MADISON — Warmer weather and thawed ground means that Wisconsin homeowners, contractors and government workers are digging into more outside projects.
Alliant Energy urges Wisconsinites to call 811 before they dig to avoid having to call 911 due to injury. 811 is a free service. When calling, a professional will mark the homeowner’s yard for buried utilities. The average yard contains a number of different buried utilities ranging from natural gas lines to internet cables. If digging without knowing what’s below, a homeowner might hit something.
“2020 was a big year for outdoor projects and calls to 811, due to people spending extra time at home during the pandemic,” said Richard Sublett, senior manager of compliance and operational performance for Alliant Energy. “With the pandemic still lingering, we expect 2021 to be an even bigger year for digging.”
When calling 811, the operator will notify local utility companies where and when the dig is expected. Within a few days, a locator will mark the approximate location of underground lines, pipes and cables in the yard with spray paint and flags. Once it is known what’s below, homeowners can dig safely. Call 811 before planting trees, installing a mailbox, putting in a fence or starting any other project that requires digging.
Safety should always be the number one reason to call 811 before digging — and it’s also state law. If a homeowner doesn’t call, they could be fined. If a utility is damaged, the owners could also impose charges. Digging into an underground line could cause a gas, water, electric, cable or internet service outage over a large area.
Any person who hits a line while digging should assume they have caused damage, and should report the incident immediately to 811. Alliant Energy will be notified if electric or gas lines are involved. They will repair any damage so buried lines stay safe.
“Safety is a top priority for our customers and employees,” said Sublett. “We hope customers, contractors and others put safety as their top priority, too.”
Check out alliantenergy.com/811 for more information.
