KCP&L Prepares for Missouri River Flooding

KCP&L has been closely monitoring rising Missouri River levels and has taken proactive steps to protect its employees, customers and electrical infrastructure from potential flooding. KCP&L’s preparedness efforts include:
Continuous coordination with local, state and federal emergency management agencies.
Protecting facilities near the river by building concrete-block walls and sandbagging.
Staging replacement equipment, like backup transformers, near potential flood zones if needed.
Helicopter patrols of transmission line infrastructure near the river to ensure floating debris remains clear of power poles.
“KCP&L knows it takes the entire community to get ready for an event like this and we are doing our part,” said Terry Bassham, President and COO of KCP&L. “We are taking every possible step to ensure the reliability of power plants and electrical system while keeping the safety of our customers and employees foremost in our preparations.”
KCP&L customers living and working in areas that may flood also should take steps to prepare and stay safe. KCP&L’s intent is to take every reasonable step to avoid interrupting service to customers in and around flood areas. However, the safety of our customers and employees is our first priority. KCP&L will make efforts, as it is feasible, notify customers in affected areas when rising water indicates a potential hazard or when local or state officials mandate service disconnections. Customers also should watch for information from their local officials.
Electrical current travels through water. Therefore, flooding can create specific electrical safety concerns. Anyone in a flooded area should exercise extra caution.
If your home is still dry and you are evacuating, turn off power at the breaker and unplug appliances before you leave. It’s also a good idea to move appliances to the highest floor of your home, but only if you have time.
Stay away from power lines and pad-mounted transformers (typically green electrical boxes) in flooded areas.
Do not walk in standing water or venture into areas of debris; energized and dangerous power lines may not be visible.
Do not ride watercraft near power poles and power lines, as they too can be energized and deadly.
For status updates and more information about KCP&L’s preparation, visit www.kcpl.com/flood.