News Releases

Kansas City, MO – May 5, 2025 - May is National Electrical Safety Month, and Evergy is urging customers to stay safe when they’re around electricity at home, work, school, and outdoors.

As the weather gets warmer and people spend more time outside, here are some safety reminders as we get closer to summer.

• Call 8-1-1 before you dig. Some of Evergy’s power lines in our service area, as well as other utility lines like gas and water, are underground. Calling 811 ensures utilities will come out to your property to mark utility lines around your planned excavation site.
• Power lines. Watch for overhead power lines every time you use a ladder, work on roofs and trees, or carry long tools or loads. Keep kites, model airplanes, trampolines, or any other outside play items away from power lines. Assume all downed power lines are energized and stay at least 30 feet away. Call Evergy to report downed lines and call 911 in an emergency.
• Outdoor electrical equipment. Always inspect electrical cords or equipment for cracks or damage. Make sure extension cords or lighting are designed for outdoor use; these are designed to withstand outdoor elements. Do not run cords through puddles or other areas that are wet. Make sure outdoor outlets have proper coverings.
• Mylar balloons. Avoid celebrating with mylar balloons near overhead power lines. The silvery coating on their exterior serves as a conductor for electricity, and the balloons can short out transformers and melt wires. Mylar balloons cause tens of thousands of power outages per year nationwide.

People of all ages can do their part to stay safe around electricity by being aware and using equipment properly. For more information about electrical safety, go to our webpage.