4 outdoor spring cleaning safety tips

Climb with caution. Aluminum ladders are exceptionally good conductors of electricity, so check above you for power lines. 

• Never climb utility poles, towers or substation fences.
• If you have lost something over a substation fence, contact the electric company to retrieve it for you. 
• Look for power lines before climbing trees. Check first before you climb a tree to make sure there are no power lines there. If the tree has wires going through it, choose another tree. Even if wires aren't touching the tree, they could touch after your weight is added to the branch.

Call 811 before you dig. Before planting trees or shrubs, know what's below so you can avoid buried utility lines.

• Click the link to get more information and watch a video. When you call 811, the operator will be able to answer your questions.

Stay on dry land. Electricity and water don't mix.

• So keep electrical appliances and toys away from water, including rain, wet ground, swimming pools, sprinklers and hoses. 
• Don't use power tools while the ground is wet or while standing in water. 

Avoid lightning. When there is lightning, stop working outdoors and get inside a building or car if possible. Even if the storm is in the distance, lightning can strike 5 or 10 miles from the storm. 

• Keep away from windows and open doors.