With increased amounts of rainfall in the region over the next few days, Ameren advises customers to be cautious if they encounter flooding in their homes, businesses, or communities.
Brian Bretsch, a spokesperson from Ameren Illinois, said to avoid contact with any electrical items during a flood, as the combination of water and electricity can cause safety hazards.
"That includes outlets, appliances, or any cords. When they're in the water, they can energize the area around them as you get closer. You can receive an electric shock or worse."
Bretsch says to call Ameren to shut off power sources before water reaches it. Power may have been proactively turned off at the request of local authorities.
Keep electric tools and equipment at least ten feet away from wet surfaces, and do not use them when it rains or when the ground is moist.
Never attempt to drive through a flooded area.
"It only takes about six inches of water to reach the bottom of most passenger cars. It takes even less than that to potentially wash you off the road and cause you to hydroplane. If you're approaching a street with a low-laying area, or if there's a bunch of water moving rapidly across it, do the safe thing and turn your vehicle around."
Disconnect natural gas services as a precaution to allow for a safer restoration once the water subsides.
Ameren provides more safety tips on its website.
