As the heat scorches the region, Ameren Missouri is advising customers to stay safe and check on those who may need help in the extreme heat.
“The relentless heat forecasted for this week can be dangerous. We want our customers to prepare, and we want them to know we're prepared," says Michael Moehn, senior vice president of Customer Operations, Ameren Missouri. "Safety is our top priority for customers and our employees.”
Ameren Missouri wants customers to know that running an air conditioner can cost as little as one dollar a day. Cost shouldn't discourage anyone from keeping cool and safe during these extreme conditions. For customers needing assistance, Dollar More and other energy assistance programs are available.
United Way has opened cooling centers throughout the St. Louis region for anyone needing to escape the heat. To find a cooling center location or to learn about energy assistance programs, call United Way at 2.1.1 or 1.800.427.4626.
Here are some tips for homes without air conditioning or people working outdoors:
• During the heat of the day, avoid activities that would add heat and humidity to a home, like drying clothes or using your dishwasher.
• For maximum efficiency and comfort, fans should be positioned to blow air out of the house during daylight hours and pull cooler air into the house after dark.
• For a window fan to work properly there should always be another window open in the area the fan is meant to ventilate.
• Drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated, even if you aren't thirsty.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing to help stay cool.
• Watch for signs of heat-related illness: difficulty breathing, dizziness or fainting, excessive sweating, headaches, confusion, nausea. If you suspect someone has a heat-related illness, have them lie down in a cool place, give them sips of cool water and call for help.
• Think cool and stay relaxed. Remaining calm in times of stress can help moderate your body temperature.
To help customers manage their energy bills and avoid the peaks of the summer cooling season, Ameren Missouri offers Budget Billing, a program that allows customers to pay a set amount each month. Enrollment is free. Customers can learn more at AmerenMissouri.com.
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Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than a century, and our electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. We serve 1.2 million electric and 127,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. Our mission is to meet their energy needs in a safe, reliable, efficient and environmentally responsible manner. Our service area covers 63 counties and 500 towns, including the greater St. Louis area. For more information, visit AmerenMissouri.com.
CONTACT: Missouri Communications, 314.554.2182, missouricommunications@ameren.com