MARION, Ill. (WSIL) -- Workers with Ameren Illinois and Missouri are heading down to storm-ravaged Louisiana to assist in cleanup efforts in the wake of Hurricane Ida.
More than 300 personnel will stay in Memphis, Tennessee Wednesday night before making the final leg to Baton Rouge, Lousiana on Thursday. Those crews will assist other agencies with cleanup efforts for two weeks before another group rotates and replaces the current crew.
Leaders stressed workers to work safe and use good judgement after two lineman in Alabama died when they were electrocuted by power lines during cleanup.
Ameren has assisted in cleanup efforts numerous times following major storms. Ameren assisted with efforts in Puerto Rico after Hurricanes Irma and Maria hit in 2017. Crews also provided support during Hurricane Andrew in 2012 and, coincidentialy, Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Craig Gilson, Ameren's senior director of regional operations, says this is another chance to help people struggling after the storm.
"We understand the implication of not having power and our coworkers take a lot of pride in doing the work," Gilson said. "A lot of our co-workers have friends and families in the areas so they're not only helping their friends and families they're helping other people's friends and families."
Ameren says they have about 500 personnel on standby ready to rotate and assist with cleanup efforts. Officials estimate the mission to last about two months or until cleanup ends.
