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Ameren Companies Offer Safety Tips for Spring Mar 9, 2011
Spring is the time to fly a kite, plant a tree and fix up the house, but each of those projects requires that we begin by focusing on electric and natural gas safety.
Throughout the year, Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois encourage the safe use of electricity and natural gas. The following tips will help keep you safe this spring.
• Never use kites that have metal, wire or tinsel components. Do not fly kites in the vicinity of overhead electrical wires or when there is a threat of thunderstorms.
• Fly kites in open places far away from power lines and trees.
• If your kite gets caught in a power line, do not try to retrieve it.
• Never fly kites in stormy weather and when there is a threat of storms. Wet kite strings can conduct electricity from power lines and lightning.
• When climbing a tree, choose a tree that is well away from power lines. Always check to make sure there are no power lines hidden among the limbs.
• Look up when you are outdoors. Know the location of all overhead utility lines and keep ladders and pole pruners away from these lines.
• Avoid planting trees in locations that will cause problems with power lines once the trees are full grown.
• Improve safety is by using ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) for all outdoor outlets. While you are at it, GFCIs also belong in the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, garage and other locations where electrical devices could come into contact with water. A GFCI is designed to turn the power off before a deadly electrical shock can occur. If you do not yet have GFCIs, contact an electrician to discuss GFCIs and arrange for installation. If all older homes had GFCIs, it is estimated that 70 percent of residential electrocutions would be prevented each year.
• Before digging in your yard or planting trees, call the service that marks the location of underground utilities in your area. This will help you make that sure you do not strike underground power lines or natural gas pipes. In Missouri, this service is called the Missouri One Call System, and it can be reached by calling 1-800-DIG-RITE (1-800-344-7483), or simply 811. In Illinois, the service is JULIE (Joint Utility Location Information for Excavators), also reached by dialing 811.
• For additional safety information, visit Ameren’s website, www.Ameren.com/safety, and the Safe Electricity Web site, www.safeelectricity.org.
Contacts: Missouri, Mike Cleary, 314-554-2182; Illinois, Leigh Morris, 1-217-535-5228
Throughout the year, Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois encourage the safe use of electricity and natural gas. The following tips will help keep you safe this spring.
• Never use kites that have metal, wire or tinsel components. Do not fly kites in the vicinity of overhead electrical wires or when there is a threat of thunderstorms.
• Fly kites in open places far away from power lines and trees.
• If your kite gets caught in a power line, do not try to retrieve it.
• Never fly kites in stormy weather and when there is a threat of storms. Wet kite strings can conduct electricity from power lines and lightning.
• When climbing a tree, choose a tree that is well away from power lines. Always check to make sure there are no power lines hidden among the limbs.
• Look up when you are outdoors. Know the location of all overhead utility lines and keep ladders and pole pruners away from these lines.
• Avoid planting trees in locations that will cause problems with power lines once the trees are full grown.
• Improve safety is by using ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) for all outdoor outlets. While you are at it, GFCIs also belong in the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, garage and other locations where electrical devices could come into contact with water. A GFCI is designed to turn the power off before a deadly electrical shock can occur. If you do not yet have GFCIs, contact an electrician to discuss GFCIs and arrange for installation. If all older homes had GFCIs, it is estimated that 70 percent of residential electrocutions would be prevented each year.
• Before digging in your yard or planting trees, call the service that marks the location of underground utilities in your area. This will help you make that sure you do not strike underground power lines or natural gas pipes. In Missouri, this service is called the Missouri One Call System, and it can be reached by calling 1-800-DIG-RITE (1-800-344-7483), or simply 811. In Illinois, the service is JULIE (Joint Utility Location Information for Excavators), also reached by dialing 811.
• For additional safety information, visit Ameren’s website, www.Ameren.com/safety, and the Safe Electricity Web site, www.safeelectricity.org.
Contacts: Missouri, Mike Cleary, 314-554-2182; Illinois, Leigh Morris, 1-217-535-5228
Adopt-the-Shoreline Honors Members at 2011 Shoreline Cleanup Kickoff Event Sheri Ewing Receives Outstanding Volunteer Award Mar 9, 2011
Sheri Ewing of Lake Ozark received the Adopt-the-Shoreline Outstanding Volunteer Award as the organization held its annual member recognition dinner, March 3, to kick off the 2011 Spring Shoreline Beautification Cleanup. More than 120 people attended the event, which was sponsored by Ameren Missouri and held at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, Mo. The cleanup, itself, begins March 19, and will continue through April 17.
Ewing was presented with the award in recognition of her 17-year commitment to the program. She was nominated by Zone 5 Coordinator Rick King for her organizational skills and never missing a spring cleanup. Her group of volunteers from the Ozark Coast Kiwanis Club has removed more than 20 tons of debris from the Grand Glaize Arm of the lake.
“Sheri’s commitment to the cleanup every year is what makes the program so great, and she is most deserving of special recognition for helping to make the lake a better place,” says Adopt-the-Shoreline Coordinator Bryan Vance.
In addition to the Outstanding Volunteer Award, the Adopt-the-Shoreline Service Award was presented to Jerry Hamman of Roach for his efforts in supporting Linda O’Hair’s Zone 9 group—the Clean Mean 40’s Machines. This award goes to members who have not adopted sections of shoreline themselves, but contribute significantly to the annual cleanup.
Further recognition was given to the four civic clubs and zone coordinators that are still with Adopt-the-Shoreline 17 years after its founding. They include the Ozark Coast Kiwanis Club, the Rocky Mount and Gravois Arm Lions Clubs, Ozark Community Elks Lodge #2705, and zone coordinators Bruce Thomson, Bruce Mitchell, Barry Campbell and Johnie Ray.
“We are very fortunate to still have these organizations and coordinators in the program, and we’re proud that their hard work has paid off in a cleaner lake today than when they started,” Vance says.
Special awards were also presented to Dan and Colleen Jarvis and Donn Nelson. The Jarvis’ received the ceremonial “last piece of white Styrofoam from the lake” for their efforts in starting and organizing Adopt-the-Shoreline, and laying the foundation for the success it is today. Nelson was honored for his annual commitment to the cleanup and for serving as master of ceremonies for the recognition dinner.
“Hundreds of volunteers work annually to protect the Lake of the Ozarks shoreline, and they all deserve to be recognized. “Our annual recognition dinner enables us to do that, as well as kick off the annual spring cleanup,” Vance adds.
Ameren Missouri sponsors Adopt-the-Shoreline, provides administrative support, and pays for the disposal of the trash and debris removed during cleanups, but the actual cleanup work is done entirely by volunteers.
Beginning in 1994 with nine civic clubs adopting 89 miles of shoreline, Adopt-the-Shoreline has grown to include more than 90 businesses, organizations and individual property owners, with more than 650 miles of shoreline adopted between Bagnell Dam and Truman Dam. Vance says the groups expect to provide more than 700 volunteers for this year’s spring cleanup, but additional help is always welcome.
Ewing was presented with the award in recognition of her 17-year commitment to the program. She was nominated by Zone 5 Coordinator Rick King for her organizational skills and never missing a spring cleanup. Her group of volunteers from the Ozark Coast Kiwanis Club has removed more than 20 tons of debris from the Grand Glaize Arm of the lake.
“Sheri’s commitment to the cleanup every year is what makes the program so great, and she is most deserving of special recognition for helping to make the lake a better place,” says Adopt-the-Shoreline Coordinator Bryan Vance.
In addition to the Outstanding Volunteer Award, the Adopt-the-Shoreline Service Award was presented to Jerry Hamman of Roach for his efforts in supporting Linda O’Hair’s Zone 9 group—the Clean Mean 40’s Machines. This award goes to members who have not adopted sections of shoreline themselves, but contribute significantly to the annual cleanup.
Further recognition was given to the four civic clubs and zone coordinators that are still with Adopt-the-Shoreline 17 years after its founding. They include the Ozark Coast Kiwanis Club, the Rocky Mount and Gravois Arm Lions Clubs, Ozark Community Elks Lodge #2705, and zone coordinators Bruce Thomson, Bruce Mitchell, Barry Campbell and Johnie Ray.
“We are very fortunate to still have these organizations and coordinators in the program, and we’re proud that their hard work has paid off in a cleaner lake today than when they started,” Vance says.
Special awards were also presented to Dan and Colleen Jarvis and Donn Nelson. The Jarvis’ received the ceremonial “last piece of white Styrofoam from the lake” for their efforts in starting and organizing Adopt-the-Shoreline, and laying the foundation for the success it is today. Nelson was honored for his annual commitment to the cleanup and for serving as master of ceremonies for the recognition dinner.
“Hundreds of volunteers work annually to protect the Lake of the Ozarks shoreline, and they all deserve to be recognized. “Our annual recognition dinner enables us to do that, as well as kick off the annual spring cleanup,” Vance adds.
Ameren Missouri sponsors Adopt-the-Shoreline, provides administrative support, and pays for the disposal of the trash and debris removed during cleanups, but the actual cleanup work is done entirely by volunteers.
Beginning in 1994 with nine civic clubs adopting 89 miles of shoreline, Adopt-the-Shoreline has grown to include more than 90 businesses, organizations and individual property owners, with more than 650 miles of shoreline adopted between Bagnell Dam and Truman Dam. Vance says the groups expect to provide more than 700 volunteers for this year’s spring cleanup, but additional help is always welcome.
Annual Shoreline Cleanup on the horizon — time to sign up
By Staff reports
lakenewsonline.com
Posted Jan 30, 2010 @ 06:15 AM
Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. —
It’s time to get singed up to be a part of the annual Shoreline Cleanup.
Workshops have been scheduled Feb. 17 and 18 for anyone interested in participating in the Adopt-the-Shoreline program and the 2010 Annual Shoreline Beautification Cleanup at Lake of the Ozarks.
The workshops will provide an opportunity for new and prospective Adopt-the-Shoreline members to learn about the program and how to conduct successful cleanups.
They will also help current members prepare for spring cleanup projects and provide a forum for sharing ideas with newcomers.
Four workshops have been scheduled to prepare volunteers for the 2010 spring cleanup, set for March 13 through April 18.
Workshop topics will include how to adopt sections of shoreline or assist other cleanup groups, required boating equipment and tools, volunteer recognition and safety procedures to insure a safe and fun cleanup.
Adopt-the-Shoreline is sponsored by AmerenUE, which provides administrative support, supplies trash bags, and pays for disposal, but the cleanups are performed entirely by volunteers.
Copyright 2010 Serving Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks region including Osage Beach, Camdenton, Lake Ozark, Eldon and Sunrise Beach. Some rights reserved
Workshops have been scheduled Feb. 17 and 18 for anyone interested in participating in the Adopt-the-Shoreline program and the 2010 Annual Shoreline Beautification Cleanup at Lake of the Ozarks.
The workshops will provide an opportunity for new and prospective Adopt-the-Shoreline members to learn about the program and how to conduct successful cleanups.
They will also help current members prepare for spring cleanup projects and provide a forum for sharing ideas with newcomers.
Four workshops have been scheduled to prepare volunteers for the 2010 spring cleanup, set for March 13 through April 18.
Workshop topics will include how to adopt sections of shoreline or assist other cleanup groups, required boating equipment and tools, volunteer recognition and safety procedures to insure a safe and fun cleanup.
Adopt-the-Shoreline is sponsored by AmerenUE, which provides administrative support, supplies trash bags, and pays for disposal, but the cleanups are performed entirely by volunteers.
Copyright 2010 Serving Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks region including Osage Beach, Camdenton, Lake Ozark, Eldon and Sunrise Beach. Some rights reserved
lakenewsonline.com-Posted Jan 01,2010
New Lake of the Ozarks dock 911 address law now in effect
Jefferson City, Mo. — NEW LAKE SAFETY LAW TAKES EFFECT JANUARY 1st - Requires Dock Owners to Post Address
On January 1, 2010, a new state law took effect that requires dock owners on Missouri lakes to post the closest emergency address for their dock. The goal is faster response times by emergency services to incidents on the water. Emergency address postings on docks will also aid in non-emergency calls for services for lost or disabled boaters.
The new law affects docks on Lake of the Ozarks and all Missouri lakes managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The law states that "the appropriate '911' address or in the absence of a '911' system, the physical address nearest to the dock by land," must be posted. It is suggested that the sign be posted so that it is visible when looking at the dock from the water. The Missouri State Water Patrol recommends a minimum of three inch letters be used when posting addresses on docks. For maximum visibility, the address should be in a color that contrasts with the backing. Reflective paint or material is preferred for the lettering.
If you are unsure of the closest emergency or 911 address for your dock, please contact your local emergency services office or sheriff's department. Many local sign shops are now printing dock signs that conform to the new law. Owners who wish to make their own signs can purchase reflective lettering at most hardware stores. The Water Patrol suggests that the posted address include the street number and street name and the zip code, or 911 address and zip code. For convenience, the dock permit number, which in most instances must already be displayed, can be posted alongside the emergency address.
Dock owners should also be aware of additional requirements for the posting of dock information from the agency that permits docks on their lake. Docks on Lake of the Ozarks are permitted by Ameren UE. More information and examples for posting requirements at Lake of the Ozarks can be found at the Ameren UE website: http://www.ameren.com/LakeOzarks/ADC_911Posting.asp .
Posting requirements for docks on lakes controlled by the United States Army Corps of Engineers are determined by the lake project office. For a listing of United States Army Corps of Engineers project offices see the following site: http://www.usace.army.mil/about/Pages/Locations.aspx .
The posting of emergency addresses on docks will enhance safety on Missouri's lakes. You can call the Missouri State Water Patrol with any questions regarding the new law at 573-751-3333. Copyright 2010 Serving Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks region including Osage Beach, Camdenton, Lake Ozark, Eldon and Sunrise Beach. Some rights reserved
On January 1, 2010, a new state law took effect that requires dock owners on Missouri lakes to post the closest emergency address for their dock. The goal is faster response times by emergency services to incidents on the water. Emergency address postings on docks will also aid in non-emergency calls for services for lost or disabled boaters.
The new law affects docks on Lake of the Ozarks and all Missouri lakes managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The law states that "the appropriate '911' address or in the absence of a '911' system, the physical address nearest to the dock by land," must be posted. It is suggested that the sign be posted so that it is visible when looking at the dock from the water. The Missouri State Water Patrol recommends a minimum of three inch letters be used when posting addresses on docks. For maximum visibility, the address should be in a color that contrasts with the backing. Reflective paint or material is preferred for the lettering.
If you are unsure of the closest emergency or 911 address for your dock, please contact your local emergency services office or sheriff's department. Many local sign shops are now printing dock signs that conform to the new law. Owners who wish to make their own signs can purchase reflective lettering at most hardware stores. The Water Patrol suggests that the posted address include the street number and street name and the zip code, or 911 address and zip code. For convenience, the dock permit number, which in most instances must already be displayed, can be posted alongside the emergency address.
Dock owners should also be aware of additional requirements for the posting of dock information from the agency that permits docks on their lake. Docks on Lake of the Ozarks are permitted by Ameren UE. More information and examples for posting requirements at Lake of the Ozarks can be found at the Ameren UE website: http://www.ameren.com/LakeOzarks/ADC_911Posting.asp .
Posting requirements for docks on lakes controlled by the United States Army Corps of Engineers are determined by the lake project office. For a listing of United States Army Corps of Engineers project offices see the following site: http://www.usace.army.mil/about/Pages/Locations.aspx .
The posting of emergency addresses on docks will enhance safety on Missouri's lakes. You can call the Missouri State Water Patrol with any questions regarding the new law at 573-751-3333. Copyright 2010 Serving Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks region including Osage Beach, Camdenton, Lake Ozark, Eldon and Sunrise Beach. Some rights reserved
Lake's Water Safety Council promotes designated captains
Lake Sun Leader-Posted Jun 06,2009
Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. — Esther Cho
esther.cho@lakesunonline.com
In an effort to promote water safety at the lake, the Water Safety Council will continue their campaign to encourage boaters to designate a captain.
The organization is bringing waterfront businesses on board by asking them to provide non-alcoholic beverages to designated boat drivers who present floating keychains.
“The message that you have on land is to buckle up and designate a driver, we’re taking the same message to the water,” said Trish Creach, executive director of the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.
Currently about 30 waterfront businesses are participating, but the hope is to have more.
Any waterfront businesses that provide non-alcoholic beverages is eligible to participate; this includes marinas and restaurants.
Key chains can be found at various boating events and the Missouri Water Patrol is also handing them out to designated captains.
“There are so many people coming to vacation and have fun at the lake, it’s very important that fun includes responsible individuals,” Creach said. “This is a step toward taking responsibility toward safe boating so we can have a lake that is safe and fun for those who enjoy it and live here.”
Creach said the water safety program is being taken to a number of places, which is helping to raise more awareness.
“It’s a collective effort to truly promote water safety at the Lake of the Ozarks,” Creach said.
How businesses can participate
Contact the Convention and Visitor Bureau at 348-1599 or the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce at 964-1008
To get involved
The Water Safety Council meets every Tuesday of every month, 10 a.m. at the Quails Nest in Osage Beach.
About
Formed in 2006 to focus on safety issues at the lake. Aside from the designate a captain program, the Water Safety Council is also involved in programs to educate people on the use of jackets when on the water.
esther.cho@lakesunonline.com
In an effort to promote water safety at the lake, the Water Safety Council will continue their campaign to encourage boaters to designate a captain.
The organization is bringing waterfront businesses on board by asking them to provide non-alcoholic beverages to designated boat drivers who present floating keychains.
“The message that you have on land is to buckle up and designate a driver, we’re taking the same message to the water,” said Trish Creach, executive director of the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.
Currently about 30 waterfront businesses are participating, but the hope is to have more.
Any waterfront businesses that provide non-alcoholic beverages is eligible to participate; this includes marinas and restaurants.
Key chains can be found at various boating events and the Missouri Water Patrol is also handing them out to designated captains.
“There are so many people coming to vacation and have fun at the lake, it’s very important that fun includes responsible individuals,” Creach said. “This is a step toward taking responsibility toward safe boating so we can have a lake that is safe and fun for those who enjoy it and live here.”
Creach said the water safety program is being taken to a number of places, which is helping to raise more awareness.
“It’s a collective effort to truly promote water safety at the Lake of the Ozarks,” Creach said.
How businesses can participate
Contact the Convention and Visitor Bureau at 348-1599 or the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce at 964-1008
To get involved
The Water Safety Council meets every Tuesday of every month, 10 a.m. at the Quails Nest in Osage Beach.
About
Formed in 2006 to focus on safety issues at the lake. Aside from the designate a captain program, the Water Safety Council is also involved in programs to educate people on the use of jackets when on the water.
