News Releases

COLLINSVILLE, IL (January 29, 2019). With wind chills expected to be below zero throughout most of the week as another round of winter storms moves into the Midwest, Ameren Illinois is reminding customers of tips on how to stay safe and warm.

"With the threat of severe weather forecasted for most of our service territory this week, we are taking additional steps to ensure the safety of our customers and personnel," said Richard Mark, chairman and president of Ameren Illinois. "In addition to activating the Emergency Operations Center to monitor the potential for disruptions to our system, we're reducing the amount of time personnel are outdoors and making sure call-outs will be handled by at least two people so no one is traveling alone."

Ameren Illinois activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC), as of 4 p.m. on Monday, to help coordinate response efforts associated with the winter weather threat this week.

In addition to the precautions the company is taking to ensure the safe and reliable operations of its system, Ameren Illinois is reminding its customers of the following tips:

• Never use a stove or other cooking device to heat your home.
• Use a broom to keep natural gas meters and piping clear during the winter. Never use a shovel, ice chipper, pole or similar tool or even hit your natural gas meter or piping as this may damage equipment. 
• Be sure to check on elderly friends and neighbors and those with disabilities.
• Prepare an emergency kit with supplies (flashlights, radios, batteries, non-perishable foods, water, medicines, blankets, warm clothes, etc.) to use in the event of a storm.
• If you do lose power during a winter storm, remember the following:
  • Turn off lights and unplug appliances to prevent damage and overloading circuits once the power is restored.
  • Keep faucets on at a drip to prevent pipes from freezing. 
  • Dress warm and in layers.
  • Close doors to unused rooms in the house.
  • Be cautious when using alternative heat sources and keep rooms properly ventilated. 
  • Block cold air from coming in by stuffing towels underneath doors.
  • Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) for electrical outlets can help prevent injuries and electrocutions when installed in areas that may be affected by melting snow or ice. You can also purchase portable GFCIs for your emergency supply kits.

About Ameren Illinois 
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and 816,000 natural gas customers in Illinois. Our mission is to power the quality of life. Our service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com, find us on Twitter @AmerenIllinois or Facebook