Rocky Mountain Power advises to ‘know before you dig’ as people begin summer projects

SALT LAKE CITY— Rocky Mountain Power is reminding people to be aware of electrical equipment especially below ground as spring/summer projects begin to take full swing.

According to a release from Rocky Mountain Power, “While electric safety is an issue above ground, it can also be a concern below the surface. In America, someone risks their life every six seconds by striking an underground utility line. In an effort to change this alarming statistic, Rocky Mountain Power urges customers to protect themselves and their families with one simple act:  dial 8-1-1 two days before doing any digging.”

“Installing a mailbox or post for a deck or planting a tree are among the many commonplace projects that should trigger a call to 8-1-1,” said Gee, referring to the national Call Before You Dig toll-free phone number. “Those may seem like simple, harmless maintenance projects, but the hazards are very real. If you hit a buried electric line, you could die. It’s that simple.”

If you’re unsure of where underground electrical lines are placed, it’s a good idea to hold off on that new project until you do. Even if you don’t hit a line that results in injury or death, you could be responsible for an outage in your neighborhood or held accountable for substantial repair costs.

Rocky Mountain Power advises anyone beginning a project that requires digging, even when hiring a professional, to call 8-1-1 first. That number connects callers to the appropriate center that alerts local underground facility owners so they can mark the location of underground lines with paint or flags.

In addition, Rocky Mountain Power reminds the public to avoid downed power lines and always assume a downed wire is energized and dangerous even if it isn’t sparking. Touching a live line or anything near it – like a fence or puddle – can cause electricity to flow through your body, resulting in serious injury or death.

“While electricity is an important part of our daily lives, it also is unforgiving and can cause serious injury or death if safety precautions aren’t properly observed,” said Jeremy Gee, Rocky Mountain Power Managing Director of Health & Safety. “Because even momentary electrical contact can have devastating results, your best protection while working or playing outdoors is to always stay alert and be aware of the location of overhead and underground power lines. Avoid doing anything that could potentially lead to contact between yourself or an object you’re touching and a power line.”

To learn more about electrical safety or to order free electrical safety materials, call Rocky Mountain Power at 888-221-7070 or visit Home & Work Safety (rockymountainpower.net)