Author page: mariepeasley

Planning a home improvement job? Planting a tree? Installing a fence or deck? Want to avoid spending a day in the dark? Here’s what you need to know first: Dial 8-1-1!

Homeowners often make risky assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines marked, but every digging job requires a call – even small projects like planting trees and shrubs. The depth of utility lines varies and there may be multiple utility lines in a common area. Digging without calling can disrupt service to an entire neighborhood, harm you and those around you and potentially result in fines and repair costs.

• Calling 811 before every digging job gets your underground utility lines marked for free, and helps prevent undesired consequences.  Dial 811 from anywhere in the country a few days prior to digging, and your call will be routed to your local One Call Center. Tell the operator where you’re planning to dig, what type of work you will be doing and your affected local utilities companies will be notified about your intent to dig.
• In a few days, they’ll send a locator to mark the approximate location of your underground lines, pipes and cables, so you’ll know what’s below – and be able to dig safely. The BLP marks our underground lines within the utility right-of-way.
• Remember, always call 811 before you start any digging project! You’ll avoid injury, expense, embarrassment – and a very inconvenient day in the dark.

The Marquette Board of Light and Power Linemen, Jon Betz and Travis Niemi gave a “Safety First Presentation” to approximately 55 fourth graders at Cherry Creek School.  Students were very excited and asked lots of questions. Teacher, Shirley Menhennick shared that this is a wonderful program on electricity and safety. The students were all able to learn a great deal about electricity in their lives.  The equipment and models used in the presentation captured the students’ interest and were a visual of the effects of electricity. The students learned how to be safe and even learned about career awareness and what training is required to become a lineman.  Overall, it was a great learning experience!