THINK SAFETY BEFORE YOU DIG THIS SPRING

Yard improvement projects can be hazardous if you don’t have underground utilities marked.

When you’re thinking about digging on your property for plantings, fencing or other home improvement projects, homeowners are being encouraged to think about safety first. Hitting an underground electrical wire or gas line could be dangerous and costly.

“Homeowners have an easy, free service to mark underground utilities before digging,” says Barb Cederberg, Chief Operations Officer of Gopher State One Call, the Minnesota non-profit organization that provides notification to utility companies for marking their underground utilities for commercial and residential digging or excavation projects.

“It’s simple; all people have to do is call 8-1-1 or click onto our website, www.gopherstateonecall. org,” said Cederberg. “Free of charge, the utility company professional locators will be there to mark all public utilities on your property with spray paint and/or flags, keeping you and your family safe. But remember, locating private utilities, such as a gas line to a grill or an electric line to an outbuilding is your responsibility as the property owner.”

Cederberg encourages anyone who’s digging – even on small yard projects – to click or call Gopher State One Call at least three business days prior to digging to avoid injuries, service disruptions and repair costs. She said her organization has seen trouble arise even with relatively small projects, such as fence construction, tree planting, constructing a patio or even digging a post for a mailbox. “Once property is marked, homeowners and commercial excavators significantly reduce the risk of injury and expense,” Cederberg said. “It’s not only a safety measure; it’s the law in Minnesota.” Gopher State One Call encourages homeowners to plan ahead and make a request by calling 8-1-1 or going online by mid-day Wednesday so there’s plenty of time for utilities to be marked for a weekend do-it-yourself project. Digging should not start until utilities are marked, and then carefully dig by hand only in the designated safety zone -- 2 feet either side of the marks for small diameter utility lines. Machine digging can be used outside of the 2-foot margin. “Plan ahead to be safe by calling 8-1-1 or clicking www.gopherstateonecall. org before you dig,” Cederberg said. “You’ll love the peace of mind.”