Easy tips so customers will not be left in the dark
When Ameren customers set their clocks back one hour ending daylight saving time Nov. 3, the company suggests it’s the right time to restock or even create the family’s home emergency kit in preparation for the fall and winter storm season.
“While many of us cherish gaining an hour of sleep by moving our clocks back one hour for the end of daylight saving time, this annual ritual has become an important safety reminder for all of us to check or change the batteries in our smoke detectors,” said Karen Boulanger, director of safety for Ameren. “Safety is paramount at Ameren, which is why we are encouraging our customers to remember to update more than just their clocks. This is the perfect time to restock or create a family emergency preparedness kit in the event of an emergency or a storm that causes a power outage.”
It is important to remind every family member where the emergency preparedness kit is located. Verifying that the kit has updated supplies and other essentials is necessary should a cause a power outage or a disaster strikes.
Ameren recommends an emergency preparedness kit stocked with the following essential items and supplies and stored in a dry area:
- Water bottles
- Non-perishable food items
- First-aid kit
- Medicines
- Sleeping bag/blanket
- Flashlights/lanterns
- Cash (small bills and change)
- Batteries
- Battery-powered radio
- Battery-powered alarm clock
- Ice cooler for temporary food or medication storage
- List of emergency contacts
- Copies of essential documents
- Pet supplies, if you have pets
Ameren offers other home preparedness tips should the lights go out:
- Fill the gas tank in your vehicle.
- Prepare your home generator by filling it with gas and purchasing additional gas.
- Charge your cellphone and other important electronic devices.
- Turn down the temperature on your refrigerator to keep it as cool as possible.
- Ensure the refrigerator and freezer are closed, as frozen food can keep up to 48 hours.
- Turn off or unplug sensitive electronic devices, or make sure they are protected by a surge protector.
***Courtesy of Ameren Illinois***
