MADISON, Wis. and CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – October 27, 2021 – Alliant Energy encourages customers to follow safety practices when they turn on their furnaces and as they hurry to finish yardwork with the approach of winter.
“Safety is a top concern here at Alliant Energy,” said Richard Sublett, Alliant Energy Senior Manager of Compliance and Operational Performance. “As the temperatures drop and customers use their furnaces, there are some precautions they can take to keep their families and communities safe.”
Natural gas is commonly used to heat homes, warm water, cook food and perform other household tasks. Although gas leaks are rare, know what to look for and how to react.
Natural gas leaks can occur as households turn on their furnaces for the season. One telltale sign of a natural gas leak is a rotten egg odor. A hiss or whistle near gas appliances can also be a sign. For individuals unable to use their sense of smell due to COVID-19, natural gas leaks pose a more significant threat this year. Install natural gas detectors for greater security and replace batteries regularly.
Carbon monoxide can be released when a furnace or gas appliance malfunctions. Like natural gas detectors, carbon monoxide detectors can help identify this threat. Carbon monoxide is a deadly, odorless gas that causes dizziness, shortness of breath, headaches, confusion, nausea or fainting.
If you experience these symptoms, leave the premises immediately. From a safe location, call Alliant Energy at 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268). If natural gas blows from any pipe in or outside your home, or you need medical attention for carbon monoxide poisoning, call 911.
For more information about gas safety, please visit www.alliantenergy.com/gas.
Many customers are also busy finishing yardwork this time of year. Here are a few precautions to stay safe:
- Always call 811 to have a professional mark buried lines in your yard if you intend to dig.
- If trimming or cutting down trees, keep yourself, ladders and tools at least 10 feet away from power lines. Call 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268), and we will provide guidance on options to safely complete the work. If a tree leans against a power line or you come across a downed line, stay away from the area and call Alliant Energy.
- Keep natural gas meters and appliance exhaust vents clear of snow, ice and debris. A blocked vent can cause carbon monoxide accumulation or equipment malfunction.
Finally, as news reports continue to warn of rising natural gas costs, Alliant Energy encourages customers to take steps to reduce use. For example, turn down the thermostat a few degrees and dress in layers; open the shades to let in sunlight; and seal windows and doors. To find more ideas, visit www.alliantenergy.com/customerservice/myaccount/makingsenseofheatingcosts.
Alliant Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: LNT) provides regulated energy service to 975,000 electric and 420,000 natural gas customers across Iowa and Wisconsin. Alliant Energy's mission is to deliver the energy solutions and exceptional service customers and communities count on – safely, efficiently and responsibly. Interstate Power and Light Company and Wisconsin Power and Light Company are Alliant Energy's two public energy companies. Alliant Energy is a component of the Nasdaq CRD Sustainability Index, Bloomberg’s 2020 Gender-Equality Index, and the S&P 500.
Alliant Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: LNT) provides regulated energy service to 1 million electric and 425,000 natural gas customers across Iowa and Wisconsin. Alliant Energy's mission is to deliver energy solutions and exceptional service customers and communities count on – safely, efficiently and responsibly. Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL) and Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WPL) are Alliant Energy's two public energy companies. Alliant Energy is a component of Bloomberg’s Gender-Equality Index and the S&P 500. For more information, visit alliantenergy.com and follow Alliant Energy on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X.