Larimer County offers preparedness steps, sign-ups and shelters for residents with energy-dependent medical needs ahead of high-wind events

Larimer County emergency managers urged residents who depend on electrically powered medical devices to prepare for possible multi-day power outages as high-wind events approach.

At a webinar hosted by the Larimer County Office of Emergency Management, Emergency Management Director Lori Hodges said utility companies have been using public safety power shutoffs and enhanced safety settings to reduce wildfire risk. Those practices, she said, increase the likelihood that some customers could experience outages lasting two to three days — a timeframe that can be dangerous for people who rely on oxygen concentrators and other electrically powered medical equipment. Hodges described recent and forecasted wind events, noting particular risk in foothill and Wellington areas.

The guidance focused on registration and personal planning. Organizers told attendees to sign up for NoCo Alert (nocoalert.org or nocoalert.com) and to register with their utility company’s medical or life-support registry so providers and county staff know to prioritize outreach. Hodges also said the county has established a local text sign-up (a keyword sign-up for county alerts) and that resource links and a webinar recording will be posted on the county’s power outage safety page (larimer.gov/power-outage-safety).

County staff described available response options during large events: comfort centers (non-overnight locations offering charging stations, dry ice for refrigerators and basic services), charging stations provided by energy companies, and, if demand is sufficient, medical needs shelters that can serve residents with energy-dependent conditions. The county also said it operates an on-call line for non-life-threatening, event-related assistance; staff asked attendees to use 911 for medical emergencies.

On steps individuals can take, Hodges advised compiling an inventory of electrically powered medical devices, checking with durable medical equipment providers about battery life and extended-life batteries, and discussing backup options with medical providers and insurers. She said oxygen concentrator batteries commonly last about four hours and that extended-life batteries (roughly cited as 12 hours in the webinar) or portable power stations can help bridge outages. The county recommended keeping a seven-day supply of medications when possible, extra consumable supplies (oxygen tubing, feeding supplies, catheters), and a written list of medications and medical conditions to help responders locate needed resources.

Preparedness and Resiliency Coordinator Camille Allard highlighted county training opportunities, including a two-part course called “Dare to Prepare” (covering basics of alerts, evacuation planning and disaster psychology) and a discussion-led program called “How to Prepare for Everything” for community groups and HOAs. Allard said classes are free, offered in multiple formats and languages, and include practical takeaways such as a 72-hour kit and longer-range recovery steps.

A participant from a high-rise condominium raised concerns about residents who use oxygen and said building policies — including allowances for indoor smoking and recent EV-charger installations — had created safety issues and retaliation when those concerns were raised. County staff offered to follow up offline to gather details and explore options, while noting that HOAs may have independent authority and that the county’s ability to intervene can be limited.

The county emphasized that preparedness resources, short instructional videos (in English and Spanish), class registration and the webinar recording are available at larimer.gov/power-outage-safety, and that sign-ups for alerts and utility registries are the primary steps residents can take now.