If You Hit a Cross BoreBe Alert Home< Back
If you think you have hit a gas or electric line, act fast! Take the steps below, even if damage appears minor.
If You Hit a Gas Line
- Immediately warn others and evacuate the area; if indoors, immediately evacuate the premises. From a safe location, call 911 and Ameren Illinois at 800.755.5000.
- Extinguish all open flames. Do not use matches or lighters and do not attempt to light an appliance.
- Do not use any phones, electric switches, thermostats, or appliance controls. All of these devices, including battery-operated equipment, can cause sparks and ignite natural gas.
- Do not start or turn off vehicles or motorized equipment. Abandon any motorized equipment you may be operating.
- Do not attempt to find the source of the leak or to repair a leak.
- Do not operate underground gas valves.
- Stay far away from the area until safety officials say it is safe to return.
If You Hit an Electric Line
- Call Ameren Illinois immediately for any electric line contact.
- Leave the premises and abandon tools and equipment. Equipment that remains in contact with a buried power line poses a serious electric shock hazard.
- Stay away from the area, and warn others to stay away, until Ameren Illinois' personnel tell you it is safe to return.
- If someone has been shocked, call 911 immediately.
If you suspect a gas leak, immediately warn others and evacuate the area; if indoors, immediately evacuate the premises. From a safe location, call 911 and Ameren Illinois at 800.755.5000.