XCEL Energy Announces Public Safety Power-Shutoff on Friday, Jan. 16 for Larimer and Weld Counties

To: Administrators, Directors and Staff From: Melanie Roth, Emergency Response Coordinator, Health Facilities & Emergency Medical Services Division Re: XCEL Energy Announces Public Safety Power-Shutoff (PSPS) on Friday, Jan. 16 for Parts of Larimer County, and parts of Weld County Due to extreme wildfire risk and a Fire Weather Watch issued by the National Weather Service, Xcel Energy has issued notice of a power shutoff (Public Safety Power Shutoff or PSPS) on Friday, January 16, 2026, in parts of Larimer and Weld counties, from approximately 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Unplanned outages may also occur due to damage from extreme winds.  Xcel crews will be staged at the Fort Collins service center on Friday to patrol and restore lines as quickly as possible, once it is safe to do so. For damaged lines, it may take up to several days for power to be restored from planned or unplanned outages.  Please check the up-to-date Xcel Electric Outage Map to see if your address is impacted (Even if you are not in a PSPS zone, high winds can cause other outages). You can monitor the event on the Public Safety Power Shutoff Event Update.  Placing an emphasis on delivering care even in the face of power outages must be a priority to protect residents, clients, patients and staff from harm. Preparation for residential providers Have emergency plans and arrangements in place if you cannot provide generator power and need to evacuate medically compromised residents. Other suggestions: Consider your DME supply and potential needs. Consult your facility’s emergency plan. Notify engineering and facility staff as early as possible of additional power needs. Review evacuation plans and prepare staff in case of power outages, and make sure your transportation is in good working order. Monitor indoor temperatures. Increase the frequency of patient observations, especially those at high risk.  If you lose heat and are in a high-rise building, prepare to move individuals from lower floors to higher floors (remember, heat rises). Conserve supplies, such as ice and fuel, based on anticipated or current shortages. Keep medications cool. Place medications that require refrigeration in an ice chest or cooler packed with ice, cooling bricks, or cold packs. Use a thermometer to monitor medication temperatures to ensure they're safe to use. Avoid freezing medication by making sure it does not directly touch the ice. Plan and consider options and plans for access to food and meals during the power outage. Preparation for home health/home care agencies and in-home hospice providers with clients at home:  Agencies are responsible for having individualized emergency plans for their clients, based on their individual needs. Encourage your clients who have durable medical equipment to have extra batteries and/or a car charger available. Keeping extra concentrator batteries fully charged will give your clients oxygen for longer if you lose power. If possible, keep enough fully-charged batteries to last a couple of days. Arrange with clients’ oxygen suppliers for back-up emergency supply that does not require electricity, such as oxygen tanks and cylinders. Make sure your clients know how to set up and use their back up emergency oxygen supply. If you have clients that rely on several different types of electrical assistive devices, he/she/they may want to look into purchasing a generator. Temporary use generators can be purchased at most hardware and department stores (such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, Sears, and similar stores). Here are resources that can help home health providers prepare their clients during emergencies: How to Survive an Extended Power Outage with Home Medical Equipment Home Use Devices: How to Prepare for and Handle Power Outages for Medical Devices that Require Electricity Emergency Power Planning for People Who Use Electricity and Battery-Dependent Assistive Technology and Medical Devices Preparation for response operations Since all emergencies start locally, we want you to know that local public health agencies and regional healthcare coalitions have been notified about the power outages. Make sure that you all have the appropriate local contact information, should you need to reach out for emergency assistance: Locations in Larimer County for sheltering or power supply, currently referred to as “comfort centers” are available through your local emergency management contact.  Find your local emergency management contact information (and sign up for emergency alerts on this site) Find your regional health care coalition Find your local public health agency  For assistance with movement, placement or care of patients or residents, complete this Health Care Facility/Agency Status Check-In Form detailing any assistance you need. This form will be routed to the appropriate response partners. You may also email cdphe_oepr_medops@state.co.us.

Health Care Facility Status Check-in - Severe Weather

To: Administrators, Directors and Staff From: Melanie Roth, Emergency Response Coordinator, Health Facilities & Emergency Medical Services Division Re: Health Care Facility Status Check-in - Severe Weather Dec. 2025   As the State Emergency Operations Center continues to monitor the statewide severe weather, we are preparing for potential weekend coordination needs.   You’re receiving this email because you’re in a high-risk area that may be impacted by high wind, fire risk, planned and unplanned power outages continuing over the weekend.   As we plan for potential medical system needs in the coming days, please complete this brief poll. We understand that your facility’s status may change.   In addition, make sure that you all have the appropriate local contact information:   Find your local emergency management contact information (and sign up for emergency alerts on this site) Find your regional health care coalition Find your local public health agency

IMPORTANT UPDATE RE XCEL Energy Potential Public Safety Power-Shutoff on Wednesday, 12/17 @ 10 AM for Boulder, Clear Creek, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld Counties

To: Administrators, Directors and Staff From: Melanie Roth, Emergency Response Coordinator, Health Facilities & Emergency Medical Services Division Re: Updates to XCEL Energy POTENTIAL Public Safety Power-Shutoffs on Wednesday, December 17 Now @ 10 AM for Boulder, Clear Creek, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld Counties The potential Xcel Energy Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) has been pushed forward to begin at 10:00 AM today, December 17th, and the scope of the expected planned shutoff has been reduced significantly. Potentially impacted counties have been narrowed to include Boulder, Clear Creek, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld. This shutoff is being considered due to hazard risks, including wildfires, associated with forecasted high winds, high temperatures, and low humidity. A final decision regarding the power shut-off will be made early Wednesday (12/17) morning.   Xcel maintains a list of critical facilities, to find out if you are on this list or to get added, reach out to your local emergency management contact (see below). You can also find up-to-date Electrical Power Outage information on the Xcel Electric Outage Map.   Make sure that you all have the appropriate local contact information:  Find your local emergency management contact information (and sign up for emergency alerts on this site) Find your regional health care coalition Find your local public health agency   PLEASE NOTE:  Getting your facility’s name added to the list of critical facilities to be considered for a priority de/re-energization only helps facilities to get power re-secured. It does NOT mean that your power will be kept on/no power outage.  Xcel customers will begin receiving notices directly from Xcel on Tuesday evening if your area is no longer being considered. Xcel is still expecting and planning for unplanned outages in all Front Range counties because of the high winds. More wind, though not expected to be as significant, again on Thursday and Friday. Prior to requesting assistance, ensure your facility/agency has already: Implemented your emergency operations plan Attempted to provide care management during the potential outage Detailed attempts made to temporarily or permanently place the patient/resident/client so that efforts are not duplicated and show that state support coordination thresholds have been met. Should you need assistance after exercising all available resources, please complete this Situational Awareness form detailing patient placement, transport, care assistance needed. This form will be routed to the appropriate response partners.

XCEL Energy Announces POTENTIAL Public Safety Power-Shutoff on Wednesday, December 17 @ 12 PM - Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld Counties

To: Administrators, Directors and Staff From: Melanie Roth, Emergency Response Coordinator, Health Facilities & Emergency Medical Services Division Re: XCEL Energy Announces POTENTIAL Public Safety Power-Shutoff on Wednesday, December 17 @ 12 p.m. for Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld Counties Xcel Energy has issued notice that they may turn off power (called a Public Safety Power Shutoff, or PSPS) beginning on Wednesday, December 17th, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. This shutoff is being considered due to hazard risks associated with forecasted high winds, high temperatures, and low humidity.  At this time, the possible shutoff could affect large areas along the front range, including Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld Counties. Xcel believes it is likely that some power shutoffs will be needed, but expects to better define which areas will be affected within the next 24 hours as weather forecasts become more precise. Xcel provides up-to-date power outage information on its Electric Outage Map.  Regarding power restoration timing, Xcel expects power to return within 24 hours if the power grid is not affected by the weather. If the grid is damaged, restoration could be delayed until Friday. We are seeking more clarity on this timeline. Placing an emphasis on delivering care even in the face of power outages must be a priority to protect residents, clients, patients and staff from harm. For residential providers, we’d like to remind everyone to have emergency plans and arrangements in place if you cannot provide generator power and need to evacuate medically compromised residents. Other suggestions: Consult your facility’s emergency plan. Notify engineering and facility staff as early as possible of additional power needs. Review evacuation plans and prepare staff in case of power outages, and make sure your transportation is in good working order. Monitor indoor temperatures. Increase the frequency of patient observations, especially those at high risk.  If you lose heat and are in a high-rise building, prepare to move individuals from lower floors to higher floors (remember, heat rises). Conserve supplies, such as ice and fuel, based on anticipated or current shortages. Keep medications cool. Place medications that require refrigeration in an ice chest or cooler packed with ice, cooling bricks, or cold packs. Use a thermometer to monitor medication temperatures to ensure they're safe to use. Avoid freezing medication by making sure it does not directly touch the ice. Plan and consider options and plans for access to food and meals during the power outage. For home health/home care agencies and in-home hospice providers with clients at home:  Agencies are responsible for developing individualized emergency plans for their clients, tailored to their specific needs. Encourage your clients who have durable medical equipment to have extra batteries and/or a car charger available. Keeping extra concentrator batteries fully charged will provide your clients with oxygen for longer if power is lost. If possible, keep enough fully-charged batteries to last a couple of days. Arrange with clients’ oxygen supply companies about a back-up emergency supply that does not require electricity, such as oxygen tanks and cylinders. Make sure your clients know how to set up and use their backup emergency oxygen supply. If you have clients who rely on several different types of electrical assistive devices, they may want to look into purchasing a generator. Temporary use generators can be purchased at most hardware and department stores (such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, Sears, and similar stores). Should you need assistance with movement, placement or care of patients or residents, please complete this Situational Awareness form detailing any assistance you need. This form will be routed to the appropriate response partners. You may also email cdphe_oepr_medops@state.co.us.  Here are some resources that can help home health providers prepare their clients during emergencies: How to Survive an Extended Power Outage with Home Medical Equipment Home Use Devices: How to Prepare for and Handle Power Outages for Medical Devices that Require Electricity Emergency Power Planning for People Who Use Electricity and Battery-Dependent Assistive Technology and Medical Devices Finally, since all emergencies start locally, we want you to know that local public health agencies and regional healthcare coalitions have been notified about the potential power outages. Make sure that you all have the appropriate local contact information, should you need to reach out for emergency assistance: Find your local emergency management contact information (and sign up for emergency alerts on this site) Find your regional health care coalition Find your local public health agency We will continue to keep you updated. For concerns related to the ability to care for residents, patients or clients, please reach out to Melanie Roth at 720-291-5929 or melanie.roth-lawson@state.co.us.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT (BOLO): Individual Impersonating Physician

 

To: Administrators and Managers  From: Jo Tansey, Branch Chief, Acute and Nursing Facilities, Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division Please see this Be On the Lookout (BOLO) alert from HCA HealthONE, regarding an individual impersonating a doctor and attempting unauthorized access to multiple healthcare facilities.  While this BOLO alert was issued by Swedish Medical Center, this individual could attempt to do the same at other facilities. If you come into contact with this individual, please contact your local police.  If you have any questions about this message, please contact Melanie Roth @ 720-291-5929 or Melanie.Roth-Lawson@state.co.us.

Colorado Hospital Preparedness Survey—Please Complete ASAP

 

To: Infection preventionists, chief medical officers, and emergency managers From: CDPHE’s HAI/AR Program Pursuant to its authority to monitor the spread of disease related to emergency epidemics as described in Sec. 25-1.5-102(1)(b)(I), C.R.S. and further to conduct disease control investigations in accordance with and subject to Sec. 25-1-122, C.R.S., the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is asking for your assistance in completing the following survey related to special pathogen preparedness and control.  Hospital Preparedness Survey The survey pertains to a patient with a special pathogen, including viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) such as Ebola Virus Disease, Marburg Virus Disease, or Lassa Fever. Travelers returning from VHF outbreak countries to Colorado might or might not be monitored by public health. If a traveler develops symptoms, they are instructed to call public health; however, this does not always happen before the traveler presents to a health care facility for care. All hospitals need to be prepared to screen, identify, and at least provide initial care for a patient suspected to have a VHF within the scope of the facility’s clinical capabilities. Additionally, facilities need to train staff to follow the “identify, isolate, inform” framework for special pathogens (see VHF Toolkit). Effective July 2024, The Joint Commission introduced Standard IC.07.01.01 which requires hospitals to: 1. implement processes to support preparedness for high-consequence infectious diseases or special pathogens, and 2. develop and implement training and education to assess competencies for staff who will implement special pathogen protocols. Additionally, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) updated guidance for emergency preparedness (Memo QSO-21-15, Appendix Z) in the State Operations Manual in 2021. This updated guidance requires hospitals include emerging infectious diseases such as Ebola Virus Disease in their emergency preparedness plans, as well as engage and coordinate with state and local health departments to address surge needs in their community. The survey will help your organization assess the level of preparedness for a patient with a special pathogen, and will also assist CDPHE in providing guidance to health care providers and systems when a patient needs emergent transfer or transport. There are no wrong answers on this survey. The responses will be securely collected and confidentially maintained by CDPHE staff for preparedness and training use only. Please complete only one survey per hospital. The survey is intended to be completed with assistance from, but not limited to: infection prevention staff, medical directors, clinical nurse managers, house supervisors, laboratory managers, emergency operations managers, environmental services managers, and communications officers. Surveys might be sent to multiple hospital contacts; please coordinate within each facility to ensure only one survey is submitted. Hospital Preparedness Survey If you have any questions or concerns regarding this survey, please contact CDPHE’s Communicable Disease Response Inbox at cdphe_dcphr_diseaseresponse@state.co.us.

Sterile Solutions Supply Chain Disruption for Dialysis Treatment

 

To: All providers or those affected by the saline shortage From: Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division URGENT ATTENTION REQUIRED - The Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division needs assistance in updating information about who provides dialysis services at various facilities and the number of patients receiving dialysis at home. Hurricane Helene impacted one of the largest IV fluid suppliers, owned by Baxter International, in North Carolina. This has resulted in supply chain disruptions and gaps in supplies of normal saline IV fluids, irrigation fluids, sterile water, and certain dextrose solutions. Baxter has resumed shipping to hospitals and dialysis centers, and global plants are increasing production to meet U.S. needs. However, because of ongoing disruptions, some products remain on allocation. The division asks that you complete the Google Form linked below.  IF YOU OR SOMEONE IN YOUR FACILITY/AGENCY HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED THIS FORM YOU DO NOT NEED TO COMPLETE THE FORM AGAIN. The information in this form will help identify the number of patients receiving intravenous and peritoneal dialysis at various facilities and their locations. This form will also provide information on the number of patients receiving home dialysis for those facilities that provide home care services. Please include a reliable contact person and the facility or agency’s phone number.  Please complete this Google Form with the requested information.

Sterile Solutions Supply Chain Disruption by Peritoneal Dialysis

 

To: All providers or those affected by the saline shortage From: Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division URGENT ATTENTION REQUIRED - The Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division needs assistance in updating information about who provides dialysis services at various facilities and the number of patients receiving dialysis at home. Hurricane Helene impacted one of the largest IV fluid suppliers, owned by Baxter International, in North Carolina. This has resulted in supply chain disruptions and gaps in supplies of normal saline IV fluids, irrigation fluids, sterile water, and certain dextrose solutions. Baxter has resumed shipping to hospitals and dialysis centers, and global plants are increasing production to meet U.S. needs. However, because of ongoing disruptions, some products remain on allocation. The division asks that you complete the Google Form linked below.  IF YOU OR SOMEONE IN YOUR FACILITY/AGENCY HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED THIS FORM YOU DO NOT NEED TO COMPLETE THE FORM AGAIN. The information in this form will help identify the number of patients receiving intravenous and peritoneal dialysis at various facilities and their locations. This form will also provide information on the number of patients receiving home dialysis for those facilities that provide home care services. Please include a reliable contact person and the facility or agency’s phone number.  Please complete this Google Form with the requested information.

Sterile Solutions Supply Chain Disruption by Peritoneal Dialysis

 

To: All providers or those affected by the saline shortage From: Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division URGENT ATTENTION REQUIRED - The Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division needs assistance in updating information about who provides dialysis services at various facilities and the number of patients receiving dialysis at home. Hurricane Helene impacted one of the largest IV fluid suppliers, owned by Baxter International, in North Carolina. This has resulted in supply chain disruptions and gaps in supplies of normal saline IV fluids, irrigation fluids, sterile water, and certain dextrose solutions. Baxter has resumed shipping to hospitals and dialysis centers, and global plants are increasing production to meet U.S. needs. However, because of ongoing disruptions, some products remain on allocation. The division asks that you complete the Google Form linked below.  IF YOU OR SOMEONE IN YOUR FACILITY/AGENCY HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED THIS FORM YOU DO NOT NEED TO COMPLETE THE FORM AGAIN. The information in this form will help identify the number of patients receiving intravenous and peritoneal dialysis at various facilities and their locations. This form will also provide information on the number of patients receiving home dialysis for those facilities that provide home care services. Please include a reliable contact person and the facility or agency’s phone number.  Please complete this Google Form with the requested information.