Kenai Peninsula Utilities have been working with local administrations to make April “Safe Digging Month”.
ENSTAR’s Lindsay Hobson said they have been working to emphasize that calling 811 at least two days before digging projects can save a lot of time and money for everyone.
Hobson: “We’re trying to create more awareness about this because Alaska damages our underground utilities at a rate three times higher than the national average. And a damage to a utility line can have severe consequences.”
The costs are not just those to repair damaged utilities according to Hobson, but also for emergency responders, public works, bodily injuries or property damages.
Hobson: “Get the word out that if two business days before you dig, if you call 811 it’s a free service and they come out and mark where your utility lines are and you can make sure to steer clear and be safe this spring.”
Tonight Soldotna Mayor Nels Anderson is scheduled to sign the proclamation declaring April as Safe Digging Month.
