Missing the Mark? Call 811 Before You Dig
Friday, July 12, 2013
It’s forecasted to be a
nice weekend in our area so many of you will probably be outside doing some
yard work. But before you grab the shovel and start tearing up your lawn, there
is an important number you need to call: Kentucky 811
With any type of work
that requires digging, underground lines should be marked in advance to prevent
damage. Even if you are preparing to build a deck, plant a garden or install a
swimming pool.
Consumers should call at least two business days before digging. All LG&E and many KU service territory locations ar included under the 811 call center. KU customers
may visit KU's
Call Before You Dig web page or call
1-800-981-0600 to see if you need to contact
KU or Kentucky 811 to have your underground electric lines marked.
While we encourage you to make that call, state law requires anyone doing excavation work must contact operators of underground
utilities beforehand.
According to an April press release, Kentucky Public Service Commission Chairman David Armstrong said
digging into buried lines can threaten public health and safety. For example, cut telephone cables can disrupt
phone service and make it difficult to call critical services like 911 in an
emergency.
When consumers call 811 to submit a “locate request,” it is then
sent to each member company that provides natural gas,
electric, telephone, cable and water service in the requested area. Each company will then either mark its
underground lines or notify the individual if there are no underground lines in
the area. The
service is free of charge to customers, and each utility is assigned a color.
In 2012, the 811 call center took nearly 130,000 requests for
LG&E gas and electric lines and KU electric lines.
Just remember these 4 simple safe-digging steps:
- Call 811 at least two business days in advance.
- Wait the required amount of time.
- Respect the marks that outline the underground utility lines and equipment.
- Dig with care.
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