News Releases

ST. LOUIS (March 23, 2023) – Ameren is encouraging customers in Illinois and Missouri to be prepared for heavy rainfall and potential floods this week by knowing eight key safety tips to keep them safe.

“The spring season in the Midwest can be unpredictable, but we traditionally have some weather that includes large amounts of rain and flooding that can cause safety issues for our customers and their homes,” said Ryan Arnold, vice president of energy delivery, Ameren Missouri. “Water and electricity are a dangerous mix, so following these eight tips can help you stay safe."

Top eight flood safety tips:

1. Never enter flooded basements or other flooded areas where water may be in contact with electrical wiring, appliances or other electrical devices.  
    
2. Never operate electrical appliances or devices or touch electrical switches, outlets or cords if you are standing in water or are on a wet surface, or if you are wet.  
    
3. Do not attempt to turn off power at the main electrical panel box if you are standing in water or on a wet floor. 
    
4. Never drive through flood waters. Turn around and find an alternate route to your destination. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. One foot of water will cause most vehicles to float, and two feet of rushing water can sweep away a vehicle.
    
5. In the event of flooding in or around your home or business, call Ameren to have service turned off if the flood waters are likely to reach service equipment. Your service may also be turned off at the request of local authorities when flood waters threaten a community.
    
6. In addition to flooding, if severe weather also causes downed power lines and poles, stay clear and immediately report by calling Ameren Missouri customer service: 800.552.7583, Ameren Illinois customer line: 800.755.5000 or 911.
    
7. Get to higher ground if you are in an area that is subject to flooding. Follow evacuation orders and heed warning signs, and if you have time before you evacuate, disconnect utilities and appliances.
    
8. If any part of a home or business electrical system has been damaged by flood waters, customers must first contact a qualified electrician to complete repairs of the damaged electrical equipment.  

Ameren provides a variety of safety tips for customers, including severe weather preparedness, how to be safe around water and electricity, gas leak detection, electrical fire safety, call before you dig, and general safety reminders. All of Ameren's customer safety tips can be found at Ameren.com/Safety.

About Ameren
St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.4 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Ameren Missouri provides electric generation, transmission and distribution service, as well as natural gas distribution service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops, owns and operates rate-regulated regional electric transmission projects.

For more information, visit Ameren.com, or follow us on Twitter at @AmerenCorp, Facebook.com/AmerenCorp, or LinkedIn/company/Ameren.