Sunshine and safety: Tips to stay safe and cool this summer
Ameren Missouri shares important advice to help customers beat the heat and stay safe this summer
As temperatures continue to soar throughout the Show-Me State, customer safety and comfort are top priorities for Ameren. Extreme heat can be challenging, not just for an individual's health and well-being, but also for their household budget as hotter temperatures can put added stress on household appliances.
“Heat waves can pose serious health risks, especially for children, older adults and those with medical conditions,” said Jeronica Jenkins, director of customer care at Ameren. “We encourage you to take simple actions to help protect yourself and your loved ones.”
If customers plan to spend significant time outdoors this summer, Ameren encourages them to drink plenty of water (about 8 ounces every 15 to 20 minutes), take frequent breaks in the shade and wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
To help save energy during the hot summer months, Ameren recommends taking the following steps:
Create a breeze: Use ceiling or floor fans along with your air conditioner. This allows you to set your thermostat 3 to 4 degrees higher without losing comfort.
Change or clean filters: Keeping your air filters clean helps keep you healthy and your cooling system running efficiently.
Block the sun: Close blinds or drapes with white backings to reduce indoor heat gain by up to one-third.
Cook smart: Grill outdoors or use small appliances like air fryers or slow cookers to minimize extra heat in your kitchen.
Program your thermostat: Smart or programmable thermostats can automatically adjust settings when you’re away, saving the average household about $180 per year.
Level out your bill: Enroll in Budget Billing for free to spread seasonal high-usage costs over consistent monthly payments.
For a list of resources and tips to stay safe, cool and in control over energy costs this summer, please visit Ameren.com/SeasonalEnergyRelief.