Play it safe: Call before you dig

Missouri residents who plan to plant a tree, build a fence or complete any project where they might dig into underground utility lines should first call 1-800-DIG-RITE (344-7483). This is a free service provided by participating utilities in the state.

Residents need to cal at least two working days before they plan to dig, drill or blast. The DIG-RITE network will then notify all affected utilities. Personnel will be sent to mark the location of any underground lines and facilities. For example, yellow paint or flags mark the location of natural gas lines. Red paint or flags show electric line locations.

“The single call to the DIG-RITE network helps Missouri residents avoid potential expense and the possibility of serious or fatal injury,” says Judy Ness, community services director for Missouri Public Service which participates in the program. “Repairing a ruptured or damaged line is expensive. In addition to paying for repairs, an individual or company could be fined up to $10,000 for each violation regarding willful damage to an underground facility.”

Missouri Public Service customers in Daviess County are among the more than 205,000 electric and 47,000 natural gas customers served by the utility in the state. It is a division of Kansas City- based UtiliCorp United. UtiliCorp is an international electric and natural gas company with energy customers and operations across the United States and in Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand and Australia.