Ameren offers these tips for your safety and for coping with power outages:
  
Check on the elderly. If you know an elderly person in your neighborhood who is without power, check on that person's health.
  
Watch out for downed wires. If you see a fallen or sagging wire, assume that it is still energized and dangerous. Electric power lines can carry power even after being knocked to the ground. Stay away and warn others to do the same.
  
Pull some plugs. Turn off or disconnect the refrigerator, freezer, television, air conditioner and other major appliances that would go on automatically when the power is restored. This precaution will avoid overloading a circuit when power comes back on—and the chance of a second interruption. After power is restored, turn them on one at a time.
  
Flip a switch. Turn one or two light switches on so you will know when your service is restored.
  
Keep your food cold. Resist the urge to peek in on the refrigerator and freezer. Food will stay cold or frozen longer if the appliance stays closed.
  
Use caution with your food. Check with your local health department and remember the rule, "When in doubt, throw it out!" The University of Illinois Extension Service says these foods should be discarded after four hours without power:

• Raw or cooked meat, poultry and seafood
• Milk, cream, yogurt and soft cheeses
• Cooked pasta and pasta salads
• Custard, chiffon and cheese pies
• Fresh eggs and egg substitutes
• Meat-topped pizza and lunch meats
• Casseroles, soups and stews
• Mayonnaise and tarter sauce
• Cookie dough

These foods should be safe for a few days without power:

• Butter and margarine
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Opened jars of salad dressing, jelly, relish, taco sauce, barbecue sauce, mustard, ketchup and olives
• Hard and processed cheeses