Be Safe During a Storm
During extended outage situations, KCP&L works with local news agencies to keep you informed about service restoration progress. However, power outages can occur without warning due to high winds, ice storms or other winter-like conditions. When these situations occur, power lines can be damaged and service interrupted.
To help you prepare for these occurrences, KCP&L offers these tips:
- Never touch or attempt to pick up a fallen power line, and keep children and pets away. Assume any downed power line is energized. Do not attempt to rescue someone in contact with a power line. If you see a downed power line, call KCP&L immediately at 888-544-4852.
- Prepare for an outage by setting up an emergency drawer or kit that is easy to access, even in the dark. Stock it with fresh batteries, a battery-powered radio and a flashlight. Avoid using candles, lanterns or oil lamps due to the fire risk. Be sure everyone in the family knows where the emergency drawer or kit is located.
- If any member of your family is on a life support system, plan for arrangements today to get them to a location where their needs can be met. In addition, you should contact us at 888-471-5275 to make sure we've noted that a life support system exists at that service location.
- Unplug or protect sensitive computer and electronic equipment with a high-quality surge protector.
- If your power does go out, see if your neighbors have lights. If they do, check for blown fuses or a tripped circuit breaker in your home.
- If your neighbors don't have lights or if you can't locate the problem, contact us immediately - day or night - by calling our emergency number at 888-544-4852 or for outages only (not downed lines or other emergencies) report your outage online.
- Leave a lamp or electric radio on so you know when electrical service is restored.
- Flip your porch light switch to "on." This will help speed our power restoration process, as we will be able to quickly confirm that your power is back on without knocking on your door or checking the meter.
- Do not open your refrigerator or freezer more than necessary. Undisturbed food will remain frozen in most freezers for up to 48 hours.
- Do not use charcoal grills to heat your home or to cook indoors. Dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can build up and cause serious injury or death.
- If you use a portable generator, follow the manufacturer's safety and operating guidelines. Be sure to operate the generator in a well-ventilated area. Never operate it indoors or in your garage. Again, dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can build up and cause serious injury or death.
- Because carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless and tasteless, have a carbon monoxide detector with fresh batteries installed to warn you of potentially dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. For more information on carbon monoxide safety, click here.
If an electrical service interruption occurs, we will make every effort to restore your power as quickly as possible. We realize that these situations are an inconvenience, and we appreciate your patience as we work to restore service.
For additional information about outage situations or other customer service needs, contact KCP&L Customer Service at 888-471-5275.