Playing It Safe: Electrical Safety

Electrical accidents often occur when you're tired or distracted, so always be on the lookout for opportunities to eliminate safety hazards.

The right way:

• DO have GFCI outlets and waterproof covers on all outdoor outlets.

• DO look out for overhead power lines every time you use a ladder or pole. Stay at least 10 feet away from any electrical lines.

• DO call a professional for help trimming trees near power lines.

• DO keep electrical devices and cords away from water.

• DO keep children and pets away from padmount transformers. If the door is open or the lock is broken, call your electric company right away.

• DO teach kids to stay far away from substations, and explain what the warning signs mean.

The wrong way:

• DON'T assume the black coating on wires is insulation - it could be just plastic weatherproofing that provides no protection from contact injuries.

• DON'T let kids climb trees or fly kites near power lines.

• DON'T disguise transformers or meters with paint or bushes - a utility worker might need to work safely around it or find it quickly in an emergency.

• DON'T hang signs on utility poles. Nail, staples or tacks can pose a big danger to workers who must climb the poles.

• DON'T tamper with an electric meter (it's dangerous and illegal), and keep it free of ice and snow during the winter.

Did you know?

Disguising transformers
with landscaping
can hamper
emergency response
during storms
and power outages.

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Are you an Alliant Energy customer?

If you’re an Alliant Energy electric customer, be sure to keep emergency contact information handy to report electrical emergencies like downed power lines.

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Brochures & fact sheets:

PowerHouse: Electrical Safety
By Alliant Energy [PDF format]

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Learn more:

PowerHouse Kids: Playing It Safe
If you’re a parent or teacher, you’ll find educational and entertaining games, puzzles and activities for younger students, and information-packed articles for older kids.

Electrical Safety Foundation International
Safety for homes, schools and businesses.