Find and Report an Outage

Reporting an outage is the best way to alert our dispatchers that you need service. There are two ways to report an outage in your home or neighborhood.

• Use the SmartHub app. Download the SmartHub app to your Apple or Android device and report an outage through the interface.
• Call our office. Call 660-679-3131 or 800-889-6832 and tell us where you are experiencing an outage. Representatives are available 24/7 across multiple phone lines to answer your calls.

During a major outage event, you may experience busy signals. Please be patient and periodically try your call again. Dispatchers and crews will work diligently to make sure every call is answered and power is restored to each member as quickly as possible.

Please do not reach out to OVEC on Facebook or other social media channels to report an outage. We are not able to immediately respond to messages on these pages and cannot confirm that you are experiencing an outage. The fastest and most effective ways to report outages are by submitting reports through the SmartHub app or by calling us. We cannot promise that we will see your Facebook message in a timely manner. 

The Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives (AMEC) provides a statewide map to identify outages across the region. Use this map to identify outages in specific counties, and see where severe weather is found across Missouri. This is a great place to start to learn about outages affecting you.

For a more detailed view of power outages in your area, explore our outage map tool. You can zoom into specific streets and neighborhoods to understand the scope of the outage in your area. You can also clearly see the number of residents without power in West Central Missouri.

This is useful for identifying whether your house specifically is without power, or whether the issue is related to a power source in your area.

The first thing to do when the power goes out, is to report an outage. From the first outage call received, crews are dispatched to begin working on restoring power to everyone. Even if you haven’t made it through the system yet because of the high volume of calls, crews are already working to restore the outages.

Once your outage is reported, take steps to protect yourself and your family until power is restored. Power outages often occur because of inclement weather and can lead to downed power lines, broken poles, and other dangerous situations. Leaving your house during severe weather can also be dangerous, no matter how careful you are.

Follow these steps to stay safe and comfortable until power is restored. If possible, stay where you are until the severe weather has passed and the local government says it is safe to leave your shelter. 

Don’t wait until the storm is bearing down on your area to collect supplies. Avoid long lines and dangerous roads by keeping emergency storm supplies on hand throughout the year.

• Keep a 3–to 5-day supply of drinking water in plastic bottles. Plan on at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day. 
• Store a manual can opener with enough nonperishable foods for 3 to 5 days. Don’t forget pet foods!
• Rotate your supplies to keep them fresh. Try to replace your storm supplies at least annually. 
• Conserve water by using paper plates and plastic utensils.
• Have a camp stove or grill for outdoor cooking.

Develop a plan with family members for where to go when a storm strikes. Designate a place in your house that has study walls and no windows – usually a bathroom, closet, or tornado shelter. Make sure you can still receive alerts even without electricity.

• Have a portable, battery-powered radio and alarm clock.
• Have one non-portable phone that will work even if power is interrupted.
• Store flashlights with extra batteries in a designated location. Consider investing in battery-powered fans during the hot months. 

Take steps to keep your kids calm and entertained during the storm. You can also develop plans to care for animals, neighbors, and elderly relatives who will be affected by the power outage.

• Keep a first aid kit in your home and car. 
• Keep fire extinguishers fully charged.
• Maintain a supply of prescriptions, nonprescription drugs, vitamins, and special dietary foods.
• Keep sanitary and personal hygiene supplies replenished. Premoistened cleansing wipes can be used to conserve water. 
• Make sure you have cold-weather clothing, foul-weather gear, blankets, and sleeping bags.
• Bring out playing cards, books, drawing and writing supplies, and board games to help pass the time. 
• Have a plan for your animals, like crates and storm jackets for dogs, to keep them safe and comfortable.

It is better to overprepare for a storm and not need these supplies than to be caught off guard. While most power outages only last a few hours, some could last longer in severe situations.

Severe weather isn’t always the cause of a power outage, but it can indicate whether you are at a higher risk of losing power. Check the current weather conditions in West Central Missouri to see if they are potentially affecting your service. You can also track future weather events so your family is safe and prepared.