KCP&L contact, safety info in the event of an outage

The National Weather Service issued warnings for extreme weather conditions in KCP&L’s service territory through the next few days. Both KCP&L crews and contract crews have been placed on standby alert and additional restoration materials have been staged at various locations throughout the service territory.

If power outages occur as a result of this storm, these crews will be called upon to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible. In addition, employees in KCP&L’s 24-hour Emergency Operations Center are currently working with local communities to prepare customers for the storm.

KCP&L wants to remind customers of tips to stay safe during this storm:

• Prepare a winter storm kit by gathering extra supplies for your home and your car, including:
  • First-aid kit and essential medications
  • Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries
  • Canned food and can opener
  • Bottled water
  • Warm clothing, blanket, coat, gloves, hat and water-resistant boots for each family member
• Stay indoors during the storm, if possible.If you must move to an alternate location, dress warmly with several layers of clothing, wear gloves and a hat to avoid exposing your skin to dangerous wind chill.
• Walk carefully on snowy and icy surfaces. Avoid traveling by car and risk being stranded, but if you must travel:
  • Carry a "disaster kit" in the trunk.
  • Keep the car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
  • Always let someone know your destination, route of travel and expected time of arrival.
  • Carry a cell phone if you have one.
• For family members on a life support system, plan for arrangementsto get them to a location where their needs can be met in the case of a power outage. In addition, contact KCP&L at 888-471-5275 to make sure we've noted that a life support system exists at that service location.
• In the event of a power outage, call 1-888-LIGHTKC(1-888-544-4852) to report the outage. And, keep the following in mind:
  • Never touch or attempt to pick up a fallen power line. Assume any downed power line is energized. If you see a downed power line, call KCP&L immediately at 1-888-LIGHTKC (1-888-544-4852).
  • During an outage do not open your refrigerator or freezer more than necessary. Undisturbed food will remain frozen in most freezers for up to 48 hours.
  • If using a portable generator during an outage, follow the manufacturer’s safety and operating guidelines. Operate the generator in a well-ventilated area; never indoors or your garage. Dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can build up and cause serious injury or death.
  • If you have access to the internet, visit the KCP&L Storm Center at www.kcpl.com/stormcenter for storm information and additional safety tips.