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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 11, 2007 No. 07-185 FALLEN POWER LINES RESULT IN SEVEN HOUSE
FIRES IN ONE COUNTY The ice storm hitting Kansas is having a significant impact on one county. Fallen power lines in Cloud County have resulted in seven house fires according to county authorities. There are no reports of fatalities from the fires. Some power lines have also fallen onto highways throughout the state, increasing the danger for Kansas drivers. The Kansas Division of Emergency Management urges Kansans to be extremely careful as they travel the state today with the downed lines and icy conditions. The Kansas Highway Patrol has no reports of fatality accidents since Monday. However, over the weekend KHP reported four fatalities due to slick road conditions. Power Outages More than 115,000 customers are without power in Kansas. Kansas City Power and Light currently has more than 6,000 customers without power on the Kansas side. BPU is also reporting 800 to 900 customers without power. Westar is reporting more than 80,000 customers without power. Kansas Electric Cooperatives is reporting 29,000 customers without power. More outages are possible throughout the day as additional ice accumulates. Governor’s Signs Executive Order To ensure emergency response to the ice storm is not hampered, Governor Sebelius has waived some of the state’s transportation regulations. Today, Sebelius signed executive order # 07-26 to help expedite restoration of services and relief to Kansans. Motor carriers who are engaged in disaster relief efforts will not have to pay fees if over the allowed size or weight, however, they must obtain permits. The carriers will be allowed to operate during low visibility and during the night and curfew hours with clearance lights. In addition, this executive order also waives requirements for registration and fuel tax reporting and for licensing/operating as required by the Kansas Corporation Commission. This temporary order shall terminate at the end of 30 days. Kansas National Guard Clears Debris from Roadways; Delivers Generator The Kansas National Guard will assist Labette County with clearing debris from roadways. Debris as well as downed power lines have prevented some emergency responders from traveling on certain Kansas highways. The Kansas National Guard has been asked to supply generators to several locations. Today two nursing homes without power in Seneca in Nemaha County requested generators. The National Guard will deliver a generator to Crestview Manor Nursing Home at 808 N. 8th Street and one to Life Care Center of Seneca at 512 Community Drive. Last night the 184th Intelligence Wing in Wichita began transporting generators to southeast Kansas to reestablish power to sewer and treatment systems. One generator was set up in Chetopa to restore power to the sewer lift station. Another generator was set up in Baxter Springs in Cherokee County at the Rural Water District # 3 to restore power to the water treatment plant.
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