Marshall fire recovery frequently asked questions

NEWS RELEASE
BOULDER OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
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*Last updated at 3:30 p.m. on January 4th.

For the most up-to-date information, visit www.BoulderOEM.com. The emergency call center is also open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The number is 303-413-7300.

When can I go back to my property?

• Residents in affected areas will be notified when it is safe to return to their property. Notifications will be pushed out via the Everbridge System (you can register for the Everbridge System online at: https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085612231#/login
• Residents returning to their property inside a “soft closure” area must show proof of address.
• A Public Information Map with all current closures is available at: https://bouldercounty.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=13ab214fe2bb4da5a850df0ca0f00fc5
• Professionals, like insurance adjusters, who need to access these properties should have credentials as well as a work order with the specific address they need to access.

How do I know if my home was affected by the fire?

• A preliminary list of damaged homes is available at https://assets.bouldercounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/marshall-fire-preliminary-damage-assessment.pdf
• It is important to note that this list will not be complete until damage assessments are done.

Which roads are closed?

• The Public Information Map on www.boulderoem.com shows current closures and is searchable by address

When will electricity and gas be turned back on?

• Xcel Energy is going door to door to restore services. Their progress can be viewed at https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/controlled-electric-outages-notice.
• If homeowner is not home when Xcel stops by to relight pilot lights, Xcel will leave a door hanger notifying homeowner of their visit. Homeowner should call number on door hanger and Xcel will send a crew out for the relight.

Do I need to boil my water?

• All Louisville and Superior water customers are still under a BOIL WATER ORDER. For your safety, continue to boil water as directed.
• Info about Superior Boil Water Order
• Info about Louisville Boil Water Order
• If bottled water is not available, bring water to a full rolling boil for 1 minute. After boiling allow the water to cool before use.

When will school resume?

• School is reopening on January 5, 2022
• The Boulder Valley School District has information about school reopening at https://www.bvsd.org/current-topics/boulder-county-fires

Where do I get my mail?

• Mail delivery to areas open to the public are normal. For homes within the burn area, mail can be picked up at the Louisville Post Office, 566 McCaslin Blvd.

What do I do with the space heater(s) I received?

• Many have asked if they can donate their space heater(s) back, for use by others. Unfortunately, there is not a good way for Xcel to collect and redistribute. So hold on to the heaters and feel free to give them to anyone you know in need at any time.

My place of residence, business or workplace was damaged or destroyed, where can I get help?

• Visit the Disaster Assistance Center:
  Boulder County Southeast County Hub
  1755 South Public Road, Lafayette
  Hours: 7 days a week, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• The Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) offers help with the following:
  • Consultation on property loss and filing claims for assistance
  • Gift cards for replacement of food and transportation costs
  • Information about short- and long-term housing
  • Help with vital records
  • Referrals to emergency shelter
  • Food assistance
  • Salvation Army is providing lunch and dinner at DAC
  • Mental health services
  • Help with unemployment
  • COVID-19 tests
  • Transportation vouchers
  • Referrals for personal finance planning

How can I safely dispose of spoiled food and/or water damaged items?

• Dumpsters have been placed throughout the affected area. Any items that are water damaged, such as flooring, furniture, etc., will be accepted at the dumpster sites. For the location of the closest dumpster, see the Public Information Map.

Can we put fire debris in the dumpsters?

• No. Fire debris may contain toxins and is not safe to bring to the dumpsters.

How do we safely dispose of fire debris?

• Arrangements for fire debris removal have not been made yet. Residents in the affected areas will be provided information on debris removal as soon as it is available.

How can I donate?

• We encourage monetary donations to Community Foundation (www.CommFound.org) Only give to credible organizations in order to avoid scams.
• Right now, there is no official place for donations of items/clothes. While there are many grass roots efforts to collect and give donated items, it is an overwhelming task. Please remember, help will be needed for many months ahead. If you have non-monetary donations, please complete a registration form at https://bouldercounty.wufoo.com/forms/donations/. Due to the high volume of donations, it may be a while before donors receive a call back regarding their donation. Please be patient.
• Please do not drop off donations at any public safety agency or emergency shelter.

What about missing pets or found pets?

• Whether you have a missing pet, or if you’ve found a pet, please fill out the appropriate form online at: https://www.boulderhumane.org/lost-and-found/

Where can I get a COVID test?

• Visit www.boco.org/Covid19testing for a list of COVID-19 testing sites

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