With a severe winter storm warning now in effect for all of St. Louis, it's important to be prepared in case of an emergency situation, particularly a loss of power.
Up to 6 inches of snow and freezing rain is expected for the metro area, so here are five resources that can come in handy when the storm hits Thursday morning.
- To report a power outage, contact Ameren Missouri: 800.552.7583 or click here to track outages by ZIP Code.
- To talk to MoDot Customer Service: 1-888-275-6636 or click here for a check on statewide road conditions.
- To monitor live traffic cameras in the St. Louis area courtesy of the Gateway Guide system, click here.
- You can also monitor National Weather Service forecasts for the area.
Batteries Plus in St. Louis provided the following recommendations of items for consumers to have on hand in the event of a power outage.
- Two flashlights that run on AA or AAA alkaline batteries or a supply of alkaline batteries (alkaline batteries typically have a shelf of life of 8-10 years, so it’s good to have plenty on hand)
- Lantern-style flashlight or a larger flashlight using two or three D-size batteries to give off more light and for a longer period of time
- Manual or battery powered can opener
- Watch with working battery
- Battery-powered weather radio and/or transistor radio
- UPS backup system attached to the home computer (smart to do at any time, not just emergencies)
- Power inverter, which enables consumers to power their TV or other electronic items from their car, if necessary. However, do not run the car or any gasoline generator in the garage as the carbon monoxide poisoning could prove fatal.
- Cell phone charger that can plug into a car, so communication remains possible without electricity
- Working batteries in smoke detectors and emergency exit signs
Batteries Plus has locations in Creve Coeur, Chesterfield, Ballwin, Florissant, St. Peters, South County and in Fairview Heights, Ill.
