Have you had a utility damage assessor or restoration crew come to your home requesting asking to enter your backyard?
We completely understand why seeing unfamiliar faces or vehicles in our neighborhoods can cause concern—especially in the aftermath of a storm or emergency when everyone is already on edge.
As a Northwest Indiana business specializing in utility construction and disaster response, we wanted to share some context to help put minds at ease while keeping everyone safe:
Out-of-Area Crews Are Normal Right Now: During major repairs and disaster recovery, local utilities (like NIPSCO, AT&T, and Comcast) rely heavily on mutual aid agreements and third-party contractors from all over the region. There simply isn’t enough time and/or resources during a rapid response to issue custom, local company badges or wrap every vehicle in a recognizable brand logo.
Locators Must Mark Lines First: Before fallen or uprooted trees can be safely cleared, utility locators (from companies like USIC, Stake Center, GridHawk, or On The Spot) must locate and mark underground utility infrastructure.
Why The Backyard? A significant portion of Northwest Indiana’s utility infrastructure runs through rear easements in backyards. Unless your street has an alley, the only way crews can inspect and repair lines, or mark them, is by entering backyards.
Knocking Is Actually a Good Sign: A worker knocking on your door to inform you they need yard access is standard protocol and usually indicates legitimate work, particularly if they are wearing safety gear and carry a company ID.
Please Note: Even though you may not personally have that utility’s services (such as phone or cable), their lines may be running through the rear utility easement in your backyard.
Recommended Precautions: You never have to compromise your peace of mind.
Ask for ID: Ask to see their company ID, and feel free to take a quick photo of it for your records. Remember, it may not be for one of the local utilities you are familiar with as the could be assisting from another utility company or be a third-party contractor.
Observe Discreetly: Keep an eye on their work from your window or porch. Legitimate crews will focus strictly on poles, pedestals, ground markings, or lines.
No Soliciting: Damage assessors and restoration crews will not be trying to sell you anything or asking you to sign contracts or other documents. Their only job is getting your utility services restored.
Trust Your Gut: If someone refuses to identify themselves, enters without attempting to notify you, or engages in suspicious behavior (such as looking into sheds, windows, or vehicles), do not hesitate to call 911 immediately.
We all want our power, internet, and yards restored safely—we ask that we all look out for one another while giving the recovery crews the access they need to get our communities back up and running.