Power Outage Preparedness
Power outages can happen unexpectedly, at any time. The most common cause of power outages is storm damage from ice, lightning and high winds. Outages are also sometimes caused by motor vehicle accidents, such as cars hitting power poles, and by animals and/or tree limbs coming in contact with distribution lines. On this page, you can find information on how to prepare for outages, what to do when one occurs, and how to remain safe while IPL works on restoration.
Prepare for an Outage
Most power outages last less than an hour, but it is always a good idea to be prepared for unexpected emergency situations. Prepare a basic emergency kit with the following items:
- A battery powered radio and flashlights (with extra batteries)
- Bottled water (one gallon per person, per day, for several days)
- A first aid kit, including sanitary items for personal hygiene, and any essential prescription medications
- Canned or freeze-dried food and a manual can opener
- A portable cell phone charger
- Kindling and firewood (if you have a wood stove or fireplace)
Consider adding these additional items based on your personal needs:
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
- Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
You can build out your emergency supply kit over time. Start with essential items you may already have in your home, like a flashlight, extra batteries, copies of important documents, water and non-perishable food. When you go to the grocery store, you can pick up an extra item each time that you use regularly, especially if it’s on sale! Community food banks are a potential resource for food-insecure families to stock their emergency supply kits.
What to do in the event of a Power Outage
Check to see if other lights are on in your neighborhood.
If other homes have lights, check for a blown fuse or a circuit breaker that has tripped to the "off" position.
Call Independence Power & Light at (816) 325-7550
If there are no other lights on in your neighborhood, or if you are unable to locate the cause of your power outage, call IPL to report the outage from the phone number associated with your account.
Unplug televisions, computers, and other large appliances.
Unplugging appliances and electronics during an outage protects them from any damage caused by possible power surges when service is restored. For devices that cannot be unplugged, connect them to a high quality surge protector (following the voltage specifications of the protector). Leave a light or radio on to help you notice when power has been restored. Wait a few minutes after restoration to plug your electronics back in.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
Food can stay cold for 12 - 48 hours, but that time is significantly reduced if the door is opened. Utilize your shelf stable food during an outage. You may keep your refrigerator/freezer plugged in for short-term outages to ensure quick temperature regulation when power is restored.
Use extreme caution when going outside after a storm.
Stay away from any downed or damaged power lines. These lines are extremely dangerous, however not all power lines can be seen. Call IPL immediately, at (816) 325-7550, if you see power lines down.
Generator Safety
Most outages are short in duration, but if you have equipment or appliances in your home that you feel must have a back up power source, and you are considering the purchase of a generator, please take a few moments to consider the information below. The proper installation and use of a generator requires careful thought and planning to ensure the safety of you, your family, and our IPL crews.
- Choose the appliances or equipment you want powered by the generator. Determine the total wattage required to operate that equipment.
- Choose a generator that will meet your wattage requirements.
- Find a safe place outdoors to operate the generator. It is very important that you provide proper ventilation for the generator. Place your generator at least 20 feet away from your house's windows and doors, with the exhaust pointed away; never operate a generator in an enclosed space like a shed or garage.
If you decide to use a back-up generator, you must connect it in an approved manner. Distributing electricity safely is a complicated process. Electric utility companies have detailed operating procedures that protect against electricity surging or backfeeding into the distribution system. If you decide to install a generator, please contact a certified electrician first.
When installing a generator, you will need to decide how the electricity will be distributed to the equipment in your home. There are two choices:
1. Equipment connected to the generator.
IPL recommends that you unplug the appliance from the outlet in the house and plug it directly into a power cord that runs to the generator, which should be located outside. This way you can easily control overloading the generator and eliminate the possibility of backfeeding into the utility's distribution system. Always use a heavy-duty outdoor three-prong extension cord with the appropriate rating for your equipment.
2. Generator connected to the electric panel.
Connecting a generator to your home's electrical panel is not a do-it-yourself job. It requires a certified electrician to install a transfer switch between the house breaker panel and the point that electricity is delivered to the home. This requires coordination with IPL, who will disconnect the electric service during the installation of the transfer switch.
It is neither safe nor acceptable under IPL's Service Policy to simply throw the main breaker when using a generator connected to the panel.
For a more detailed explanation, please review the IPL Service Policy regarding the installation of generators. If not properly installed, generators can backfeed electricity into the utility distribution system, causing equipment damage and endangering the lives of utility line crews, who are working on power lines during outages.
- Never plug a generator directly into an electrical panel without a properly installed transfer switch.
- Hire a certified electrician to install the transfer switch.
- Always disconnect from the utility system before starting a generator connected to an electrical panel.
- Follow all of the manufacturer's instructions for operating your generator.
- Store fuel in approved containers, in a safe place, out of the reach of children.
- Turn off and let your generator cool for at least 15 minutes before refueling to prevent accidental fires.
- Keep a fire extinguisher near the generator.
- Never run a generator inside a building. Always make sure there is proper ventilation for the generator.
- Install battery powered carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home.
- Familiarize yourself with symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning here.
- Follow all national, state, county and city fire and electric codes.
- Do not remove any safety devices from the generator.
- Replace any power cord that is frayed or has exposed wires.