April is National Safe Digging Month, and Idaho Power offers several reminders to stay safe when planning yardwork this spring:

• Before you dig, call 811 to locate any underground utility lines buried in your yard. This service is free and can prevent safety hazards, potential power outages and costly repairs. Call at least two business days ahead of your planned digging.
• If you plant trees, be aware of overhead power lines. When tree branches touch power lines, they can cause outages and create safety concerns. Plan for tree growth, and plant the right tree in a safe location.
• Adjust sprinklers to avoid spraying overhead lines.
• Talk with kids about how to stay safe around electrical equipment, including flying kites away from power lines and never climbing on the green boxes (transformers) often found in neighborhoods.
• Assume all power lines are energized and dangerous, and keep ladders and other objects a safe distance from power lines — at least 10 feet.
• Stay clear of downed power lines and call 911 and Idaho Power immediately at 1-800-488-6151.

For more information about staying safe near power lines, visit idahopower.com/safety.

Maria Willacy
Communications Specialist
mwillacy@idahopower.com
208-388-5978