Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the PSPS And Vulnerable Populations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Larimer County outlines PSPS outreach and a keyword alert for residents who depend on electricity for medical needs
Summary
County staff described steps to support people reliant on electricity during planned outages and high-wind events, including a keyword opt-in (text NOPOWER to 888777), comfort-center planning and assigning an intern to research oxygen and small-battery options for residents on fixed incomes.
Larimer County emergency-management staff told commissioners on Feb. 25 they are stepping up outreach and planning to help residents who rely on electricity for medical equipment during Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and wind-driven outages.
Staff said the county has worked with the Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority and utility partners to set up a text‑alert opt-in: residents who text "NOPOWER" to 888777 will receive targeted messages about planned outages, comfort centers and charging locations. Ricardo Perez and other staff said comfort centers will be coordinated with utility providers and may include charging stations and dry ice supply when available.
Emergency Management Director Lori Hodgees emphasized the county cannot supply prescription oxygen because it is a medical medication, and said the county’s new intern, Kim, will research options and partnerships to help people who use concentrators and other oxygen equipment. Commissioners raised concerns that utility battery-storage rebates may be unaffordable for people on fixed incomes; staff said they will research smaller battery systems, loaner programs and other models that might be more accessible to vulnerable residents.
Sheriff John Fan and commissioners also discussed the practical limits of county support and the importance of community preparedness: the county will continue to publicize resources, promote sign-ups for the keyword alert, and pursue partnerships that could provide safe locations and assistance during outages.
