Spring is just around the corner, and there’s never been a better time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Perhaps you’re making plans for a new shop or a yard makeover. Wherever your spring projects take you, remember to keep safety in mind for all projects, especially those requiring digging.

Most of us never think about the electric, gas, water and other infrastructure buried below the ground, but hitting one of these lines while digging is not the reminder you’ll want. Trust us! Mor-Gran-Sou Electric Cooperative reminds all members who are planning a digging project to call 811 at least three business days before you start. Or you can submit a request online by visiting ndonecall.com.

Here’s how the process works:
• After you call 811 or submit your request online, all affected utility companies will be notified of your intent to dig. It may take the utilities a few days to get to your request, so please be patient.
• The affected utility companies will send someone to mark the buried lines with paint or flags.
• Before you break ground, confirm all utility companies have responded to your request. If you placed your request by phone, use the process explained by your 811 call center representative. If you submitted your request online, refer to your 811 center ticket to confirm everything.

Please keep in mind only public utility companies will be marked. As a homeowner, you are responsible for locating private utility lines. 

By taking this important step before you break ground on your project, you can help protect not only yourself, but our community. Disrupting an underground utility line can interrupt service, cause injuries and cost money to repair, so remember to call 811 first and know what’s below.