently, we do not have any planned clinic closures. However, if we experience a clinic closure due to the power shutoff, our team will contact you to reschedule your appointment. Please keep your contact information up to date so we can reach you if needed.

Q: Can I change an in-person appointment to a telehealth appointment for primary or specialty care if my clinic is closed?
A: BCH prioritizes your safety above all. If you are unable to travel to your appointment due to high winds, road safety concerns or power outages, please contact your clinic to discuss available options. Depending on circumstances, this may include rescheduling your visit or converting it to a telehealth appointment if systems are operational. If power or connectivity is disrupted, our team will follow up with you to assist with next steps once normal services are restored.

Continuity of Care at Foothills Hospital

Q: Does BCH have generators at Foothills Hospital?
A: Yes, Foothills Hospital is equipped with backup generators to ensure the continuity of care during power outages. These generators power critical systems, including medical equipment, lighting and oxygen systems to support patient safety and hospital operations. However, if you or a loved one rely on electricity-dependent medical equipment at home, we recommend making additional preparations for backup power or alternative solutions.

Durable Medical Devices and Supplemental Oxygen

Q: What should I do if I have a durable medical device that needs power for charging?
A: If you rely on a durable medical device (such as a CPAP machine, nebulizer or electric wheelchair) that requires electricity for charging, here are a few steps to take:

  • Backup Power: Ensure that you have a working backup generator or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to temporarily power your device during a power outage.
  • Portable Charging Solutions: Consider using portable battery packs or solar-powered chargers for devices that need charging.
  • Plan Ahead: Contact your medical equipment provider to discuss additional solutions in case of extended power outages, such as renting extra batteries or equipment.

Q: What do I do if I use supplemental oxygen and rely on power for my oxygen concentrator?
A: If you use an oxygen concentrator and rely on power for its operation, here are steps to prepare for a power outage:

  • Backup Power: Ensure there is a working backup generator or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) that can power your oxygen concentrator temporarily. Check with your health care provider for advice on home backup options.
  • Portable Oxygen Tanks: If backup power is not available or if the outage is prolonged, you may need to switch to compressed oxygen tanks or cylinders. These tanks can be used without electricity and are portable, but they have a limited supply of oxygen. Be sure to have extra tanks available.
  • Consult with Your Equipment Provider: If you have concerns about your oxygen supply during an outage, talk to your oxygen or medical equipment provider to discuss backup plans and ensure you are well-prepared.

Q: Can I come to the hospital for oxygen if there’s a power outage at home?
A: BCH is unable to supply oxygen tanks. Additionally, power outlets in public areas in our facilities will not be functional if we are using our generator power source. It’s important to have backup oxygen supplies, such as portable tanks, available in case you need them for an extended period.

For any assistance with refills or home oxygen equipment, please contact your oxygen or medical equipment provider. They can help ensure you have the necessary supplies to manage during a power outage.