Ameren crews and support personnel have begun work in New Jersey assisting Public Service Electric and Gas Company crews, making employee and public safety the highest priority.
Company officials have told the 550 individuals representing Ameren and contractors that full restoration could take seven or more days. According to the Department of Energy Web site (energy.gov) as of 9 a.m. Thursday, 51 percent of New Jersey electric customers are without power.
Ameren crews working in Somerset and Lawrenceville, N.J., are facing several issues including roadways being covered by downed trees and power lines.
Ameren's support of Sandy by the numbers: 245 are linemen; 65 are safety, supervisory, fleet and logistics personnel; 240 Ameren contractors released to respond; 97 bucket trucks; 98 material, derrick digger trucks used to dig and set poles and E-Z haul trailers.
How you can help
Mike Flanagan, communications manager of the Heart of Missouri Chapter, said the Red Cross is taking donations to help with relief.
There are four ways to make a donation:
Heart of Missouri Red Cross office, 431 E. McCarty St.
Online at www.redcross.org
Call 1-800-RED-CROSS
Text "Red Cross" to 90999 and a $10 donation will show up on your phone bill
The Heart of Missouri is also collecting blood to send to the east coast. You can make a donation at its Jefferson City Blood Donation Center, 3230 Emerald Lane. Call 635-9882 for more information or to set up an appointment.