Storms are in the forecast which means residents need to be ready if those dark storm clouds head their way. Ameren Illinois is working year round to make sure their grid is ready for possible severe weather.

George Justice is the Vice President of Electric Operations for Ameren Illinois. He says their long-term plan to upgrade the power grid is making their system more reliable through all types of weather.

Justice says although they do everything they can to prevent power outages, Ameren does encourage residents to have an emergency kit ready if power was to go out. Things like flashlights, batteries, and other necessary materials should be kept in the kit in case there were to be an extended power outage.