'Prepare for an extended outage': Kansas City BPU working to restore power after strong storms
Kansas City, Kansas, residents without power may have to wait multiple days before it is restored.
Kansas City Board of Public Utilities crews are responding to widespread outages after strong storms moved through the area early Wednesday.
Some of the most significant damage is in Midtown and across the northern portion of BPU's service territory, according to a BPU news release. But fallen trees and debris are making it difficult for emergency crews to respond, and that includes BPU crews attempting to assess damage.
"Based on the severity and extent of damage identified so far, BPU expects restoration to be a multi-day effort," BPU said in a news release. "Customers who are without power should prepare for an extended outage and make alternate arrangements as needed, particularly for medications, medical equipment, refrigeration and other essential needs."
All available BPU crews are responding to damage, and they will reportedly prioritize repairs that restore service to the most people.
BPU advises customers to not wait for a specific time for restoration. BPU says it will provide updates on restoration times through local media and its own social media channels.
"BPU understands the challenges an extended outage creates for customers and asks for patience as crews assess the full extent of the damage and begin restoration," the news release said.
Safety tips from BPU after the storm:
- Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines
- Assume all power lines are energized
- Avoid areas with severe damage where emergency or utility crews are working
- Preserve phone battery
- Find a safe place to go if loss of power causes health or safety concerns
- Check on neighbors and family members
- Call 911 to report immediate safety risks involving downed power lines
- Report outages and downed power lines to BPU's 24/7 outage line at 913-573-9522
Video below: Kansas City, Kansas church suffers heavy damage, loses portion of roof in overnight storms
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