Alliant Energy Urges Gas Safety as Winter Approaches
With the arrival of cooler weather, Alliant Energy is calling on its customers to prioritize natural gas safety as they prepare for winter. Richard Sublett, director of operational compliance and work order management for Alliant Energy, emphasized that safety is their number one priority during this season. As customers start to turn on their furnaces, there are several precautions they can take to ensure the safety of their families and communities.
– Natural Gas Detectors: Alliant Energy recommends using natural gas detectors to identify any potential threats, especially for individuals who have a known loss of smell. Certain soil conditions can strip the rotten egg odorant out of natural gas, while strong smells like cooking aromas can mask the odorant. Prolonged exposure can also make the odorant undetectable. If a natural gas detector goes off or any signs of a gas leak are noticed, it is crucial to move quickly to a safe location and call Alliant Energy at 1-800-255-4268.
– Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Malfunctioning furnaces or gas appliances can pose a significant risk of carbon monoxide leakage. Carbon monoxide is a deadly, odorless gas that can cause dizziness, shortness of breath, headaches, confusion, nausea, and even fainting. It is essential to have carbon monoxide detectors installed to identify this potential threat. In case of a gas leak or experiencing symptoms associated with carbon monoxide exposure, it is crucial to leave the premises immediately and call 911 from a safe location.
– Regular Maintenance and Battery Replacement: Alliant Energy urges customers to install natural gas and carbon monoxide detectors for enhanced security. Regular battery replacement and routine checks to ensure all detectors are functioning properly are also essential to maintain safety standards.
– Snow and Ice Maintenance: During winter, snow and ice can potentially damage gas meters and pipes. It is recommended to use a broom to keep gas service equipment clear. In the event of a major snow or ice storm, vents for gas appliances must be cleared to enable proper venting and prevent the accumulation of carbon monoxide.
– Gas Pipeline Safety: In addition to increased potential gas and carbon monoxide risks during colder weather, homeowners rushing to complete yardwork pose a greater risk of damaging gas pipelines. Digging incidents are one of the most common causes of underground natural gas leaks. To dig safely, individuals planning to dig, including for constructing a fire pit, must call 811 at least three days in advance. This initiates a free process where utility companies locate and mark underground lines to ensure safe digging. Even minor damage to a gas pipeline, such as nicks, scratches, cuts, scrapes, dents, or gouges, can lead to future pipeline failure or major incidents if not assessed properly. If any digging equipment or tools come into contact with underground pipelines, it is crucial to call Alliant Energy at 1-800-ALLIANT.
Alliant Energy, committed to delivering energy solutions and exceptional service, recommends taking these safety measures seriously to protect customers and communities. For more information about gas safety, visit alliantenergy.com/gas. Alliant Energy Corporation serves regulated energy to over 985,000 electric and 425,000 natural gas customers across Iowa and Wisconsin. The company aims to provide energy solutions safely, efficiently, and responsibly, reinforcing its mission of being a reliable utility provider. Interstate Power and Light Company and Wisconsin Power and Light Company are the two public energy companies under Alliant Energy. Alliant Energy is part of the Nasdaq CRD Sustainability Index, Bloomberg’s 2022 Gender-Equality Index, and the S&P 500.
