August 11 (8-11) is National 811 Safe Digging Day and National Grid wants to remind customers to put safety first. Whether youre planting a tree or shrub, or installing a deck or pool, every job requires a call to 811. Knowing where underground utility lines are buried before you dig will help protect you from injury and prevent damages to utilities, service disruptions and potential fines and repair costs. National Grid reports that these “dig-ins” are the leading cause of natural gas leaks each year. The depth of utility lines varies, and there may be multiple utility lines in one common area. A quick phone call to 811 several days before digging connects callers to an operator at a local One Call Center who will provide information on when participating utilities must clearly mark their underground equipment. The call is simple and the service is free of charge. State laws mandate that 811 be called several days in advance of beginning projects that require excavation. Failure to call 811 may be punishable by fines, which in some states can be as high as $1,000 for a first offense and $10,000 for subsequent offenses. But even more important, calling 811 is the right thing to do because it helps keep everyone safe by preventing potentially deadly contact with underground electricity and gas lines. If You Suspect a Natural Gas Leak, Call National Grid. Because “dig ins” are a leading cause of natural gas leaks, National Grid reminds customers to take the following safety actions anytime a gas leak is suspected: * Evacuate your home and move to a safe area. * Do NOT smoke, light matches or do anything to create a flame. * Do NOT touch any light switches or electrical equipment and do NOT pull any plugs from outlets. These items may produce a spark that might ignite the gas and cause an explosion. * If you have a gas range or oven, make sure the controls are turned OFF. Extinguish any easily accessible open flames such as lit candles, but never try to put out a fire you suspect may be caused by escaping gas. Leave immediately. * Do NOT assume someone else will report the condition. * Call 911 and National Grid’s gas emergency number from a safe location: o Massachusetts: 1-800-233-5325 o Rhode Island: 1-800-640-1595 o Long Island and the Rockaways: 1-800-490-0045 o Metro NY: 1-718-643-4050 o Upstate NY 1-800-892-2345 o These are dedicated Gas Emergency phone numbers. National Grid has crews on call 24 hours/7 days a week who will respond immediately. * Provide the exact location, including cross streets. * Let us know if sewer construction or digging activities are going on in the area. * Do not return to your home until National Grid tells you it is safe.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 03:13:09 +0000