BOSTON – With the warmer weather finally returning, many people are beginning to plan outdoor projects.
But before planting a tree or building a deck, Eversource reminds customers to think about electrical safety and what’s below before the shovel hits the ground.
“Safety is the message here. Before we plant a tree here, build a deck, or go out there and put a shrub in, which a lot of people are going to be doing as this warmer weather has now blossomed,” said Eversource Spokesman Reid Lamberty.
“We need our customers, and everyone realty, just to think about electrical safety, to think about gas safety, and think about what’s below before you put a shovel, or anything, into the ground.”
Power equipment and hand tools such as spades, axes and picks can damage underground gas or electric lines, resulting in serious personal injury and disrupted utility service. Anyone planning an outdoor project such as planting a tree or shrub, hammering tent pegs or stakes into the ground, or installing a swing set, deck, mailbox or fence should always call 8-1-1 before digging.
Homeowners and contractors will be connected with Dig Safe, which then notifies local utilities of their intent to dig. Professional locators will then visit the property to mark utility-owned underground lines with flags, spray paint or both, to indicate which areas to avoid.
“This April is National Safe Digging Month, and it really is a good reminder for all of our customers that accidents do happen. Accidents though, are easily preventable. Anyone who is planning an outdoor project, maybe planting a tree or a shrub, or putting steaks into the ground or installing a deck or a swing set, anything of that nature, always have to call 811 before digging,” Lamberty said.
For Eversource customers planning to work near overhead electric wires, it’s important to call the company directly at 800-592-2000, five-to-seven business days before pruning branches, shingling the roof or painting the house trim. An Eversource line crew will cover the lines with a rubber protective covering to make the area safer at no charge, but customers should still remember to always remain at least 10 feet away from overhead wires.
The company also recommends these additional safety tips while working around the house:
-Check for overhead lines when using ladders to clean gutters or a long-handled pool vacuum that could reach within 10 feet of the lines.
-Don’t let Mylar balloons become a party spoiler. Always keep them tethered and attached to weights because the metallic coating on these balloons can cause a power outage if they contact overhead electrical equipment.
-Never attempt to retrieve a balloon, kite or other debris that becomes entangled in an overhead power line. Instead, report it to Eversource so a lineworker can safely remove it.
-If using power tools to work outside, make sure extension cords are marked for outdoor use and rated for the power needs of tools being used. Also, check to be sure that cords aren’t frayed or cracked. Damaged or overloaded cords may lead to electric shock and serious injury.
“Far too many incidents involving accidental damage to underground utilities happen every year,” said Eversource Vice President of Safety Bob Coates.
“April is National Safe Digging Month and we want our customers to know that accidents can be easily prevented by simply calling 8-1-1. If you don’t call, you are putting yourself and others in danger, and violating the law.”
For more safety tips, visit eversource.com.
By TIM DUNN, CapeCod.com News Center
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