The potential for an extended power outage of up to 72-hours remains, even though officials are now saying it is significantly less likely today than it was earlier in the Lake Christine fire incident. The fire that had been threatening utility lines has changed direction and power company officials have reinforced the threatened infrastructure. Even so, Pitkin County Government has taken steps to continue essential operations should a blackout in the upper valley occur.
In the event of an outage, County staff would be stationed at the Pitkin County Courthouse
to help citizens with essential needs including Law Enforcement, Economic Assistance, Adult and Family Services, Public Health and Clerk and Recorder.
“In the early days of the fire the likelihood of a 3-day-long power outage was high,” said Pitkin County Manager, Jon Peacock. “Today, the likelihood is significantly reduced but not eliminated. We are prepared to provide essential county services to those in need. Our Courthouse is a centrally-located facility with easy access to offices with backup power. We strongly encourage all able residents to be prepared for an extended power outage and shelter in place,” Peacock said.
Emergency calls or texts to 911 can be successful with low cell phone battery power. If power is lost, cell phones and cell phone towers will eventually fail. If cell phones fail, most telephone landlines remain an option without power. Failing that, the public is encouraged to proceed to the nearest fire station where landlines are available.
“All of our local fire stations have landlines for public use when cell phones fail,” said 911 Dispatch Director, Brett Loeb.
The 911 Communication Center will also be available for any urgent Government service needs.
“In an extended power outage situation your 911 dispatchers will be prepared to direct calls that aren’t necessarily life-threatening. We don’t want someone not to call for assistance for something urgent just because it isn’t a life and death situation,” Loeb said.
In light of the lessons being learned from the Lake Christine fire, the potential for a power outage, or another wildfire, emergency officials continue to urge the public to be prepared. Preparedness information is available at www.pitkinemergency.org.
Media Contact: 911 Dispatch Director - Brett Loeb - 970-315-2184