In 2022, Loup Power District had 10,856 locate requests.
Spring is finally here and we’re all ready to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Many of us are planning outdoor projects — digging a new garden, installing a fence, or putting in a new mailbox.
Loup Power District urges you to remember to keep safety in mind for all projects––especially those that require digging near underground utility lines.
Most of us never think about the electric, gas, water and other utility lines buried below the ground. And almost half of diggers don’t think they need to contact 811 because they think their project is too shallow to require it. The truth is that utilities can be buried just inches below the surface and hitting a buried line while digging can disrupt utility service, cost money to repair, or cause serious injury or even death.
Contacting Nebraska811 is required by state law (Nebraska Statute 76-2321) and is designed to
protect you, underground facilities, and the public.
Common Ground Alliance (CGA) recently conducted a national survey that revealed that nearly six-in-ten U.S. homeowners (58%) reported experiencing a utility service interruption during the last 12 months. In addition, 49% of U.S. homeowners who plan to dig this year will put themselves and their communities at risk by digging without contacting 811 beforehand to learn the approximate location of underground utilities.
The most popular planned projects cited among surveyed homeowners who plan to dig include:
Planting a tree or shrub: 80%
Building a fence: 25%
Building a deck or patio: 21%
Installing a mailbox: 11%
Installing a pool: 3%
Something else: 19%
What steps do I need to take before digging?
- Anyone who plans to dig should call 811 or go to Nebraska’s 811 site at least two business days before digging to request that the approximate location of buried utilities be marked with paint or flags. You can mark the proposed excavation area with white flags or paint to save the utilities time. Ensure the area is safe and accessible by unlocking gates and securing pets.
- Wait a few days for all utilities to respond to your request.
- Confirm that all utilities have responded.
- Respect the utility marks and flags.
- Dig carefully around buried lines. If you can’t avoid digging within 18–24 inches of the markers, consider moving your project location.
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