By Neil Doyle
BLOOMINGTON – With the spring and summer storm season quickly approaching, Ameren Illinois says it’s a good idea to restock or create a home emergency kit.
“Ameren Illinois recommends you have an emergency kit containing essential items such as a sleeping bag or blanket to keep you warm, first-aid kit, water and non-perishable foods, and a battery operate light source such as flashlights or lanterns,” said Nikki Taylor with Ameren Illinois.
Taylor says it’s also important to remind every family member where the emergency preparedness kit is located.
Some other home preparedness tips should the lights go out:
- Fill the gas tank in your vehicle
- Prepare your home generator by filling it with gas and purchasing additional gas
- Charging your cellphone and other important electronic devices
- Turn down the temperature on your refrigerator to keep it as cool as possible
- Ensure the refrigerator and freezer are closed, as frozen food can keep up to 48 hours
- Turn off or unplug sensitive electronic devices, or make sure they are protected by a surge protector
Ameren says this weekend is a good time to stock up your home emergency kit while moving your clocks forward one hour for Daylight Saving Time.
Neil Doyle can be reached at neil.doyle@cumulus.com
