For Release: 10/04/2012

"Safety First" During Fall Yard Clean-up and Hunting says UPPCO

Ishpeming, MI - Homeowners are busy doing annual fall yard work and preparing for winter. Upper Peninsula Power Company, UPPCO, reminds everyone to keep "Safety First" when working around the yard. There are potentially dangerous situations associated with annual fall yard clean-up and hunting activities.

Ladders, tree branches and power lines do not mix. Whether cleaning gutters, painting, adding storm windows or making roof repairs, it is best to stay at least ten feet from any power line while working around the home.

Placing ladders against 'round' power poles or tree trunks will result in an unsafe and unstable condition for anyone attempting to climb. Through normal growth, tree branches can inadvertently become intertwined with overhead power lines. This growth is not always clearly visible. If you have trees near or around power lines, hiring a certified professional tree trimmer may be a wise choice for tree trimming.

Archery hunting season is open and rifle season is right around the corner. Some hunting camps do not get used until this time of year and those returning to their camps may find tree branches that may have broken off and fallen onto power lines through the course of the year. This can create a potentially dangerous situation. Call UPPCO's Emergency Service line at 800-562-7809 to report the situation and location.

UPPCO has an established tree-trimming program for larger electrical feeder lines with regular trimming every three years in residential areas and every four to five years in rural areas.

Fall is also a good time to plant trees and there are two basic safety measures to keep in mind:

Look Down - Before you dig, find out exactly for free where buried utility lines are. Contact the Miss Dig Hotline at 800-482-7171 in Michigan. Or just call the national three-digit number — 811. Allow three working days for a locator to check for buried utility pipes, wires or any other underground services.

Look Up - Check above to ensure you do not plant a high growth tree beneath an overhead power line. Proper planning before planting can help prevent the tree from growing into power lines in the future.

If there are any safety concerns, access the UPPCO website at www.uppco.com or call Customer Service at 800-562-7680.

For More Information, Contact:

  • Jodi Pineau
    Customer Operations Supervisor
    906-485-2403
     
  • Media Hotline
    800-977-2250