Ameren Illinois on alert during the winter season to respond to any power outages. If damage requires a large-scale effort to get the lights back on, Ameren Illinois is ready to hit the road as part of their ability to press their mobile storm trailers into service. Ameren Illinois spokesman Brian Bretsch says when they respond to an area, they have a strategy in place.

You may see an Ameren Illinois truck in the area before the actual repairs begin. That would be a unit scouting the area to see what kind of materials and resources are needed. Bretsch reminds that even if your entire neighborhood is without power, you should still call 1-800-755-5000 to report your own outage.