Be safe, call before you dig
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Thursday, August 12th, 2021 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
BAKER CITY – (Release from OTEC) With more time spent at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, many Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC) member-owners have taken advantage of their free time the last year by focusing on home improvement projects like installing a new mailbox, planting a tree, or building the patio deck of their dreams. However, the simplest of at-home projects can take a turn for the worst if homeowners forget one very important step – to call 811 before they dig.
Every year, August 11th, or “811 Day,” serves as a convenient reminder to dial 811 before any digging, construction, or excavation project. And, as August 11th approaches, OTEC encourages its member-owners in its four-county service territory to learn more about calling 811 and why it’s important to contact the local service center before beginning even the simplest of digging projects.
If you’re unfamiliar with 811, now is the perfect time to learn. Oregon law requires residents to call 811 at least two business days prior to digging to connect with the local call center, Oregon 811. If member-owners prefer to submit their requests electronically, they also have the option to do so at digsafelyoregon.com
After connecting with an 811-service member, Oregon 811 notifies the appropriate utility companies of the intent to dig and sends professional locators to the digging site free of charge to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, spray paint, or both.
Because the depth of underground utility lines can vary due to erosion, previous digging projects, and uneven surfaces, Oregon 811 takes the guesswork out of where those lines are located and clearly marks them for safe digging.Be safe, call before you dig
Every few minutes around the nation, an underground utility line is damaged because someone decided to dig without calling 811. Striking a single line can cause injury, repair costs, inconvenient outages, and, in some areas, even fines. Keep in mind that every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants contacting 811 by phone or online. This simple act of prevention allows you to not only protect yourself but also other members of our communities.
About the cooperative
Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC) is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperative that serves nearly 60,000 residents in four counties in Eastern Oregon. Headquartered in Baker City, OTEC has district offices in Burns, John Day, and La Grande.
