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State health officials warn prolonged PSPS could strain hospitals, 911 and water systems
Summary
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment officials told the Public Utilities Commission that prolonged public safety power shutoffs can overwhelm hospitals and emergency services, increase 911 calls from home‑oxygen failures, and risk wastewater backup; CDPHE committed to provide facility‑level generator and contact information to the Commission.
Scott Hookman, senior director for public health readiness and response at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, told the Public Utilities Commission during an informational meeting that public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) have concrete health and environmental consequences that require planning and coordination.
Hookman said hospitals and many health facilities rely on backup generators that do not power entire buildings indefinitely. Extended outages can force diversion of incoming patients and, in rare cases, require evacuation of care facilities — an operation he described as "a massive undertaking" that carries significant…
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