Following the state’s “stay home, stay healthy” guidelines means many of us have spent far more hours at home, looking at and thinking about our properties than we have in a long, long time.
Between the extra time at home, social distancing mandates and the steadily improving weather, this may seem like the perfect time to start crossing things off that growing to-do list.
If any project of yours requires digging more than a few inches, whether it’s to plant a tree, prepping for a new foundation, or digging postholes, make sure you call 811, the “Call Before You Dig” line at least two business days before you begin.
Although much of society is on hold in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, 811 is still in operation and just as important as ever.
The call may prevent you from accidentally digging into and damaging buried utilities. Our properties are crisscrossed with underground cables, gas and electrical lines, water pipes and telecom wires that can lie just below the surface.
Waiting until those lines are marked may be especially critical in this period of time because local medical centers are under increasing pressure as they treat a rising number patients suffering from COVID-19. Any additional injuries or emergencies only further strains our local health care resources.
A call to 811 prompts a no-contact visit to your property where locators use water-soluble, color-coded paint to mark utility, municipal and company-owned lines on the lawn, sidewalk and driveway.
“Calling 811 before you dig can prevent expensive and potentially very dangerous damage to underground utility lines,” said Justin Zucconi, safety manager for Clark Public Utilities. “Regardless of the size or scope of your project, you should be well-aware of any and all utilities that are nearby.”
Be aware that workers will only locate lines owned by companies, cities and utilities. They will not mark the location of buried facilities that are owned privately by the homeowner, such as water or electricity run from the main property to an outbuilding.
You can expect all responding technicians to respect social distancing guidelines when they come to your property and there shouldn’t be a need for contact in order to locate buried facilities.
Home improvements can carry other risks in addition to buried utilities and it’s important to remember general safety guidance as you tackle projects.
“Buried lines aren’t the only hazards a person will encounter when working on their property. Overhead lines can be just as dangerous,” Zucconi said. “Always look up before setting up a ladder or carrying and using long-handled tools.”
Always secure your ladder firmly in place whenever you’re painting, trimming trees or cleaning gutters. Be aware of your tool’s proximity to the overhead lines and never let them touch. Doing so could risk a fatal shock.
Should a power line ever be knocked down on or near your property, never touch, approach or try to block it, even if you think it’s safe. Always assume the line is electrified and report it immediately to 360-992-8000 or 360-992-3000. Only call 911 if there’s an injury, emergency or fire.
If you plan on planting a tree, don’t plant them under or near power lines. If that’s unavoidable, choose a variety that grows less than 25 feet tall. If your property is home to trees that are growing into or very near power lines or utility-owned equipment, call Customer Service at 360-992-3000, available 24 hours a day, or visit the utility’s website to make a tree trimming request.
Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668.
