Last week’s strong winds left over 22,000 Boulder County residents without power as Xcel Energy crews worked to restore service amid hazardous conditions. For many locals, this wasn’t unexpected; outages like this have become an all-too-familiar disruption since the Marshall Fire, and each year seems to reveal more vulnerabilities in our infrastructure during extreme weather. While we can’t control windstorms or grid failures, we can control how prepared we are when the lights go out.
Why Emergency Preparedness Matters More Than Ever
Power outages aren’t just inconvenient. Long-lasting outages can affect heating, food safety, medical devices, communication, and access to reliable information. When outages happen repeatedly, especially during winter or high-wind events, preparation becomes essential rather than optional.
Being prepared doesn’t mean panicking or hoarding supplies. It involves having a simple plan and essential items ready so your household can remain safe, warm, and informed until power is back.
Bug-Out Bag Basics: What to Have on Hand
A bug-out bag (or emergency go-bag) is meant to help you survive the first 72 hours of an emergency, whether you’re sheltering in place or need to evacuate quickly. Here are the essentials every Boulder County household should have:
Power & Light
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Flashlights or headlamps (with extra batteries)
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Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
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Portable phone chargers or power banks
Warmth & Shelter
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Blankets or sleeping bags
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Extra layers, hats, and gloves
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Hand warmers during the winter months
Food & Water
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Bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day)
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Non-perishable food (protein bars, canned goods, nut butters)
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Manual can opener
Health & Safety
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First-aid kit
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Prescription medications and backups
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N95 masks (useful for smoke or debris)
Communication & Documents
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Printed emergency contacts
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Copies of important documents (insurance, ID)
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Cash (ATMs and card readers may be down)
Simple Steps to Prepare Before the Next Outage
Beyond an emergency kit, a few preparatory actions can make outages far less stressful:
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Charge devices early when high winds are forecasted
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Keep vehicles fueled, especially in winter
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Sign up for local alerts from Boulder County and Xcel Energy
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Check on neighbors, especially older adults or those with medical needs
Prepared, Not Panicked
Extreme weather and power breakdowns are likely to continue, but preparedness doesn’t need to be daunting. A small amount of planning now can reduce risk, discomfort, and uncertainty later.
In a place like Boulder County — where wind, fire risk, and infrastructure issues intersect — being ready is simply part of living well and looking out for one another.