Home maintenance can make a big difference:
- Insulate your home and install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.
- Have your heating equipment inspected annually and your chimneys cleaned periodically.
- Vent any fuel-burning equipment to the outside and check to be sure the opening is clear.
If you depend on electrically-powered medical equipment, ask your physician about emergency battery back-up systems. If you are homebound and use life-support equipment not supported by backup power, you may qualify for KCP&L's Medical Customer program.
Take some time now to familiarize yourself with our Website’s storm restoration updates section. During severe storms, this link provides news about the progress of our storm restoration activities.
You may also want to consider meter-based or point-of-use surge protection devices to safeguard your home appliances and electronics in the event of a lightning strike or power surge.
Remember that cordless phones and automatic garage door openers only work with electricity. Keep a standard phone as a backup, and learn how to open your garage door manually.
Make a storm kit
Develop shelter plans for severe storm and tornado conditions, and assemble a centrally located storm kit that includes:
- Important documents such as identification, copies of important family records, important phone numbers, medications and instructions on how to open your automatic garage door manually
- Battery-powered lantern, flashlight and extra batteries
- Car charger for your cell phone (Cordless phones only work with electricity.)
- Solar/hand crank radio with national weather access
- Several days’ non-perishable food and water—one gallon per person per day (Be sure to include special items for infants, pets, the elderly, and family members with special needs. Don’t forget to add a hand-operated can opener.)
- First aid kit
- Hand tools such as a screwdriver, scissors, duct tape, plastic, paper, waterproof matches and household bleach
To learn more, see our storm kit video.
Reminder: Go online or call toll-free 1-888-LIGHTKC (544-4852) to report outages, flickering lights, lines down or other damage-related problems. |
