For Release: 10/16/2012

"Safety First" during Fall Yard Clean-up says Wisconsin Public Service

Green Bay, WI - Homeowners are busy doing annual fall yard work and preparing for winter. Wisconsin Public Service reminds everyone to keep "Safety First" when working around the yard. There are potentially dangerous situations associated with annual fall yard clean-up 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. If you have trees near or around the service line on your property, hiring a certified professional tree trimmer is a wise choice for tree trimming.

Wisconsin Public Service 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. There are two basic safety measures to keep in mind:

Look Down - Before you dig, find out exactly where buried utility lines are. Contact Diggers Hotline at 800-242-8511 in Wisconsin or 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 Wisconsin Public Service website www.wisconsinpublicservice.com or call Customer Service at 800-450-7260.

For More Information, Contact:

  • Lynn Kroll
    920-617-5160
    Green Bay Area, Door, Kewaunee, Manitowoc Counties
     
  • Jenny Short
    906-863-4376
    Crivitz, Menomonee, Wabeno, Wausaukee
     
  • Leah Van Zile
    715-369-7179
    Crandon, Eagle River, Minocqua, Rhinelander, Tomahawk
     
  • Kelly Zagrzebski
    715-848-7342
    Antigo, Merrill, Stevens Point, Wausau
     
  • Bob Hernke
    920-236-5945
    Brillion, Chilton, Oshkosh, Sheboygan, Waupaca
     
  • Media Hotline
    800-977-2250