CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — As freezing rain and cold temperatures approach this weekend, Alliant Energy is taking proactive steps to ensure reliable service and minimize potential challenges posed by the weather.
“Our top priority is providing safe and reliable energy to the customers and communities we serve,” the company said in a statement. “Guided by our purpose-driven strategy, we continuously prepare for any event that could impact the energy services we provide.”
Alliant Energy is currently inspecting and maintaining its equipment to prevent disruptions. Customers can monitor and report outages at AlliantEnergy.com/outage or by calling 1-800-ALLIANT (1-800-255-4268).
They urge everyone to exercise caution around downed power lines, which may still be energized, and to avoid clearing snow or ice from power lines. They also asks customers to give crews space to safely assess damage and restore services.
The company shared these additional safety tips:
Use a sturdy fireplace screen when operating wood-burning stoves or fireplaces.Check furnace and water heater vents to ensure they are clear of snow or condensation, which could cause equipment malfunctions or carbon monoxide (CO) buildup.Inspect gas meter vents to make sure they aren’t blocked by snow.Keep heating equipment in good working order, and avoid warming up vehicles in garages to prevent CO exposure.Test CO detectors to ensure they are functioning. CO is a deadly, odorless gas that can only be detected with a working detector.Never use portable generators indoors or in closed garages.Avoid using cooking stoves or grills, whether gas or charcoal, for heating inside homes.