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Dig it? Alectra supplies safety tips for your next outdoor project

With underground infrastructure carrying critical services such as electricity, natural gas, water and telecommunications, damaging these lines can have severe consequences
BradfordToday Staff
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Stock photoMaurylio Silva via Pexels

NEWS RELEASE
ALECTRA UTILITIES
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MISSISSAUGA – Alectra Utilities amplifies awareness during Dig Safe Month, informing the public on essential steps to take before starting any outdoor projects this season.

"As the spring brings an increase in outdoor activities and projects, we call upon everyone to make safety their top priority by following vital procedures prior to any excavation," said Chris Hudson, SVP of Network Operations at Alectra Utilities. "Together, we can ensure a safe and secure community for all."

With underground infrastructure carrying critical services such as electricity, natural gas, water, and telecommunications, damaging these lines can have severe consequences ranging from costly repairs to potential hazards. A severed electrical cable could prove fatal, a ruptured gas line could lead to explosions, a cut water line could trigger flooding, and severed communication lines (telephone, cable, internet) could result in the loss of essential services.

Whether you're installing a fence, a pool, digging a garden, or embarking on home renovations, homeowners and contractors are strongly encouraged to "Call or Click Before You Dig" to arrange for a complimentary underground cable locate through Ontario One Call. This vital service ensures that utilities with underground facilities in the vicinity are notified to mark any buried cables or wires before any excavation begins.

Residents, business owners and contractors should follow these steps when starting any outdoor project that involves digging:

  1. Schedule the required locate at least five working days in advance by contacting Ontario One Call 24/7 at 1-800-400-2255 or submitting an online request through the Ontario One Call website: https://portal.ontarioonecall.ca/webportal/Account/Login.
  2. Wait for an Alectra Utilities cable locator and representatives from gas and telecommunication companies to arrive to mark the area.
  3. Respect the marked areas and refrain from digging within one meter of the designated ground.
  4. Exercise caution during excavation.

For more information on Dig Safe Month and safe digging practices, visit: https://alectrautilities.com/call-or-click-you-dig.

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