Reacting to Damage Caused by Severe Weather – Hard Hit Areas Hard to Reach
Collinsville, IL (Nov. 17, 2013) – Ameren Illinois' Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated at 11:30am this morning to provide restoration support to communities impacted by today's severe storms and high winds.
Currently, approximately 140,000 Ameren Illinois customers are without power. While damage is severe all over central and southern Illinois, the hardest hit areas are in the Washington, Pekin, Danville and Bloomington areas. Crews continue to assess the damage and the company will provide an update on restoration times as more information becomes available.
"Safety is the top priority for our customers and our workers," said Richard J. Mark, President and CEO of Ameren Illinois. "We know the critical role electricity and natural gas has in our customers' lives. Our crews will work quickly and safely to restore their power."
Ameren Illinois currently has several hundred personnel deployed all across its service territory. Storm trailers have been deployed to the most seriously damaged areas so customers should understand that help is on the way. Ameren Illinois crews are currently working hard to document the full extent of the damages and may be encountering difficult conditions, especially in harder hit areas of the Ameren Illinois territory.
The most important safety rule is to stay clear of downed power lines and always call Ameren Illinois at 1.800.755-5000 or 911 if you see downed lines or smell natural gas leaks. Assume all downed power lines are energized. Stay inside because you may walk into an energized power line. Stay clear of brush, shrubs and downed trees that may hide downed lines.
While every effort is made to restore power as quickly as possible, customers with special needs—including those with medical conditions, seniors, handicapped and others who are dependent on electric service—may wish to consider making alternative arrangements if outages in their areas persist.
Customers can report an outage at Ameren.mobi using a smartphone, go online to AmerenIllinois.com/Outage or call 1.800.755.5000.
Additional storm safety information is available at the Ameren Illinois Outage Center at AmerenIllinois.com/Outage.
