Outages & Safety
Report outages, track restoration, and stay safe around electricity and water service.
POWER OUT?
Report an Outage.
Electric Outage Line, 24/7
Home > Help Center > Outages & Safety
How We Restore Power
Outage Restoration Process
When the power goes out, BPU crews work through a carefully prioritized restoration process to bring service back safely to the largest number of customers as quickly as possible.
Safety First
Before any repairs, we clear dangerous hazards like downed lines and damaged equipment that block roads or pose a risk to the public and our crews.
Essential Services and Critical Needs
Next, we restore critical places that keep our community safe: like hospitals, emergency services, and public infrastructure.
Restore the Most People First
After addressing essential services and critical needs for customers, we focus on repairs that restore power to the largest number of customers as quickly as possible. Often, this means repairing main lines and major circuits first before moving into neighborhoods.
Individual Restoration
Finally, we repair individual service lines to homes and businesses.
Be Prepared for Severe Weather
BPU is ready to leap into action at a moment’s notice in the event of an outage. But there are a few simple things you can do to be prepared, too, if severe weather is on the way. A little planning is all it takes.
1. Be Shelter-Aware
Do you have an appropriate shelter or know the location of the nearest one in case of a tornado or other severe weather?
2. Food & Water
Make sure you have at least a 3-day, shelf-stable supply and that you are stocked up on any needed medicine or prescriptions.
3. Emergency Kit
Store flashlights, batteries, first aid kit, blankets, and other essentials.
4. Charge Up
Make sure your phone and other devices are fully charged.
5. Fill Up Your Tank
Make sure your car’s fuel tank is full.
6. Practice a Plan
Make sure everyone in your house knows where to go, where the emergency supplies are and what they can do to help.
Electric Outage Map
Our outage map provides the latest updates on power outages in your area. Or call 913-573-9522 to report an outage.
Life Support Program
Do you or someone in your home depend on an in-home oxygen concentrator or other life-saving medical device? Find out how to be listed as a life support account.
Electric Safety Tips
Electricity is a powerful and essential part of daily life, but it can also pose serious risks if not handled safely. Follow these guidelines to protect yourself, your family, and your community.
Outdoor Electrical Safety
Take precautions around power lines and outdoor electrical equipment:
- Never personally trim or remove trees near power lines. Hire a trained, qualified crew.
- Avoid planting trees near overhead power lines to prevent future risks. Never use electrical tools if your hands or feet are wet or if you are standing on damp ground.
- Always check for clearance from overhead lines before installing or removing antennas, using ladders, or cleaning pools with skimming rods, as there is a risk of fatal injury. Disregarding electrical power line safety also violates Kansas law. Violators can be punished by law with fines up to $1,000 per day per violation.
- For temporary overhead power line clearance, contact BPU at 913-573-9531.
- Teach children to avoid climbing trees or flying kites near power lines.
Emergency Situations Involving Power Lines
Know how to respond safely in case of an accident or fallen line:
- If a power line falls on your car, stay inside and wait for help. If you must exit, jump away from the vehicle as far as you can without touching the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
- Treat any broken or fallen power line as live, and call 913-573-9522 immediately.
- Never try to retrieve objects like kites, metallic balloons, or model airplanes from power lines. Call 913-573-9522.
Underground Utility Safety
Protect underground utility lines before starting digging projects:
- Call 1-800-DIG-SAFE (1-800-344-7233) to locate underground lines before planting trees, installing sprinklers, or beginning any excavation.
Need Assistance?
Contact Customer Care. We’re here to help.