Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) reminds homeowners, contractors and landscapers to keep safety a priority when planning outdoor home improvements.

• Call 811 Before You Dig: Know what's below and call before you dig. Smart digging means calling 811 before each job. This free service was created to help protect you from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines while working on digging projects - even for small projects like planting trees or shrubs.

• 15-Foot Rule: Keep materials, tools and all parts of your body at least 15 feet away from any overhead power lines at all times, including during the installation of antennas or satellite dishes.

• Heads Up: Before climbing a ladder, look up and be aware of any overhead electric lines.

• Hidden Power Lines: Before trimming tree limbs and shrubs, look for power lines that could be hidden by foliage. Contact NIPSCO if there are concerns about tree limbs growing into or around overhead power lines on your property.

• Clear Spaces for Kites: Never fly kites or model airplanes near power lines. If your kite does get tangled with overhead lines, don't try to get it down yourself. Contact NIPSCO for assistance and never use metallic material in a kite.

• Inspect Power Tools: Before or after each use, inspect power tools and electric lawn mowers for frayed power cords, broken plugs and weathered or damaged housings. Don't use damaged equipment until it has been repaired properly.

• Pad-Mounted Transformers: Padmounted transformers, which house components of an underground electrical system, should be kept free and clear of vegetation. Children should never play on or near the transformers. NIPSCO crews may need to access this equipment during unplanned outages and routine maintenance.

• Outdoor Power Tools: Do not use electric-powered mowers on wet grass or around water. Always use an insulated extension cord designed for outdoor use with the correct power rating for that equipment.