Each year the Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority responds to calls for ruptured natural gas lines as people work on sprinkler systems, install fence posts, or do other common below-ground projects.
Hitting these lines can result in injury, death, property damage, and disruption of services, according to a Kent Fire Department media release. In addition, you can be liable for any damage to utilities you cause.
On a national basis, there are more than 200,000 reports of utilities being hit and damaged annually.
Utility lines include:
• Electrical
• Natural gas
• Sewer
• Cable TV
• Water
What can residents do to protect themselves and their property? Call before you dig.
Any time you plan on digging more than 12 inches deep, you must first call 811 or 1-800-424-5555. By making this call at least two business days before you dig, you will alert utility companies in your area of your intent and allow them to mark their underground lines on your property.
This call is required by state code RCW 19.122. There is no charge for the marking of utilities to homeowners. The cost is paid for by the utility companies to help prevent damage to their buried lines.
When you call you need to provide the following information:
• Address where the work will be done
• Description of the work
• Location of the dig at the address
• Date of the planned work
For more information, go to the 811 website www.callbeforeyoudig.com.
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