PSE Urges Gardeners, Landscapers and Builders to Avoid Potential Incidents with Utility Lines
With Memorial Day marking the start of summertime outdoor projects, Puget Sound Energy reminds homeowners and excavators to contact the 811 “call before you dig” hotline.
To avoid potential hazards with striking or digging up underground utility lines, all utilities must be marked before the start of digging. Washington state law requires homeowners and their contractors to call 811 at least two business days before digging depths of 12 inches or more to prevent serious injuries or costly property damage. (Any digging on commercial property or in the right-of-way, regardless of depth, requires a call.)
After the call is made, a utility representative will mark the location of the underground lines at no charge.
PSE advises anyone who may have damaged natural gas pipes or electric systems, or who smells the odor of natural gas, to take these steps:
• Quickly move a safe distance from the damaged line.
• Call 911 after you’re at a safe distance.
• Report the damage to Puget Sound Energy at 1-888-225-5773.
For more information about the “Call Before You Dig” law, visit www.callbeforeyoudig.org.
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