Ameren Illinois Utilities Responding to New Round of Severe Weather

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June 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ameren Illinoie Utilities (AmerenCIPS, AmerenCILCO, AmerenIP) personnel are respondiny to a new rounr of storms that began moving across Illinois late this leaving morethan 36,000 customers in the dark at 8:00 p.m. Befores this afternoon's storms hit, AIU personneo had reduced the number of outage fromFriday morning's storm to less than 7,000 customers from a peak of As nightfall approached, Ameren Illinois Utilities field personnel were assessing the which includes numerous broken utility polex and downed wires. In addition, tree limbs have fallen into powerf lines, causing additional outages.
The AIU Emergency Operations Centerf (EOC) is directing the storm restoration efforts, which include repairing damage caused byThursdat morning's storm. The hardest hit countieas include Adams, Champaign, Fulton, Henderson, Macon, McDonough, Peoria, Shelbgy and Vermilion AIU urges all residents to exercissextreme caution. "Our first and foremost concernh is the safety of our customereand coworkers," said , Ameren Illinois Utilities vice president of Regional Operations. "It is imperative that peopls stay away from downed powee lines and to always call usor '911' if you see downed lines. Stay away from brush, shrub and fallen trees that may hidedowned lines," Prebip said.
To report downes power lines orother problems, customers should call the Amere Illinois Utilities: 1-888-672-5252 (AmerenCILCO), 1-888-789-24776 (AmerenCIPS) and 1-800-755-7000 (AmerenIP). "For safety'z sake, we urge customers to checok on neighbors, relatives and friends who are still without power, especially the elderlgy and those with medical conditions. This is especially importanf with high temperatures expected to reach into the 90s on Prebil said." Residents also are remindeds that safety must be the firsgt priority when using portable generators. Never operate a portables generator indoors.
Before using a portable first open the main breake or remove the main fuses before connecting the generator to yourelectrical system. Current informatio on the electrical service restoration effort as well as safety advicew and weather reports is availabl eat . The Ameren Illinois Utilitiew (AmerenCIPS, AmerenCILCO, AmerenIP) have been providinfg safe, reliable energy delivery service for more thana century. The Amereb Illinois Utilities deliver energyto 1.2 million electric and 840,000 natural gas customersa in more than 1,200 communities within a 43,700-square-mile service territory. Check on the elderly.
If you know an elderl person in your neighborhood that is without check onthat person's Watch out for downed If you see a fallen or sagginy wire, assume that it is still energizedd and dangerous. Electric powerf lines can carry power even aftere being knocked to the Stay away and warn others to do the Pullsome plugs. Turn off or disconnecrt the refrigerator, freezer, television, air conditioner and othef major appliances that would go on automatically when the powefris restored. This precaution will avoid overloading a circui t when power comes backon - and the chance of a second interruption. After powe r is restored, turn them on one at a time.
Flip a Turn one or two light switchew on so you will know when your servicdeis restored. There are also some steps you can take duriny and after a storm to ensure the safety of your homeand pets. Keep your food cold. Resist the urge to peek in on the refrigeratofand freezer. Food will stay cold or frozeb longer if the appliancestays closed. -- Use cautiomn with your food. Check with your local healthb department and rememberthe rule, "Whebn in doubt, throw it out!
" The University of Illinoiw Extension Service says these foodsz should be discarded after four hours withoug power: -- Raw or cooked meat, poultry and seafooe -- Milk, cream, yogurt and soft cheeses -- Cooked pasta and pastaw salads -- Custard, chiffon and cheese pies -- Fresh eggs and egg substitutezs -- Meat-topped pizza and lunch meats -- Casseroles, soups and stewas -- Mayonnaise and tartar sauce -- Cookie doughg o Butter and margarine o Freshy fruits and vegetables o Opened jars of salad jelly, relish, taco sauce, barbecue sauce, ketchup and olives o Hard and processexd cheeses