During a windstorm near Boulder, Colorado, Xcel Energy cut power to 52,000 homes and businesses, including Frasier, an assisted living and skilled nursing facility.
It was the first time Xcel Energy preemptively shut off electricity in Colorado as a wildfire prevention measure. This practice, also known as public safety power shut-offs, has gained traction in California and is spreading to other areas to mitigate wildfire risks.
Frasier staff and residents were informed about the planned outage through news reports. Despite initially being told that the home’s power would not be affected, it was eventually cut off, giving the facility just 75 minutes to prepare.
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Despite challenges, Frasier managed to maintain essential services with the help of generators. Power was eventually restored after 28 hours, during which staff took care of residents, many with dementia.
As preemptive power cuts become more common, nursing homes like Frasier are reassessing their preparedness. Better communication between utilities and facilities, along with inclusion in disaster preparedness plans, is crucial to ensure resident safety.
Xcel Energy acknowledged the importance of restoring power to health facilities quickly during such events. However, there is room for improvement in coordinating with facilities and agencies for better response.
Nursing homes are facing challenges in complying with emergency preparedness standards, especially in high-risk wildfire areas. The cost of retrofitting facilities to meet new regulations is a significant hurdle for many.
For Frasier, planning for future power outages, especially preemptive ones, involves considering the welfare of residents during extreme weather conditions. The facility is exploring ways to enhance preparedness and response.
Emergency response plans for nursing homes need to evolve to address scenarios like public safety power shut-offs, which are becoming more frequent. Collaboration among stakeholders is key to safeguarding vulnerable populations.
As facilities like Frasier navigate the challenges of power outages, ensuring adequate resources and readiness is essential to protect residents and maintain quality care.
This article was produced by KFF Health News, a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF — the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism.
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF.
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