Be Prepared. Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

http://www.amerenillinois.com
http://www.illinoisoutage.com

Severe storms can cause power outages at any time during the year. Ameren Illinois can't control the weather, but we can prepare for an outage! Use the tips presented below to organize and prepare your home for a power outage.

If your electric service is interrupted, call Ameren Illinois at 800.755.5000. Switch off most lights and appliances to help prevent circuit overloading when your power is restored.

Keep a battery-powered radio or TV and flashlights available, along with a supply of fresh batteries.

Store drinking water, canned/no-cook food and a non-electric can opener. Make sure you have water and food for your pets as well!

Have a first-aid kit and needed medications available.

Treat all downed or dangling wires as if they are energized electric lines. Stay away, warn others, and call Ameren Illinois at 800.755.5000 to report the location.

Portable electric generators can be deadly to those who use them and to utility workers if the devices are not installed properly.

The National Electric Code (NEC) requires that when anyone installs a portable electric generator, it must include a safety disconnect switch that will not allow the generator to feed power back into the utility lines.

Unless the facility is equipped with a disconnect to the main power lines, electricity could "backfeed" into the utility line. This could result in damage to a neighbor's property or to the customer's own equipment - or it could present unseen hazards to utility employees working on outside power lines.
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