ST. LOUIS, March 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The threat of flooding in Missouri means that residents must be aware of the electrical hazards that can occur during floods.

When water comes into contact with energized electrical wiring, appliances and other devices, it creates a threat of serious injury and electrocution.

AmerenUE offers these key electric safety tips:

• Never enter a flooded basement or other flooded area where water may be in contact with electrical wiring, appliances and other devices.
• Under no circumstances should you attempt to turn off power at the main electrical panel box if you must stand in water or even on a wet floor to do so.
• Furthermore, never operate electrical appliances or devices or touch electrical switches, outlets or cords if you are standing in water or are on a wet surface, or if you are wet.
• Keep all electric-powered tools and equipment at least 10 feet away from water and wet surfaces. Do not use electric tools and equipment outdoors if the ground is wet.

In the event of flooding, AmerenUE will turn off electrical power to a home or business at the request of a customer. Customers should contact AmerenUE to have the power turned off when flood waters are likely to reach the main electrical panel box. The company also will turn power off at the request of local authorities. Additional safety information is available on the Ameren Web site (http://www.ameren.com).

With 1.2 million electric customers and 125,000 natural gas customers, AmerenUE is Missouri's largest electric utility and third-largest distributor of natural gas. It is a subsidiary of St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation.

SOURCE: AmerenUE

CONTACT: Susan Gallagher, +1-314-554-2175, or Mike Cleary,
+1-573-681-7137, both for AmerenUE
Web site: http://www.ameren.com