Kentucky Power recently hosted Power School, bringing together emergency management officials, first responders, community leaders and agency partners from across its service territory to strengthen coordination and preparedness efforts.

The program focused on wildfire mitigation and response, emergency operations and electrical safety. Kentucky Power and the Kentucky Division of Forestry shared information and resources designed to enhance community preparedness and support effective emergency response.

Attendees also learned about Kentucky Power’s vegetation management program and the role proactive tree trimming and right-of-way maintenance play in reducing outages, improving system reliability and minimizing wildfire risk.

In addition, Kentucky Power’s emergency response process was reviewed, including how emergency calls are received and coordinated, how downed power line reports are handled and how crews work alongside local emergency management agencies and first responders during outages and restoration efforts.

The event also featured a live line demonstration conducted by Kentucky Power lineworkers. Using energized equipment in a controlled environment, the demonstration showed how electricity travels and illustrated the dangers associated with downed power lines and common objects that can conduct electricity. The hands-on demonstration reinforced critical electrical safety messages for emergency responders and community leaders.

“Power School provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships, share information and ensure our community partners understand the resources and processes we have in place before an emergency occurs,” said Ryan Lake, external affairs manager for Kentucky Power. “By working together and maintaining open lines of communication, we can improve preparedness, enhance response efforts and help keep our communities safe.”