Fergus Falls, MN – The construction season and yard work will warm up with the spring weather, and Otter Tail Power Company reminds its customers and neighbors that, before digging, they need to notify utilities that have lines or cables buried in the area.
Just one phone call will notify all of these utility companies so they can mark the property before any excavation begins. That will keep those who dig safe. It also will prevent unintentional damage to underground utility lines and needless outages to the utilities whose convenience you enjoy, including electric, water and sewer, cable TV, telephone, and high-speed Internet.
Besides, calling before you dig is the law.
Each state has its own rules and regulations governing digging, but all projects—even planting trees and shrubs or establishing a new garden—require you to Call Before You Dig. The federally mand ated national 811 number was created so the public would have only one number to call instead of separate One Call numbers in each state. Call 811 several days before beginning that field tiling project, digging footings for that new garage, burying that water line, or installing that flag pole or mailbox. Or contact your state’s One Call center:
Minnesota – 800-252-1166 or www.gopherstateonecall.org
North Dakota – 800-795-0555 or www.ndonecall.com
South Dakota – 800-781-7474 or www.sdonecall.com
“Above all, stay safe,” says Otter Tail Power Company’s Safety Services Manager Ryan Smith. “Call before you install that fence, dig that trench, create that new water pond, or build that new deck or patio. It’s fast, it’s easy, and it’s the law.”
