What to Do If the Power Goes Out in St. Louis After a Tornado

If the power goes out in St. Louis after a tornado, immediately make sure everyone is safe, check for damage and hazards, and then follow the steps below to stay secure, comfortable, and informed until power is restored.

 

Immediate Safety Actions

 

Start by making sure you and everyone around you are safe.

• Move away from broken windows, downed power lines, and fallen debris.
• Use a flashlight—never a candle—to avoid fire hazards.
• If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, evacuate the building and call 911.
• Avoid flooded areas, because water may be in contact with live electrical wires.

 

Check for Structural and Electrical Hazards

 

A tornado can damage walls, roofs, and wiring.

• Look for cracks in walls, sagging ceilings, or exposed nails.
• Inspect your circuit breaker panel: if you see burn marks or smell burning, do not touch it—call a professional.
• Keep doors closed to prevent drafts and further damage.

 

Report the Outage and Assess Its Scope

 

Knowing who to call and what’s happening helps get power back sooner.

• Report the outage to your local electric company by phone or their online portal. If you’re in St. Louis, use Ameren Missouri’s emergency number.
• Ask neighbors if they have power. This helps you know if it’s a block-wide problem or just your home.
• Follow outage maps and updates from the utility on a battery-powered radio or mobile phone if you have signal.

 

Gather Essential Supplies and Conserve Resources

 

Staying stocked and using little power extends your comfort.

• Keep flashlights, extra batteries, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio in a central spot.
• Use your refrigerator and freezer sparingly: open doors only when necessary to keep food cold longer.
• Have bottled water and nonperishable foods—canned goods, protein bars, dried fruit—ready to eat.
• Charge mobile phones and power banks whenever temporary power is available; switch to airplane mode to save battery.

 

Stay Informed About Weather and Restoration Status

 

Knowing what’s coming and how repairs are progressing reduces stress.

• Listen to NOAA weather radio or local stations for updates on storms or tornado warnings.
• Follow utility social media accounts for real‐time restoration schedules.
• Sign up for emergency alerts from your city or county; these can arrive via SMS even if phone calls won’t go through.

 

Use Backup Power Safely

 

If you have a generator or alternate power source, use it carefully.

• Place generators outdoors, at least 20 feet from doors and windows, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Never plug a generator directly into a home outlet; use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords to power appliances.
• Turn off the generator before refueling, and let it cool down first.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly; if unsure, call a qualified technician—many are available in Nashville and St. Louis to help.

 

Coordinate with Family, Neighbors, and Professionals

 

Working together speeds recovery and ensures everyone’s safe.

• Designate a meeting spot if someone gets separated.
• Check on elderly neighbors or those with special needs who may need extra help.
• When you see utility crews or repair teams, give them clear access—park vehicles away from power poles and roads.
• If you need repairs to wiring, roofs, or structural parts of your home, contact licensed experts immediately; local specialists like Hoffman Brothers can handle residential and commercial jobs in both St. Louis and Nashville.

 

Plan for the Next Few Days

 

Tornado damage and outages can last several days.

• Create a schedule to rotate who uses flashlights, who cooks on portable stoves, and who checks updates—this prevents overlap and confusion.
• Store all important documents—insurance, IDs, medical records—in a waterproof bag or container.
• Keep fuel for vehicles and generators topped off, but store it safely away from the house in an approved container.
• Practice patience—utilities prioritize hospitals and emergency services first, then critical public infrastructure before neighborhoods.

 

By following these steps—ensuring safety, reporting outages, conserving resources, staying informed, using backup power correctly, and working with neighbors and professionals—you’ll navigate a post-tornado power outage in St. Louis with confidence and minimal stress.