Keep Your Spring Stress-Free: Know What’s Below

Planning to do some spring cleaning in your yard soon? Or perhaps you're already tackling those spring-fever landscaping projects? Either way, Idaho Power reminds you to stay safe with their #1 yard tip: Call 811 at least two business days prior to ANY digging.

Most yards have buried utility lines - some just a few inches below ground - and 811 is a free service that marks utility lines so you know to avoid them when digging. Calling 811 can also help prevent injuries, outages, and costly repairs - and it's required by law. When you call, be prepared to give the location, scheduled date, type of work, and information about the company or contractor doing the work (if it's not you).

After providing information about your project, operators will alert the appropriate utilities and send crews to the job site to mark the locations of underground facilities, free of charge.

While digging, if you find or hit unmarked underground facilities, Idaho Power advises to stop excavating immediately and call 811. Never attempt to fix or bury damaged or potentially damaged underground facilities. If damage releases gas or hazardous liquids, call 911. For electrical emergencies, call Idaho Power at 208-388-2323 or 1-800-488-6151.

Also be aware that private lines, like sprinkler lines, are not marked by 811.

One final tip: If you're planting trees, look up to ensure their growth will not interfere with power lines. And always stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines, which are energized and dangerous.

For more information, visit idahopower.com/safety or call811.com.

Maria Willacy
Digital Communications Professional
[email protected]
208-388-5978