This is the season when multiple activities prompt various forms of last minute or seasonal activities.  These tasks often mean digging a hole or “planting” some form of seasonal support. If any of these activities become a project, there is one safety step that must first be undertaken. This requirement should always be the first step in any project.

 

Anyone hiring a craftsman to do any type of job that requires any amount of digging may be told that the job must wait until “One Call” is contacted.   This pre-job contact will provide a series of paths of underground utilities. In describing this valued safety service, Newtown Square Fire Chief stressed, “The goal of this call is to prevent a fire, explosion, or a loss of heat, electricity, or cable television.”

 

For many years, this call was made to a toll-free seven-digit telephone number.  “The recognition of the seriousness of this call has brought about a change; a new form of easiness and simplicity.  Now, all anyone must do is to follow the lead provided by call for fire, medical, and police emergency service calls.  Today’s new underground safety locator service can be reached by the three-digit, 8 1 1 telephone number,” informed Chief Everlof.

 

Yard mechanics who may be planning any home improvement job can be protected by this new, simple, three-digit call to 8 1 1 as well as professionals.  If those plans include planting a tree or bush, installing a deck or fence, erecting any type of pole, or digging even a shallow hole there must be a call made to “One Call.”

 

Many residents erroneously think they know the approximate location of underground utilities.  What if a prior resident installed the utility? What if the digger’s memory is off by a fraction of an inch?  What if the often unknown underground movements of utilities caused by cold weather? 

 

The big “What If” is the “what if “ that results in a nicking, cutting, or severing of a utility.  The unexpected result can mean injury, death, a fire, an explosion, or the anger from neighbors should this carelessness interrupts their life style.  

 

Newtown Square’s fire chief volunteered, “All of these unwanted events can be prevented by a simple call to 8 1 1.  Please, never hesitate to cooperate.”