by Connie Oswald Stofko
Before you dig up an area for a new garden or plant a tree or dig holes for a fence, you should call 811 or use the online Single Address Ticket.
When you make your request, your local utilities come out– for free– and flag where their lines are so you don’t accidentally hit them with your shovel or rototiller.
You’d be pretty embarrassed if the whole neighborhood lost its cable because you cut the line. And if you hit a gas or electrical line, you and others could be injured or even killed!
You can’t assume you know where the utility lines are, according to Dig Safely New York. The lines could be just inches below the surface. The depth and placement of utility lines can vary for a number of reasons, including erosion, previous digging projects and uneven surfaces.
It’s really quick for you to call 811 or place a request online. (You have to do this a few working days ahead of time). Then all the utilities come out and flag where their lines are.
When all those trucks roll up, don’t feel like you’re causing undue commotion; they want you to call. Get more details here.
April is National Dig Safely Month, and as an incentive to spread the word about 811, you can enter to win a tree and bench pairing from Dig Safely New York. To enter, complete the form here and like Dig Safely New York on Facebook. Monday, April 30 is the last day to enter.
