Are You Severe Weather Ready?

There are three things we can count on living in Missouri: the sun will rise in the east, set in the west, and Mother Nature will always throw us curve balls. The unpredictable weather that we are subject to in the Midwest is a time-honored spring tradition and the reason we recognize Severe Weather Preparedness Month.

The best thing you can do to keep your family safe in the event of a power outage is to prepare before inclement weather strikes. Here are some easy tips that you can check off now.

Keep Outage Reporting Information Accessible. If you experience a power outage, report your outage by using the MY ACCOUNT app, visiting cityutilities.net, or calling 1-888-863-9001. When using MY ACCOUNT, be sure to set up your notification preferences to receive important alerts about your outage.

Create a Plan. Have an evacuation plan ready and make sure everyone in your family knows the plan.

Make an Emergency Kit. Include items like flashlights, batteries, weather radio, water, non-perishable food, medicines, first aid supplies, blankets, and anything else that you think your family would need in an emergency.

Know the Location of Your Community Shelter. If you need to go to a shelter, bring your emergency kit, remain calm and be patient.

Stay Away from Downed Utility Lines. Stay away from all utility lines brought to the ground by storms. You never know when there is electricity running through a power line until it is too late. If you see a power line down, stay at least 10 feet away and call us at (417) 863-9000 with the location.

Check Your Generator. For your safety and the safety of utility workers making outage repairs, it is important to operate generators correctly. Read these important generator safety tips prior to using a generator and be sure to have an electrician properly install and inspect your house generator.

Being prepared is the best safety measure you can take for your family during the unpredictable weather that Spring always sends our way.