In fact, about 69 million Americans rely on natural gas to heat their homes and cook meals for their families. Not only is it a clean, efficient and convenient energy source, the pipelines used to transport natural gas have exceptional safety records. However, like electricity, it can be dangerous and must be respected.

Our commitment to your safety

Alliant Energy works closely with government and industry groups to ensure our pipelines stay safe and secure.

Here are a few of the things we do to keep communities safe:

Provide training and educational materials to contractors and related businesses on safe digging practices;
Regularly inspect our natural gas system;
Ensure our workforce is trained and qualified;
Design pipelines to ensure the safe delivery of natural gas;
Mark and map pipeline facilities;
Invest in new technologies and pipeline integrity programs;
Work with local emergency responders to help prevent and prepare for emergencies; and
Educate the public on how to prevent, recognize and respond to natural gas leaks.

Know what's below

Knowing where underground utility lines are buried before you begin a digging project on your property is the best way to avoid being injured and disrupting utility service to your neighborhood. The depth of utility lines varies and there may be multiple utility lines in the same area. Damage from digging is the most common cause of underground gas leaks. If you're planning to do any outdoor work, such as landscaping, installing a fence or building a deck, state law requires you to call before you dig.

Calling before you dig is even easier than before - just dial 811

One easy phone call to 811 instantly begins the process of getting underground utility lines on your property marked. Local One Call Centers will contact the appropriate utility companies, who send crews out to mark the underground lines within three days. This service is free of charge.

You can still contact your state's local One Call Center:

Illinois: JULIE 1-800-892-0123
Iowa: Iowa One Call 1-800-292-8989
Minnesota: Gopher State One Call 1-800-252-1166
Wisconsin: Diggers Hotline 1-800-242-8511

Learn to recognize which color indicates each utility

Underground utility lines will be marked with flags or paint to show approximate location.

WHITE	Proposed Excavation
PINK	Temporary Survey Markings
RED	Electric lines, Conduit and Lighting Cables
YELLOW	Gas, Oil, Steam, Petroleum or Gaseous Materials
ORANGE	Communication, Alarm or Signal Lines
BLUE	Potable Water
PURPLE	Reclaimed Water, Irrigation and Slurry Lines
GREEN	Sewers and Drain Lines

Person digging, colored flag showing underground lines or cables

Some additional tips

When you start digging, try to stay at least 24 inches away from the marked lines (distance requirements vary by state, so ask for guidelines when you contact the One Call Center).

If you're planting a tree, remember to consider the length of the roots as the tree matures, and don't plant trees near power lines.

If you contact an underground line, call Alliant Energy at 1-800-257-3645 or your local utility immediately.

Pipeline location

It's likely that you work or live near natural gas pipelines. Since pipelines are buried underground, we often use markers to show the approximate location - particularly in rural areas. Markers may be anywhere along the pipeline right-of-way, which typically run along a public street, but may also be on or near private property. The owner of the pipeline has the right to restrict certain activities in the right-of-way so they can access the area in an emergency or for maintenance.

The color, size and design may vary, but all markers must display the following:

Approximate location of pipelines;
Material transported in the pipeline;
Name of the pipeline operator; and
Operator's telephone number in case of an emergency.
However, not all lines are marked, so it is critical that you dial 811 or contact your state's One Call Center before digging. Right-of-way locations are usually recorded with counties or local municipalities and filed on maps.

Natural gas leaks - use your eyes, ears and nose
Although leaks from natural gas pipelines are rare, it's important to know the warning signs. Use your eyes, ears and nose, and call Alliant Energy if you:

See unexplained dead or dying grass or other vegetation near a pipeline, dirt or debris blowing into the air, or water bubbling in a puddle, river, pond or creek;
Hear an unusual hissing, whistling or roaring sound;
Smell an odor like rotten eggs. Natural gas is odorless and tasteless, so we add an odorant to the gas. This makes even the smallest leak easy to detect. Most transmission lines, which are larger and operate at a higher pressure than the lines that bring natural gas to your home, are not odorized. That's why it's important to look for and report any of the other warning signs listed above.

If you notice any of the above warning signs:

Leave the area immediately.
Don't stop to open windows.
Don't touch anything that might create a spark, such as a light switch, telephone, cell phone or a garage door opener. If possible, stay away from carpeted areas to avoid sparks of static electricity.
Call Alliant Energy or your natural gas provider from a remote location, and we'll send someone to investigate the situation.
If natural gas is blowing outside or in your home, call 911.

Pay attention to your home's natural gas meter - don't let it become a hazard this winter

There are a couple of good reasons why you shouldn't let snow and ice accumulate on meters, but the most important one is that it can block the regulator vent and cause natural gas to build up inside your home.

To prevent this from happening:

Use a broom (not a shovel) to clear snow and ice from the meter and regulator;
Remove icicles hanging from the roof or eaves above the meter;
Don't let dripping water or freezing rain build up on the meter. The vent can become plugged when ice and snow melt during the day and refreeze at night; and
Don't pile snow on or near the meter when shoveling or using a snow blower.
Keeping your natural gas meter clear also enables emergency responders or utility maintenance crews to quickly access equipment if necessary. If a meter reader is unable to enter your property due to any safety hazards, your meter will not be read and your usage will be estimated.

To operate efficiently, natural gas equipment requires air for safe combustion and venting of household appliances. Know where all of your home's air supply ducts are and keep them free of snow, ice, leaves or other debris. At least once a year, check to make sure that your chimney or roof vent is not blocked.

More online resources:

Natural Gas Safety Tips [PDF]

Do you know what's buried in your yard? [PDF]

Sabe lo que hay enterrado en su patio? [PDF]

Safety Central

Information for Emergency Responders

Information for Public Officials

Contractor Safety

Alliant Energy Kids site

Call Before You Dig