By Kevin Lavery, KWMU
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kwmu/local-kwmu-522026.mp3
St. Louis, MO – The troops are working with the St. Louis Fire Department in performing house to house visits.
They're distributing water and battery operated fans, and checking on those with medical problems.
The guard's Major General King Sidwell says the units were quick to respond to the governor's call.
"We were able to get here within eight hours," Sidwell said. "And these units also have already once deployed to Iraq and were units that participated in the Katrina-Rita deployment. So they've had experience in the very issues that present themselves today for the city of St. Louis.
Meanwhile, Ameren UE reports about 518,700 customers in the metro area are still without power.
The transit agency Metro is reporting erratic power on its light rail line in Illinois.
On average, Metrolink trains are running at 15 to 20 minute intervals.
As an alternative, Metro is providing bus service to all Metrolink stations between 5th & Missouri and Fairview Heights, IL.