Utilities Disruption

In a true health emergency, go to the nearest hospital (Vail Health/ValleyView) for support with medical device needs.

Make a plan now for maintaining a backup supply of oxygen for power outages or other emergencies. Have a backup supply that does not require access to electricity that will sustain you for 72-hours. 

Step 1: Contact your oxygen supplier now to order backup oxygen bottles. 

Step 2: Keep portable concentrator batteries charged. 

Step 3: Have an emergency plan in case you need to leave home. 

Step 4: Consider if having a gas-powered generator or power bank is an option. *Never run gas-powered devices like cooking stoves, camping equipment, or generators indoors, as this can cause a deadly build-up of Carbon Monoxide (CO). Never use a gas-powered range or oven to heat your home. 

Reduce the flow rate of oxygen

In an extreme power loss event, reducing the flow rate of oxygen to maintain saturations in the low 90s (90-94%) would maximize continuous oxygen duration. A reduction of 4 liters to 2 liters will double the duration any oxygen cylinder will last. *Review and get approval of this strategy from your doctor or respiratory therapist.

Contact your local oxygen supply company

AdaptHealth
Silverthorne: 970-262-3698
Silt: 970-876-1496

AlpinAire Healthcare
970-453-8423
Eagle office: 970-476-4404 

High Country Oxygen
970-409-2840

During the Outage

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Food stays safe for up to 4 hours in a refrigerator, 48 hours in a full freezer.

• Retail Food Establishments: Stop all food preparation immediately and document the outage time.

• Households: After 4 hours, transfer perishables to a cooler with ice or gel packs to maintain temperatures at 40°F or below.

• Pay attention to water advisories. Boil water or use bottled water from your emergency supply kit, if needed. 

After Power is Restored (Inventory Assessment)

• The 4-Hour Rule: Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods are unsafe if they have been above 41°F for more than 4 hours.

• Retail establishments must not reopen until power and hot water are fully restored, refrigeration units hold proper cold temperatures, and any boil water orders are lifted.

Decision Guide

• Discard: Raw/cooked meats, poultry, seafood, milk, eggs, soft cheeses, cooked produce, cut melons/leafy greens, and prepared salads held above 41°F for over 4 hours.

• Discard: Any food showing signs of spoilage, off-odors, or unusual texture/color.

• Keep/Refreeze: Frozen food containing ice crystals or held at 40°F or below is safe to refreeze or cook.

Concluding Safety Rules

• When in doubt, throw it out.

• Never taste food to check for safety.

Children and older adults have a harder time regulating their body temperature and may be at higher risk of adverse health effects from extreme heat/cold. People with certain medical conditions (cardiovascular, pulmonary, or renal disease, pregnancy, disability, or taking certain medications) may also be more susceptible. During power outages, when indoor climate control is not working, have a plan to stay safe. 

Utility companies might not provide an estimate of when the power will be restored. It might be an hour, or it might be several days depending on when crews can access the impacted parts of the network and can safely restore power. It might be in your best interest to seek shelter with friends or family not impacted by the outage. 

Step 1: Stay tuned to the impact area of the power outage. If you can drive to an area not impacted by the power outage, climate control may be available in public libraries and rec centers (during business hours) and can provide respite. 

Step 2: Be aware of the signs and symptoms of temperature-related illness for extreme cold and heat.

Backup Power

Home battery backup options, generators, and vehicle inverters can provide power for essential needs during extended outages.

There may be resources available to help offset the cost of backup power options, including:

• Holy Cross Energy Power+FLEX Battery Backup Program

• Xcel Energy Backup Battery Rebate Program

Satellite Communication Services

Private companies like Starlink, Garmin, Spot, and Overwatch x Rescue can provide satellite-based communication during extended outages. Some mobile phones and cell providers also offer satellite options.