During an Outage
Follow these steps during a power outage:
Check your breakers and fuses to make sure the problem is not within your electrical system.
Report the outage using SmartHub or by calling (800) 835-9586 anytime day or night. Choosing our automated system is the quickest way to report an outage or check the status of an existing outage, particularly during widespread outages.
The SmartHub app can provide automatic notifications on the status of an outage.
For larger outages, we typically provide updates on our Facebook page.
Stay Safe During an Outage
During an outage, it is important to follow any instructions you get from state and local officials. But also, follow your instincts – If it’s still stormy and dark, stay inside – If it looks dangerous, steer clear!
Downed Power Lines
Keep your distance from downed power lines
Always assume every line is energized and dangerous
If you’re in a vehicle and downed wires are on the car or across the road, stay in your car until emergency crews arrive
Don’t touch anything that might be in contact with a downed line, like a tree limb
Your Power Outage Pantry
We do our best to avoid power outages, but unfortunately, Mother Nature occasionally has different plans. Stay ahead of the storm by stocking your pantry with a variety of non-perishable items including:
Beans
Canned fruit
Canned tuna
Pasta
Graham crackers
Oatmeals
Canned vegetables
Cereal
Dried fruits
Rice
Dried meats/jerky
Spam
Don’t forget to stock up on disposable goods like paper plates, napkins, plastic cutlery, and cups
Storm Response Efforts
In the event of a storm, our crews go to work immediately, keeping in mind that their safety comes first.
1. The first step is to restore power to as many people as possible
We do this by first restoring power to transmission lines and substations
2. Next, our crews work on restoring power along main circuit lines.
In rural areas, these lines stretch for miles along roads into rural areas and across fields
3. Taps that lead off the main circuit lines are repaired next, and, finally, crews repair individual service lines to homes.
Your Responsibility
Homeowners have a responsibility for repairing the equipment and wires that interface at their home with our system, such as their service entrance.
Our Employees
Heartland employees and our after-hour call center are available to provide dispatching that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All employees are utilized during crisis situations.
Mutual Aid
We have agreements in place with other Kansas utilities, cooperatives and contractors for mutual assistance in times of crisis.
Manpower and materials are transferred rapidly to our area when needed.
Safety
All employees work long hours during large outages and they too, want power restored as quickly as possible.
Safety and well-being is a concern for our employees.
Laws necessitate and regulate that employees get regular sleep and meals during major outage operations.
