Powering up your family's emergency preparedness

Spring is the ideal time to create or refresh home emergency kits ahead of storm season

With spring right around the corner, Ameren Missouri reminds customers now is the ideal time to prepare for the unpredictable weather that comes with spring and summer. In addition to changing smoke detector batteries, the company urges customers to make plans for when severe weather strikes.

“In recent years, we’ve seen severe storms develop with little warning, and that’s why staying prepared is so important,” said Tommie Bugett, director of Safety at Ameren. “Daylight saving time naturally reminds us to check our smoke detectors, but we’re encouraging customers to go one step further. Use this as an opportunity to restock – or create – your family’s emergency kit so you’re ready if severe weather or a power outage occurs.”

Ameren Missouri recommends stocking your home's emergency preparedness kit with the following items:

Bottled water

Non-perishable food items

First-aid kit

Medications

Sleeping bag or blanket

Flashlights or 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 applicable

Additionally, the company reminds customers to take the following steps to help prepare for spring and summer storm season:

Fill your vehicle’s gas tank.

Prep your home generator by fueling it and storing extra gasoline safely.

Fully charge cell phones and essential electronic devices.

Lower your refrigerator temperature to extend cooling time.

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed; frozen food can stay safe for up to 48 hours.

Unplug sensitive electronics or protect them with surge protectors.

Download Ameren’s mobile app for the easiest way to stay connected to your account from anywhere.

For more information on storm safety, Ameren Missouri encourages its customers to visit its website.