Utility warns property owners to be careful when cleaning up outside

Alliant Energy encourages people to be aware of power lines and utility infrastructure when cleaning up, beautifying their property or doing other outdoor work this fall.

Property owners and contractors need to be aware of utilities, especially while tree trimming or digging.

Any time a storm or strong wind comes through, people often head outside to clean up.

It offers the following advice:

--Don’t try to remove tree limbs stuck in or touching power lines. Call Alliant Energy for help.

--Call a professional to trim trees near power lines

--Keep ladders, poles and cranes at least 10 feet away from electrical lines.

--Don’t climb trees near power lines.

--Keep children and pets away from utility equipment, which includes meters and transformers.

--Don’t approach downed power lines.

--Always assume downed lines are energized and dangerous, even if they aren’t jumping or sparking. Call Alliant Energy to report the downed line.

--Before digging, call 811 to find out if there are any utilities underground. This is required by law, and is a free service.

To report an emergency, including an outage or downed lines, call 800-255-4268.

For more info, visit alliantenergy.com/safety.