PEORIA, IL (Feb. 12, 2019) - In response to icing conditions and high winds in the northern part of its service territory, Ameren Illinois activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in the Galesburg, LaSalle, and Peoria metro areas. Ice that has accumulated on trees and power lines combined with falling temperatures, and predicted high wind gusts results in damage to the electric infrastructure and causes power outages.
Additional electric crews and vegetation personnel have been deployed to each region, along with portable storm trailers and extra materials. The EOC will be staffed around the clock to coordinate service restoration, logistical support and communications.
"Ice and wind is a damaging combination for the electric system," said Ron Pate, Ameren Illinois Senior Vice President of Operations and Technical Services. "We've taken every precaution necessary to ensure that we have the people and equipment in place to respond quickly and safely to power outages."
Ameren Illinois Chairman and President Richard Mark added, “Customers are also reminded to take precautions to protect themselves and their families, including staying away from downed power lines and immediately reporting any downed lines to Ameren Illinois.”
If you lose power, report the outage to Ameren Illinois at 800-755-5000. Detailed, real-time information regarding reported outages is available on our website at Ameren.com/Illinois/outage-map. Additional safety and outage information is available by following the Ameren Illinois news feed at twitter.com/AmerenIllinois and Facebook.com/Ameren Illinois.
Here are some tips to prepare your family for a potential power outage:
* Organize a storm kit with items you may need in the event of a storm or emergency. Basic items include emergency numbers, flashlights and batteries, first aid items and blankets. Consider purchasing a weather radio.
* Register any electrically operated medical equipment by calling Ameren Illinois customer service at 800-755-5000.
* Plug sensitive electronics including TVs, stereo systems, and computers into surge protectors.
* Sign up for text or email outage alerts at AmerenIllinois.com/alerts.
* Turn your refrigerator to its coldest setting and leave the refrigerator door closed. Food will stay fresher longer if the power goes out.
* Charge your cell phone
* Fill your vehicle’s gas tank
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.