Winter Storm Safety

Safety Tips

• Avoid going outside and be aware of downed lines and poles if you must be outdoors.
• Keep trees trimmed to prevent limbs and branches from falling on power lines.
• Use a broom to keep natural gas meters and piping clear during the winter. Never use a shovel, ice chipper, pole or similar tool or even hit your natural gas meter or piping as this may damage equipment.
• Make sure your home is properly insulated to keep temperatures warm inside.
• Be sure to check on elderly and disabled friends and neighbors.
• Prepare an emergency kit with supplies (flashlights, radios, batteries, non-perishable foods, water, medicines, blankets, warm clothes, etc.) to use in the event of a storm.
• If you do lose power during a winter storm, remember the following:
  • Turn off lights and unplug electronic or large appliances to prevent damage and overloading circuits once the power is restored.
  • Keep faucets on at a drip to prevent pipes from freezing.
  • Dress warm and in layers.
  • Close doors to unused rooms in the house. 
  • Be cautious when using alternative heat sources, follow manufacture safety instructions, and keep rooms properly ventilated. 
  • Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) for electrical outlets can help prevent injuries and electrocutions when installed in areas that may be affected by melting snow or ice. You can also purchase portable GFCIs for your emergency supply kits.

Dangers of Abnormal Snow and Ice Buildup

Inclement winter weather can lead to hidden hazards related to your utility service. Avoid going outside and be aware of downed lines and poles if you must be outdoors. If your home suffers structural damage from a disaster and you smell or hear the sound of escaping gas, immediately evacuate the premises and then call 911 and Ameren Missouri at 1.800.552.7583.

Above ground gas facilities such as meter sets, valves and regulators must be kept clear of snow and ice. Snow and ice buildup can cause excessive stress on facilities and block vents causing equipment malfunctions and limiting access to emergency equipment.

• All exhaust and combustion air vents for gas appliances must also be kept clear of snow and ice for your gas equipment to operate properly.
• Use a broom to keep natural gas meters and piping clear during the winter.
• Never use a shovel, ice chipper, pole or similar tool, or even hit your natural gas meter or piping as this may damage equipment.

If you do lose power during a winter storm, remember the following:

• Turn off lights and unplug electronic or large appliances to prevent damage and overloading circuits once the power is restored.
• Keep faucets on a slow drip to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Dress warmly and in layers.
• Close doors to unused rooms in the house.
• Be cautious when using alternative heat sources; follow manufacturer's safety instructions, and keep rooms properly ventilated.
• Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) for electrical outlets can help prevent injuries and electrocutions when installed in areas that may be affected by melting snow or ice. You can also purchase portable GFCIs for your emergency supply kit.

Remember to check on elderly and disabled family, friends and neighbors.

Safety Tips Before a Snow Storm 

• Keep trees trimmed to prevent limbs and branches from falling onto power lines.
• Make sure your home is properly insulated to keep temperatures warm inside. Learn more about Ameren Missouri Energy Efficiency Programs or Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Programs.
• Prepare an emergency kit with supplies (flashlights, radios, batteries, nonperishable foods, water, medicines, blankets, warm clothes, etc.) to use in the event of a storm.