Severe storms cause only minor problems in Fulton County

Tag : overloading protector

--Never enter a flooded basement or other flooded area where watermay be in contact with electrical wiring, appliances and otherdevices.

--Under no circumstances should you attempt to turn off power atthe main electrical panel box if you must stand in water or even ona wet floor to do so.

--Furthermore, never operate electrical appliances or devices ortouch electrical switches, outlets or cords if you are standing inwater or are on a wet surface, or if you are wet.

--Keep all electric-powered tools and equipment at least 10 feetaway from water and wet surfaces. Do not use electric tools andequipment outdoors if the ground is wet.

Natural gas safety tips:

--If you detect a strong odor of natural gas, immediately leaveyour home or business and call your Ameren Illinois Utilities(AmerenCILCO - 1-888-672-5252; AmerenCIPS - 1-888-789-2477;AmerenIP - 1-800-755-5000). Do not turn lights on or off, operateany electrical device, use a phone or light a match inside or nearthe building.

--If you detect a faint odor of natural gas, attempt to follow theodor to its source. It may be an extinguished pilot light or apartially turned on burner valve. These are problems you can safelyand easily fix.

In the event of flooding, the Ameren Illinois Utilities will turnoff electrical power to a home or business at the request of acustomer. Customers should contact their Ameren Illinois Utilitiesto have the power turned off when flood waters are likely to reachthe main electrical panel box. The Ameren Illinois Utilities alsowill turn power off at the request of local authorities.

If flood waters reach the controls of a natural gas furnace, waterheater or other appliance (generally, the controls are located atthe bottom the appliance), contact your Ameren Illinois Utilitiesto have your natural gas service turned off. The Ameren IllinoisUtilities also will turn off natural gas service at the request oflocal authorities.

The Ameren Illinois Utilities recommend following these tips aftera flood:

--If an electrical appliance has been in contact with water, have aprofessional electrician or appliance repair person check it first.Often, appliances must be repaired or replaced.

--If you have any doubts about the safety of your home or businesselectrical system, have it inspected by a professional electrician.

--Call in a professional service person to inspect a furnace, waterheater and any other natural gas appliance that was entirely orpartially submerged.

--If your electrical or natural gas service was turned off, contactyour Ameren Illinois Utilities to have it turned on after you havemade certain your electrical and natural gas systems are safe touse. Never attempt to turn services on yourself.

Additional safety information is available on the Ameren Web site(www.ameren.com).

The Ameren Illinois Utilities serve 1.2 million electric and morethan 840,000 natural gas customers in a 43,700-square-mile area ofIllinois.

ALSO REMEMBER:

Ameren offers these tips for your safety and for coping with poweroutages (also available on www.ameren.com ):

--Check on the elderly. If you know an elderly person in yourneighborhood who is without power, check on that person’shealth.

--Watch out for downed wires. If you see a fallen or sagging wire,assume that it is still energized and dangerous. Electric powerlines can carry power even after being knocked to the ground. Stayaway and warn others to do the same.

--Pull some plugs. Turn off or disconnect the refrigerator,freezer, television, air conditioner and other major appliancesthat would go on automatically when the power is restored. Thisprecaution will avoid overloading a circuit when power comes backon - and the chance of a second interruption. After power isrestored, turn them on one at a time.

--Flip a switch. Turn one or two light switches on so you will knowwhen your service is restored.

There are also some steps you can take during and after a storm toensure the safety of your family, home and pets.

Keep your food cold. Resist the urge to peek in on the refrigeratorand freezer. Food will stay cold or frozen longer if the appliancestays closed.

--Use caution with your food. Check with your local healthdepartment and remember the rule, “When in doubt, throw itout!” The University of Illinois Extension Service says thesefoods should be discarded after four hours without power:

--Raw or cooked meat, poultry and seafood

--Milk, cream, yogurt and soft cheeses

--Cooked pasta and pasta salads

--Custard, chiffon and cheese pies

--Fresh eggs and egg substitutes

--Meat-topped pizza and lunch meats

--Casseroles, soups and stews

--Cookie dough

These foods should be safe for a few days without power:

--Butter and margarine

--Fresh fruits and vegetables

--Opened jars of salad dressing, jelly, relish, taco sauce,barbecue sauce, mustard, ketchup and olives

--Hard and processed cheeses