It's easy and it's the law. Dig safe!

Almost fifty percent of Cass County Electric's lines are buried underground. Though these lines are safe from high winds and accidental vehicle damage, they are susceptible to another threat every spring. Once the ground thaws, landscaping, and construction projects take off and so do accidental dig-ins to underground power lines. Outdoor projects can cause big problems if you do not plan ahead.

Digging into power lines can cause outages for the whole neighborhood; it also can be extremely dangerous and life-threatening. It’s not just buried power lines that you have to worry about, either. Water, sewer, gas, and telecommunications equipment are often right underfoot. Luckily, there’s an easy process to keep you safe.

Two days before you work, visit ndonecall.com or call 8-1-1. You’ll provide details about the work you’re doing and ND One Call will alert the appropriate utility companies. Once a request is made, the companies have 48 hours to mark the locations of buried equipment. The paint or flags they leave behind will be your guide to safety.

If you contact an underground utility:

• Leave the area immediately and tell others to stay away.

• Call 911 and the local utility company as quickly as possible.

• Report even minor damage; what looks harmless can cause big trouble.