OUTAGE: Electric 913.573.9522 | Water 913.573.9622
OUTAGE:
Electric 913.573.9522
OUTAGE:
Water 913.573.9622
What to Do When Your Power Goes Out 5 Easy Steps

What to Do When Your Power Goes Out… 5 Easy Steps

(KANSAS CITY, Kan.) — Power outages can occur for a variety of reasons including snow, ice, high wind, falling branches, lightning, and even small animals. With winter storms a regular occurrence this time of year, turning from a simple dusting to a major snow event rather quickly – preparation and knowing what to do is key.

Should a power disruption occur, there are several steps BPU customers should follow to identify the problem, report it if necessary, minimize the impact, and get power restored as quickly as possible. These include:

  • STEP 1
    If your power goes out, check first to see if your neighbors have power. If you’re the only home without electricity, check the main fuse in your electric service panel or fuse box to see if the main circuit breaker has been tripped or if a fuse has blown. If your neighbors do not have electricity either, then you know there’s likely a power outage in your area. Go to BPU’s Outage Map at outage.bpu.com or via mobile device to determine if your area is impacted, the extent of the outage, repairs made, outages remaining, etc.
  • STEP 2
    If you don’t see your area listed on BPU’s Outage Map, report your power outage by calling BPU’s Trouble Call System at 913-573-9522. An automated system will prompt you for information. Simply follow the instructions and utility crews will immediately be notified of your outage.
  • STEP 3
    Turn off major appliances such as your electric range and washer/dryer. Turn off the majority of your light switches but leave a few on so you know when the power has been restored. This reduces the electrical demand once the power has been restored.
  • STEP 4
    Unplug sensitive electronic equipment such as your TV, personal computer, microwave, etc. This will reduce the chance of damage caused by electrical surges.
  • STEP 5
    Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed to conserve the cold inside. You never know how long the power will be out, and you don’t want food to spoil.

With 3,000 miles of electric transmission and distribution (T&D) lines, 27 substations, 13,600 transformers, 60,800 electric T&D poles, and 19,000 streetlights to service, BPU’s electrical system is spread out over a 135 sq. mile area which includes both urban and rural areas.

For more information on related topics, go to www.BPU.com. BPU also provides helpful information on a variety of issues through videos on its YouTube channel.

About BPU

BPU’s water department was originally created in 1909, and its electric utility was operational in 1912. The purpose of the utility, then and to this day, is to provide the highest quality electric and water services at the lowest possible cost. Today the publicly owned utility serves approximately 65,000 electric and 53,000 water customers, primarily in Wyandotte County, Kansas. The mission of the utility and its employees is “to focus on the needs of our customers, to improve the quality of life in our community while promoting safe, reliable and sustainable utilities.” BPU’s Web site is www.bpu.com.

 

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