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AmerenUE Urges Residents to Exercise Caution During Floods: <br /> <br />The threat of flooding in Missouri means that residents must be aware of the electrical <br />hazards that can occur during floods. When water is exposed to energized electrical <br />wiring, appliances and other devices, it creates a threat of serious injury and <br />electrocution. AmerenUE offers these key electric safety tips: <br /> <br />? <br /> Never enter a flooded basement or other flooded area where water may be in <br />contact with electrical wiring, appliances and other devices. <br />? <br /> Under no circumstances should you attempt to turn off power at the main <br />electrical panel box if you must stand in water or even on a wet floor to do so. <br />? <br /> Never operate electrical appliances or devices or touch electrical switches, <br />outlets or cords if you are standing in water or are on a wet surface, or if you are wet. <br />? <br /> Keep all electric-powered tools and equipment at least 10 feet away from <br />water and wet surfaces. Do not use electric tools and equipment outdoors if the <br />ground is wet. <br />? <br /> With water rising rapidly in low-lying areas, people are boating to their homes <br />and sometimes standing in boats. Be wary of overhead power lines. Avoid standing in <br />boats or traveling at night when lines would be difficult to see. <br /> <br />In the event of flooding, AmerenUE will turn off electrical power to a home or business <br />at the request of a customer. Customers should contact AmerenUE to have the power <br />turned off when floodwaters are likely to reach the main electrical panel box. The <br />company also will turn power off at the request of local authorities. After the Flood: <br /> <br />? <br /> If an electrical appliance has been in contact with water, have a professional <br />electrician or appliance repairperson check it first. Often, appliances must be repaired <br />or replaced. <br />? <br /> If you have any doubts about the safety of your home or business’ electrical <br />system, have it inspected by a professional electrician. <br /> <br />Additional safety information is available on the Ameren web site (www.ameren.com). <br />Use Tax Initiative <br />: <br />In addition, the County Council, at the Municipal League's request, has placed <br />Proposition H (for Help) <br /> on the November ballot. This would apply the County-wide <br />sales tax to items purchased out of state, most of which is done by businesses. This <br />approach avoids a sales tax or property tax increase. About 10% of sales come from <br />other states and currently avoid collection of the county sales tax so we hope to close <br />emergency radio <br />this loophole. The main purpose is to fund an interoperable <br />communications system for all police, fire and ambulance first responders in the <br />county. The newsletter contains a detailed explanation of the use tax, which is the <br />name of a sales tax on out of state purchases. <br />The League Board believes that an educational campaign will be needed to inform <br />voters about the importance of the new radio system. The League sent the attached <br />letter outlining the tax and how our member municipalities can contribute to this <br /> <br />