The power outage in Boulder last December has left an indelible mark on the community, particularly on Carolyn Mills, a resident of the Boulder Meadows Mobile Home Park. Mills, now 83, has lived in this home for nearly half a century, raising a family with her late husband, Larry. The recent power outage brought back haunting memories of her battle with West Nile Virus, a time when her mind was shrouded in darkness.
"I got so frightened, and I couldn't control the fear," Mills shared, describing the night she spent without power. Her chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, an incurable lung condition, requires her to use a portable oxygen machine, and the inability to charge its batteries during the outage was terrifying. Mills, with her snow-white cat Bella Sophia Rosa, lay in bed, gasping for air, fearing for her life.
The impact of the outage extended beyond Mills. Boulder residents and city officials criticized Xcel Energy for inadequate communication during the public safety power shutoffs, which left over 22,000 customers in the dark. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is drafting new rules to address these concerns, aiming to improve communication and emergency preparedness.
In the aftermath, Xcel has made efforts to be more helpful and communicative, but the experience has highlighted the vulnerabilities of those with medical needs during power outages. Craig Towler, director of public policy and advocacy for the Center for People with Disabilities, emphasizes the importance of preparation for vulnerable communities. The center has been educating people with disabilities on emergency preparedness, from creating go bags to developing custom plans for those with medical devices.
"Shutoffs highlight broader systemic issues, such as gaps in accessible communication and emergency planning, which disproportionately impact people with disabilities," Towler notes. He outlines key steps for preparedness, including creating personal emergency plans, registering for alerts, identifying backup power sources, and building support networks.
Mills, despite her traumatic experience, remains determined to stay in her beloved home. She moved to Boulder as a teenager, drawn to the freedom and beauty of the mountains. She found love and acceptance with Larry, and their home became a sanctuary. Even after his passing in 2020, Mills feels a deep connection to the place, and with the support of her daughter and neighbors, she is better prepared for future outages.
This story is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of community support. It also underscores the need for improved emergency preparedness and communication, especially for vulnerable populations. As we move forward, let's hope that lessons learned from experiences like Mills' will lead to a more resilient and supportive society.
