Ameren Illinois Utilities Urge Customers to be Prepared for Forecasted Winter Storms
January 26 2009 - 1:20PM
PR Newswire (US)
PEORIA, Ill., Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- With winter storm warnings
and advisories issued for tonight and tomorrow in significant
portions of the Ameren Illinois Utilities service territory, the
utilities are advising customers to ready themselves for the
possibility of power outages due to ice in the southern third of
the state. "Safety is our priority every day of the year, but it
takes on added significance when severe weather strikes," said Ron
Pate, Ameren Illinois Utilities vice president for Regional
Operations. "The first safety rule is to stay away from downed
power lines and always call us or '911' if you see downed lines,"
Pate said. "Never go outside in the dark because you won't be able
to see a downed power line that could still be energized and
dangerous. Stay away from brush, shrubs and downed trees that may
hide downed lines." Bill Prebil, Ameren Illinois Utilities vice
president of Regional Operations, explained: "When severe storms
cause power outages, our first priority is to correct potentially
life-threatening situations, such as downed power lines or
hospitals without power. We then implement power restoration plans
focused on restoring power for the greatest number of customers in
the shortest length of time." When there is a threat of severe
weather, Pate said the key steps take by the Ameren Illinois
Utilities include: -- Constantly monitor weather conditions,
watching for any changes that may impact service. -- Place Ameren
Illinois Utilities personnel on alert. -- Consider staging field
personnel in preparation for storm restoration work. Decisions on
staging are based on evolving weather conditions. -- In
anticipation of severe winter weather, the Ameren Illinois
Utilities may dispatch special Ameren Illinois Storm Trailers.
These trailers are filled with materials field crews need to
perform their service restoration work. The trailers can be moved
to various staging sites to provide materials when outside crews
come in to help with the restoration efforts and to provide a store
of materials close to the area with the most damage. -- In severe
weather situations, the Ameren Illinois Utilities Emergency
Operations Center will be activated. The center is strategically
located in Decatur. Customer Safety Tips The measures customers
should take to prepare for a power outage or loss of natural gas
service are similar to those needed to prepare for any emergency
situation. -- Because most major outages are caused by severe
weather, begin by developing shelter plans for severe storm
conditions. -- If any member of your family has a medical
condition, plan and make arrangements to have that person's special
needs met in the event electricity is not available for an extended
period of time during a storm. -- Assemble a "storm kit" and store
it in a secure, centrally located part of your house. Make sure all
family members know where to find that kit. It should contain: --
Emergency telephone numbers; flashlights and fresh batteries (avoid
using candles, lanterns or oil lamps due to the fire risk); extra
garage and house keys; a battery-powered radio; a battery-powered
or wind-up alarm clock; a supply of bottled water (one gallon per
person per day); non-perishable foods that don't require heating;
blankets, bedding or sleeping bags; a first-aid kit and
medications; a hand-operated can opener; special items for infants
or family members with special needs; hand tools, such as a
screwdriver, scissors and duct tape; household items like plastic
utensils, paper plates, waterproof matches and household bleach;
identification and copies of important family documents. -- If your
electric service is interrupted, be sure to unplug or protect
sensitive computer and electronic equipment with a high- quality
surge protector. -- When severe weather is predicted, make certain
your cell phone is fully charged. Also, remember that cordless land
line telephones will not function in the event of a power outage.
-- If your power goes out, contact a neighbor to see if you are the
only one without power. If you are the only one without service,
check your panel box for a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse.
If any breakers are in the "off" position or if a fuse is blown,
you should investigate the problem. If you are still without power,
or if others in your neighborhood are experiencing a power outage,
call your Ameren Illinois Utility at any time, 24 hours a day,
seven days a week -- and always call as soon as possible to report
a downed line or natural gas odor! The Ameren Illinois Utility
numbers are 888-672-5252 (AmerenCILCO), 888-789-2477 (AmerenCIPS)
and 800-755- 7000 (AmerenIP). The Ameren Illinois Utilities serve
1.2 million electric and more than 840,000 natural gas customers in
a 43,700-square-mile area of Illinois. Editor's Note: For the
latest information, please visit our new Web site:
http://www.illinoisoutage.com/ DATASOURCE: Ameren Illinois
Utilities CONTACT: Leigh Morris, +1-217-535-5228, or Victoria
Busch, +1-618-346-1286, or Neal Johnson, +1-309-677-5284 all of
Ameren Illinois Utilities Web site: http://www.ameren.com/
http://www.illinoisoutage.com/
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