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Be Prepared

Prepare yourself in the event of a storm or other power outage emergency so you know what to do at home and at work. Organizing a storm kit is also a great way to plan ahead.  

At Home

Items to include:

  • Emergency telephone numbers
  • Flashlights and fresh batteries
  • Battery-powered radio
  • Supply of bottled water (one gallon per person, per day - and don't forget water for your pets)
  • Non-perishable foods that don't require heating
  • Paper plates and plastic utensils
  • Hand-operated can opener
  • First-aid kit and medications
  • Ice cooler for temporary food or medication storage
  • Blankets, bedding or sleeping bags
  • Battery-powered or wind-up alarm clock
  • Special items for infants, the elderly or family members with special needs
  • Identification and copies of important family documents
  • Small bills and change

 

Indoors:

  • Turn your refrigerator to its coldest setting and leave the refrigerator closed.
  • Turn off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment.
  • Place important documents in a safe box or other waterproof storage space.
  • Register your electrically operated medical equipment with Ameren.
  • Make sure your storm kit is ready.

Outdoors:

  • Make sure your vehicle's gas tank is full.
  • Bring lawn furniture and other lightweight objects inside.
  • If you have a swimming pool, turn off all pumps and filters and wrap them in waterproof materials.
  • Insulate or cover water lines, hose bibs, etc. in cold weather.

For your employees and co-workers:

  • Develop, post and review emergency plans, including evacuation routes.
  • Designate safe areas where employees should go during a storm.
  • Create a communication plan with your employees, including pre-arranged meeting points in case of telephone or cell phone outages.
  • Establish procedures for warning your employees of severe weather.

For your facility:

  • 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 have battery backup.
  • Lock drawers and file cabinets.
  • Check first aid kits to make sure all supplies are stocked.

How We Prepare



When severe weather threatens, Ameren Illinois follows a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan to help restore natural gas and electric services as quickly and safely as possible. This includes 24-hour weather monitoring and activating our Emergency Operations Center.

24-Hour Weather Monitoring

We utilize sophisticated weather-tracking technology to monitor weather patterns and prepare our crews to deploy quickly to affected areas. When severe weather is imminent, our field personnel are put on alert and instructed to fuel our fleet, charge laptops, and get equipment and supplies ready.

Emergency Operating Center

If severe weather causes widespread damage and power outages, Ameren Illinois will activate its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to manage response efforts throughout the territory, including deployment of work crews from other parts of the company or from neighboring utilities.

Storm Trailers

Ameren Illinois storm trailers are mobile warehouses that are stocked with materials needed to set a large number of poles, structures, wires and hardware to help in restoration efforts. These trailers are moved to staging sites close to damage.

Damage Assessment

As soon as it is safe to do so, Ameren Illinois dispatches field engineering representatives to evaluate the extent of the damage to our system. We also deploy safety wire watchers who stay on site where power lines are down and may be energized to protect the public.

Mutual Assistance Partners

As part of the electric industry’s mutual assistance network we can reach out to other utilities throughout the country for assistance in power restoration. This allows us to restore power to more customers faster than we could alone. As part of this assistance we are available to help with emergencies in other parts of the country as well.