September 27, 2022- Ameren Illinois hosted an emergency preparedness open house for media representatives and local organizations at its Decatur Training Center.
“The training center is designed to show you and our customers that if we have to respond to any kind of emergency whether it is natural gas or electric, this is the equipment today that we use,” Brian Bretsch, Communication Executive & PR said. “To keep the gas flowing, stop gas leaks, and if there is a storm, start the restoration efforts as quickly as possible, all in the name of making sure our customers have the lights on and the gas on.”
Due to covid, the event has not been held for a few years, but it is expected to continue after today.
Participants toured the facility, and were given a behind-the-scenes look at how the Ameren team prepares for and responds to other utility emergencies.
The tour consisted of ten interactive displays, including composite poles, Ameren vehicles and its storm trailer, vapor extraction units, and more. At each display a subject matter expert was present to explain how the equipment is operated and to answer questions for participants.
Participants were also given the opportunity to ride up in a bucket truck to see the equipment from a birds-eye view.
“We want everybody to know that the folks who work for Ameren Illinois are gonna be there, and get the gas flowing as quickly as we can, and get the lights back on as quickly as we can,” Bretsch said.
