11/26/2009 - Ameren open house to discuss winter storm preparedness
4-6:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 3 in Marion
By Tom Barker, The Southern - http://www.thesouthern.com/news/article_1a803084-da32-11de-8b2f-001cc4c002e0.html
MARION - In light of Southern Illinois' recent history of inland hurricanes and damaging ice storms, Ameren Illinois Utilities will be offering an educational open house next week to help area residents prepare themselves for winter storms.
A special exhibit Thursday, Dec. 3, at the AIU dispatch building in Marion will offer storm preparedness information to the public, as well as a glimpse into how utility workers get ready for storm-related outages.
"We want to help our customers be prepared for the service outages severe storms can cause and we will help make certain they are ready to deal with the snow and ice storms that can strand residents," said Tina Gibbs-Monroe, an AIU community service representative.
The open house will run from 4 to 6:30 p.m. and include an exhibit of one of AIU's Storm Trailers, which are mobile storerooms stocked with the materials field crews need to make repairs during an outage. Visitors will be able to walk through the trailer.
"We also will show visitors how we prepare for storms and go about restoring service," Monroe said.
During the event, AIU experts will list supplies people should have on hand to remain safe during an emergency and explain how customers can make repairs to their own facilities, if needed. A safety demonstration will also be given for those who plan to use a generator during a power outage.
Visitors will also learn how to access information about electricity service outages on AIU's Web site and on mobile devices.
thomas.barker@thesouthern.com
