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COLLINSVILLE, Ill. -- Power crews in Illinois are continuing to restore power to customers after storms left many in the dark.

Ameren Illinois is one of many power crews out restoring electricity to people after severe storms swept through the area on Sunday evening.

Ameren Illinois said they activated their Incident Management Team at 9:30 p.m. on May 26 to help coordinate response efforts.

As of 10 a.m. on Monday, the outage was down to 7,900 Ameren Illinois customers. This outage number will continue to decrease throughout the day and on Tuesday.

Damage was widespread, affecting sub transmission poleis, distribution polies and wires, Ameren Illinois stated. Most repairs are reported to take additional time.

Most customers should have power restored by late Tuesday, May 28, Ameren Illinois said. The customers with prolonged outages will be contacted directly with information about when to expect their power to be back on.

To provide customers with the latest outage information, Ameren Illinois must have a customer’s correct phone number and email address. Customers are encouraged to log in to their Ameren Illinois account to ensure their contact information is correct. To sign up for alerts, text REG to AMEREN (263736) or visit .   

Customer safety tips  

• Residents are reminded to stay away from downed power lines because these lines may still be energized. 
• Call Ameren Illinois at 1.800.755.5000 as soon as possible to report a downed line or an outage. 
• Stay away from brush, shrubs and fallen trees that may be hiding these lines. 
• Sign up for outage alerts at . Ameren will text or e-mail restoration updates after you report an outage. Customers will receive notification on the restoration status of individual outages. Those who are signed up for alerts will receive alert updates through their preferred channels. All others will receive a phone call. 
• If you are experiencing an outage be sure to unplug or protect sensitive computer and electronic equipment with a high-quality surge protector.  

Ameren Illinois Generator Safety Tips 

• Call Ameren Illinois (1.800.755.5000) if you plan to install back-up generation. 
• Carefully read and follow the instructions for proper connection and use of a permanent or portable standby generator. You are required by law to ensure that no electricity from your standby power generator backfeeds into Ameren Illinoisâ€� power lines during an outage. 
• Proper installation of a generator is critical. Improper use cannot only damage your equipment or electrical system, but also potentially result in injury or death to those who use them and to utility workers. 
• Do not directly connect a portable generator with your electrical system. A direct connection could result in voltage on utility lines and presents a significant safety concern for utility workers and generator owners. Contact a qualified professional for connections of this type. 
• Ensure that the total electric load on your generator will not exceed the manufacturer's rating. 
• Never use a portable generator indoors. Place a portable generator outdoors in a dry area far away from doors, windows and vents. 
• Exercise extreme caution when handling fuel for portable generators. Do not attempt to refuel your generator while it is running. Let the generator cool down before adding fuel.