Honestly, power outages have a way of making us realize how much we rely on electricity for the tiniest things—from charging phones to keeping groceries cold. In the heart of Colorado, zip code 80201 residents are served by Xcel Energy, and while the company is usually pretty reliable, it’s not immune to surprise outages caused by storms, accidents, or even a random squirrel doing acrobatics on a transformer. Let me walk you through what to do when you’re caught in the dark, so you feel less like you’ve lost control and more like you’ve got a handle on things—even when your favorite gadgets are suddenly “out of code.”
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first thing, and I can’t stress this enough, is to stay calm. It sounds cliché, but panicking helps no one and nothing—not your phone battery, not your fridge, and definitely not your nerves. Take a moment to breathe and get your bearings. Think of it like troubleshooting a remote: you wouldn’t immediately start pressing every button if it stopped working, right? Same principle.
Start by looking outside. Is it just your home, or are the streetlights and neighbors’ houses dark too? This quick check can tell you if it’s a building issue (like a tripped breaker) or something bigger in the neighborhood. If you’re not sure, try flipping a light switch in each room—sometimes it’s just one part of the house. If you live in an apartment, check the hallway lights or ask a neighbor. If everyone’s out, it’s probably a utility outage.
Here’s the thing: If you smell smoke or see sparks, don’t play hero. Get everyone out of the house right away and call 911. But if everything seems safe and quiet, sit tight and avoid opening the fridge or freezer—those appliances don’t like sudden temperature swings.
Check Your Electrical Panel and Fuses
You might be wondering, “What if it’s just my place?” Electrical panels can be confusing, but they’re kind of like the “reset” button on your internet router—sometimes, flipping a switch solves the whole issue. Head to where your circuit breaker or fuse box lives (often basements, utility rooms, or inside a closet).
To check your electrical panel:
- Open the panel and look for any switches that are either off or in a neutral position.
- If you spot one, flip it all the way off, then back on again—think of it as giving your house a “code sync.”
- For older homes with fuses, look for a blown fuse (a visible break in the tiny wire inside the glass). Replace it with one of the same type and rating.
If this doesn’t fix things and the neighborhood is out too, you can feel confident it’s a larger outage, not just a quirk in your wiring. Don’t waste battery power endlessly troubleshooting—save your energy for the next steps.
Report the Outage to Xcel Energy
Here’s the part that makes you an excellent neighbor: reporting the outage. Xcel Energy usually knows about major outages, but it never hurts to add your voice to the list (plus, you’ll get updates, which is always reassuring). Grab your phone—if it’s charged—and use Xcel’s online outage map, app, or their emergency phone line.
Details to provide:
- Your exact address (including zip code 80201, which helps them pinpoint clusters).
- When the power went out and anything unusual you noticed—like loud pops, flashes, or storms.
- Any vulnerable people at home (infants, elderly, or family members with medical needs who might require power for devices).
You might be tempted to skip this step, thinking, “Someone else probably called already.” But trust me—a quick sync with your utility can make a difference. At the very least, you’ll get peace of mind knowing you’re on their radar for updates or estimated restoration times.
Unplug Sensitive Devices and Appliances
When the power suddenly blinks off, it can send a surge through your lines that’s pretty rough on electronics. Let me explain: Imagine trying to reset a remote by yanking out batteries mid-command. Your laptop, TV, and fridge don’t like surprises like that either!
Best move:
- Unplug computers, gaming consoles, big TVs, and other things with “brains” (microchips and circuit boards).
- Leave one lamp or light plugged in so you can tell when power returns—no need to keep checking every few minutes.
- Keep your fridge and freezer closed as much as possible. This helps keep food cold and safe for several hours, sometimes even longer in well-packed freezers.
If you forget and everything’s still plugged in, don’t stress—most things will be fine, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. This simple action can protect your valuable gear from frying when the “reset” flips and electricity surges back.
Stay Connected and Monitor Updates
The hardest part of any power outage? The waiting. You might feel cut off from the world, but there are ways to stay in the loop. Use your phone for emergency info, but be mindful of battery life. Like operating a remote when the batteries run low, you’ll want to make each tap and swipe count.
Tips for staying connected:
- Text friends or neighbors instead of calling—texts use less battery and work better when networks are overloaded.
- Have a battery-powered radio or use your car radio (safely!) for local news.
- Check Xcel’s outage map for real-time updates or estimated restoration times.
- If the outage drags on, consider charging your phone in the car—but never run the car in a closed garage or near open windows.
Sometimes, neighbors will create group chats or check in on each other—don’t be afraid to reach out, especially if you’re worried about someone who might need extra help. Community matters, especially when it feels like the world has paused.
Light, Warmth, and Staying Safe During a Power Outage
It’s funny—when the lights go out, we suddenly remember just how dark the night can be. Flashlights, lanterns, or even the glow of your phone’s screen can feel comforting, but there’s an art to staying comfortable and safe when power is down.
Light sources:
- Flashlights and battery-powered lanterns are safest—candles work, but they’re a fire risk, so never leave them unattended.
- Keep spare batteries on hand (and know where they are).
Staying warm (in winter):
- Layer up with blankets, hats, and socks. It’s amazing how much body heat you can hold onto.
- Close curtains and doors to trap warmth in the rooms you’re using.
- Avoid using gas ovens or grills indoors—carbon monoxide is invisible and deadly.
If you’re worried about staying safe, remember: your remote “pair” with your home works best when you’re alert. Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors beforehand to make sure their batteries are fresh.
Food Safety: Protecting Your Groceries
No one likes tossing out a fridge full of spoiled groceries, especially after an unexpected outage. Cold food stays safe for about four hours in the fridge—with the door closed—and even longer in a packed freezer (think 24–48 hours). The less often you open that door, the better.
Food safety steps:
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
- If the outage looks like it’ll be long, move perishable items (milk, meat, leftovers) to an ice chest if you have one with fresh ice.
- Once the power comes back, check temperatures. Food above 40°F for more than two hours? Toss it. Don’t risk it—no code can “reset” a bad tummy!
If you’re unsure, remember the old advice: “When in doubt, throw it out.” Food poisoning is a souvenir no one wants from a power outage.
Preparing an Emergency Kit for Next Time
Here’s something most people forget: the best time to prepare for a power outage… is before it happens. Think of it as syncing your remote before you lose the manual—future you will thank you!
Items to include:
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Portable phone chargers or power banks (charged and ready)
- Bottled water and non-perishable food
- Manual can opener
- First-aid kit and any needed medications
- Important codes, numbers, and emergency contact info written on paper
Store your kit somewhere easy to grab in the dark—like near the front door or under your bed. Consider adding a universal remote for your devices, so you’re not left hunting through drawers when you just want to relax once power returns.
When Power Is Restored: Reset and Reconnect
The lights flicker, the fridge hums to life, and the neighborhood glows again—there’s nothing quite like the relief when the power comes back. Before you jump right back into normal life, take a minute to “reset” everything.
What to do:
- Plug essential devices and appliances back in, one at a time. This helps prevent overloading circuits with a sudden power surge.
- Check your clocks, alarms, and timers—they may need to be reset or synced.
- Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors again, just in case the outage affected their code or battery backup.
- If any electronics aren’t working, double-check their power sources before panicking—they may need to be paired, reset, or have their batteries replaced.
If you notice anything odd—like strange noises or a lingering burning smell—shut off power to that area and call a local electrician. It’s always better to troubleshoot properly than risk damage.
You might be surprised how quickly a power outage can turn from chaos into “just another day,” with a little preparation and a calm, step-by-step approach. Like figuring out a tricky remote, the keys are patience, the right tools, and knowing where to look for help.
Power outages in zip code 80201 are never fun, but with a little know-how, you can keep your cool, stay safe, and be the neighbor everyone wants to have. Whether it’s charging up before the next spring storm or checking in on a friend down the street, you’re more prepared than you might think. So next time the world goes dark, just remember: you’ve got this—and the lights will be back before you know it.
