05/19/2009 Ameren Illinois Utilities Urge Southern Illinois Residents To Play It Safe During the Ongoing storm Cleanup
Be on alert for potential electrical and natural gas hazards
Marion, Ill. (May 19, 2009) - Southern Illinois residents and contractors need to be on the alert for potential electrical and natural gas hazards the Ameren Illinois Utilities (AIU) advise as the cleanup continues in the aftermath of the inland hurricane.
"The job of getting the lights back on was done safely. We want to help make certain the public stays safe during the ongoing cleanup work," said John Barud, manager of AIU Division VI.
If you are making repairs to buildings, removing trees or trimming trees, remember that the first safety rule is to look up and around to locate overhead power lines. This is especially important when using ladders, pole pruners or making repairs to roofs, eaves or gutters.
Take special care when near the power lines that are attached to your home or other building. Make certain you and your equipment stay at least 10 feet away from power lines.
Never attempt to trim trees that are near power lines, and remember that overhead lines may be concealed by tree branches.
If you own or are working on a damaged building slated for demolition, keep in mind that a pressurized natural gas riser may be located near the foundation. Call AmerenCIPS at 1-888-789-2477 to determine if that is the case.
The Ameren Illinois Utilities (AmerenCIPS, AmerenCILCO, AmerenIP) have been providing safe, reliable energy delivery service for more than a century. The Ameren Illinois Utilities deliver energy to 1.2 million electric and 840,000 natural gas customers in more than 1,200 communities within a 43,700-square-mile service territory.
Storm Reference: 20090509AIU
