For Release: Jan. 31, 2012

Contact: Kyla Kruse, 217-546-6815

(SPRINGFIELD, Ill.) — If the unusually warm winter weather is sparking thoughts of tackling projects outside, you are not alone.  Many of us are motivated to work on chores needing done in the yard or on the exterior of our homes. However, just because we are getting a break from cold weather does not mean we can take a break from safety. When the weather allows us to work outside, we need to remember to keep safety first—no matter how eager we are to complete a job.

“Look up and around you for overhead power lines. Take the time to become aware of your surroundings,” recommends Molly Hall, executive director of the Safe Electricity program. “It is a critical step to keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.”

Safe Electricity encourages everyone to follow these guidelines when working outdoors this year:

• Always be aware of the location of power lines, particularly when using long tools like ladders and pruning poles. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that, between 2000 and 2003, 17 people died each year from electrocution when a ladder came into contact with an electrical wire around the home. Be sure to lower your long equipment when you are moving it. Carry ladders and other long items horizontally whenever possible.


• Be careful when working on or around your roof—installing rooftop antennas and satellite dishes, installing or cleaning gutters, or doing repair work. Never go up on the roof in windy or bad weather.


• Be especially careful when working near electric lines attached to your house. Keep equipment and yourself at least 10 feet from lines.


• Never trim trees near power lines—leave that to the professionals. Never use water or blower extensions to clean gutters near electric lines. Contact a professional maintenance contractor.


• Never climb trees near power lines. Even if the power lines are not touching the tree, they could come in contact when more weight  is added to the branch.

For more information on winter outages, generator safety, and more, visit SafeElectricity.org.

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The Energy Education Council is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting electrical safety and energy efficiency. Established in 1952, the Council is headquartered within the University of Illinois Extension, and serves as a forum for diverse utility and energy organizations to collaborate on the mutually vital issues of efficiency and safety. Learn more at www.EnergyEdCouncil.org.