Free Call Could Safe Your Life if You Have A Digging Project

(KNSI) – April is National Safe Digging Month, and Minnesotans can make sure they’re safe doing their spring projects by making a phone call.

Call 8-1-1 to have underground utility lines marked free of charge before beginning any digging projects.

Damaging or striking a single utility line can cause severe injury and repair costs, fines, and outages.

Xcel Energy says with the snow melted and warmer weather, people will begin their annual spring traditions of gardening and landscaping.

Homeowners and contractors should call 8-1-1 or submit an online request to Gopher State One Call at least two business days before beginning a project.

Professional locators will mark locations of underground lines with flags, spray paint, or both.

Every digging project, large or small, requires a call.

Installing a post for a mailbox, building a deck, or planting a tree are examples of projects requiring a call to 8-1-1.

Xcel Energy had 100 incidents last year in Minnesota when buried gas and electric lines were damaged during excavation and not located beforehand.

Customers need to make arrangements with a private locate company to locate lines not owned by a utility, such as a line installed by a homeowner to heat a pool or light a garage.

For more information about 8-1-1 and safe digging practices, visit Call 8-1-1 Before you Dig or Gopher State One Call.

___