Media Contact: Steve Schultz (608) 458-3285
Plan ahead for dangerous Midwestern storms
MADISON, WI – April 9, 2009 – Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WPL), an Alliant Energy company, reminds customers that April and May can bring dangerous spring storms. Spring storms in the Midwest often bring lightning and high winds that can disrupt electrical service and flooding that can disrupt gas service. WPL is reminding customers to keep safety in mind during any storm or power outage.
You can minimize the inconvenience and keep your family comfortable by understanding basic electrical and gas safety and being prepared. Planning ahead can make all the difference when the sky is dark and the wind is howling.
Alliant Energy offers these tips for spring storm safety:
* Do keep an emergency safety kit in a handy location. A kit should include a battery-operated flashlight, radio, clock and extra batteries; a first-aid kit and manual; a small fire extinguisher; a few pillows and blankets; and a stash of “rainy-day” books and games to keep kids busy.
* Do keep a corded telephone or a cell phone on hand; most cordless phones won’t work during a power outage.
* Do unplug all electrical devices and turn off the air conditioner. Once power is restored, turn on the appliances one by one.
* Don’t use a charcoal or gas grill indoors, and avoid using candles.
* Don’t enter a basement that has standing water unless you’re certain the power has been shut off. Call Alliant Energy to have your natural gas turned off. Standing water can snuff out pilot lights on hot water heaters and furnaces. If this occurs, natural gas may collect in your home, creating the risk of an explosion.
* Don’t go near or drive over downed power lines. If you see a downed line or damaged utility equipment, give Alliant Energy a call.
* Don’t attempt to remove tree limbs stuck in or touching power lines.
* Don’t open the refrigerator or freezer door unless absolutely necessary ¾ up to 30 percent of the cooled air can escape each time the door is opened.
You can find more storm safety information online at http://www.powerhousetv.com/stormsafety.
Alliant Energy is an energy-services provider with subsidiaries serving approximately 1 million electric and over 400,000 natural gas customers. Providing its customers in the Midwest with regulated electric and natural gas service is the company’s primary focus. Wisconsin Power and Light, the company’s Wisconsin utility subsidiary, serves 453,000 electric and 175,000 natural gas customers. Alliant Energy, headquartered in Madison, Wis., is a Fortune 1000 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LNT. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at http://www.alliantenergy.com.
