After the summer storm season we had, chances are there’s some debris sitting in your gutters. Before you head up to dig it all out, make sure you’re following these commonsense safety tips to stay out of the emergency room this fall. Because the only kinds of excitement we want this season is discovering giant zucchini in the garden or maybe – if we’re feeling really adventurous – trying out a new apple crisp recipe.
Gear up
There could be more than leaves in your gutters. Mold, bacteria, sharp objects and even wasps could be in there as well. Make sure to wear heavy gloves and safety goggles. And this is no time for flip-flops – make sure to wear shoes with rubber soles for traction to avoid slips and falls while climbing your ladder.
Ladder safety
Invite a friend over to spot you (we find that bribing our friends with apple crisp or zucchini cake works well). If using a step ladder, never step on the top two rungs. If using an extension ladder, always extend the ladder three rungs beyond the roof edge and secure the ladder from tipping with rope at the top of the base. Use the rule of threes: always keep both your feet and one hand planted on the ladder to avoid any accidents.
Going up and down the ladder to move it frequently might seem like a pain, but it’s worth it. Most accidents happen when trying to overreach, so always move the ladder to a new spot instead of reaching further down your gutters.
Be aware
Recent strong summer storms may have damaged your home’s wiring and nearby power lines. Read up on our electric safety tips and resources before you head out to check your home’s electrical cable where it connects to the roof before gutter cleaning, and never touch a broken or damaged wire on your own. If the roof is wet, stay off it. Water and metals are both conductors of electricity.
When you’re done, make sure to thank your friend and head inside for a much-deserved cup of jo and some warm apple crisp with whipped cream. You'll want to read our "Embrace fall with Grandma's recipes" blog for the recipe!
Get informed
Our blogs feature helpful energy efficiency tips, safety topics and appliance repair advice.
Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter for the latest tips!
Black Hills Energy Blog
-
The holiday season is upon us. It’s time to bring out the fine china, hang up the Christmas lights and get cozy around the hearth. But before you take part in all of the merriment, here are some simple safety tips to help make sure you enjoy the entire season. How to safely bring out the fine… -
The signs were all around me when I made a quick shopping trip this week. Snow boots are taking the place of sandals in the shoe section. Gallon jugs of apple cider are taking over the store displays where sweet summer lemonade once enjoyed prime real estate. Christmas trees have even taken over… -
Daylight Saving Time is your chance to keep your home running like clockwork. On Sunday, March 13, 2022, Daylight Light Saving Time starts, and we turn our clocks ahead one hour. The notion of Daylight Saving Time was the brainchild of Benjamin Franklin. According to the Franklin Institute, he… -
It’s fall! Time to sip on pumpkin spice lattes, jump in the leaves and settle into long Sunday afternoons watching football. Savor all things fall even more with the peace of mind that your furnace is ready for the changing seasons. Your furnace enjoyed a nice summer vacation, but now it’s time…
For us, safety isn’t numbers
It’s not statistics. It isn’t dollar signs, and it’s not about campaigns. Safety is people. We've set a goal to be the safest energy company in the country. But we didn’t set that goal so we could check a box on a to-do list or show PowerPoint slides with charts featuring lots of down arrows. We did it so that everyone - including you - can go home safely. Every day.
