Prepare Your Business and Employees
Ameren wants you and your employees to be prepared in the event of severe weather and power outages. The best time to think about storm preparation and safety is before a storm hits. Here are some things you can do to prepare at your business or workplace:
For your employees and coworkers:
	Develop, post and review emergency plans, including evacuation routes and special medical needs.
	Designate safe areas where employees should go during a storm. Interior hallways and rooms with no windows are the best locations.
	Create a communication plan with your employees, including pre-arranged meeting points in case of telephone or cell phone outages.
	Maintain up-to-date contact information for all your employees.
	Establish procedures for warning and post-storm communications.
For your facility:
	Review your storm insurance with your insurance agent. Give your agent appropriate emergency contact information.
	Photograph or videotape your building or office before and after a major storm. Store these records in a safe place.
	Make multiple back-ups to computer files and data. Store these records in a safe place.
	Turn off all computers and unplug all lamps, radios and equipment in case of a power surge.
	Prepare for your short-term and long-term energy needs. Consider installing a generator if necessary.
	If available, park your vehicles in safe, protected areas, such as a covered garage.
	Be sure electronic devices―pagers, cell phones, laptops and other devices―have fresh batteries.
	Lock drawers and file cabinets.
For your vendors and clientele:
	Make sure your business contacts can reach you if your power is out after a storm. Include your business cell phone number on business cards and other contact information.
	Maintain contact information on your vendors and clientele that can be accessed if your power is out after a storm.