PEORIA, Ill., Aug. 5 /EMWNews/ -- The Ameren Illinois Utilities have

mobilized more than 260 linemen and about 120 tree trimmers to restore

service to about 9,700 customers in Central Illinois.



    The Ameren Illinois Utilities estimate most of the remaining customers

will have service restored by noon on Wednesday with complete restoration

anticipated by tomorrow evening. However, additional storms could delay

restoration work or result in additional outages.



    Storms raced through Central Illinois, beginning at about 5:00 a.m.

today, leaving about 28,352 customers without electrical service. The

hardest hit areas were Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Livingston, La Salle,

McLean and Iroquois counties.



    As of 4:00 p.m. today, 6,067 customers were still without service in

Peoria County, 2,341 in Tazewell County and 762 in Woodford County.



    "Our top priority in this storm restoration effort is the safety of our

customers, our coworkers and our contractors," said Carl Spence, manager of

Ameren Illinois Division I.



    "People can help by making sure they report any downed power lines and

by warning others to stay away from these lines. Residents should stay away

from brush and downed trees which may hide downed wires."



    Anyone who sees a downed wire should immediately report it by calling

their Ameren Illinois Utility (AmerenCILCO - 1-888-672-5252; AmerenCIPS -

1-888-789-2477; AmerenIP - 1-800-755-5000).



    The Ameren Illinois utilities serve 1.2 million electric and more than

840,000 natural gas customers in a 43,700-square-mile area of Illinois.



    NOTE TO EDITORS and NEWS DIRECTORS:



    Ameren offers these tips for your safety and for coping with power

outages (also available on http://www.ameren.com):



    Check on the elderly. If you know an elderly person in your

neighborhood who is without power, check on that person's health.



    Watch out for downed wires. If you see a fallen or sagging wire, assume

that it is still energized and dangerous. Electric power lines can carry

power even after being knocked to the ground. Stay away and warn others to

do the same.



    Pull some plugs. Turn off or disconnect the refrigerator, freezer,

television, air conditioner and other major appliances that would go on

automatically when the power is restored. This precaution will avoid

overloading a circuit when power comes back on -- and the chance of a

second interruption. After power is restored, turn them on one at a time.



    Flip a switch. Turn one or two light switches on so you will know when

your service is restored.



    There are also some steps you can take during and after a storm to

ensure the safety of your family, home and pets.



    Keep your food cold. Resist the urge to peek in on the refrigerator and

freezer. Food will stay cold or frozen longer if the appliance stays

closed.






    -- Use caution with your food. Check with your local health department and

       remember the rule, "When in doubt, throw it out!" The University of

       Illinois Extension Service says these foods should be discarded after

       four hours without power:

      - Raw or cooked meat, poultry and seafood

      - Milk, cream, yogurt and soft cheeses

      - Cooked pasta and pasta salads

      - Custard, chiffon and cheese pies

      - Fresh eggs and egg substitutes

      - Meat-topped pizza and lunch meats

      - Casseroles, soups and stews

      - Mayonnaise and tartar sauce

      - Cookie dough



    These foods should be safe for a few days without power:

      - Butter and margarine

      - Fresh fruits and vegetables

      - Opened jars of salad dressing, jelly, relish, taco sauce, barbecue

        sauce, mustard, ketchup and olives

      - Hard and processed cheeses