18
April 2012
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Call Hydro Before Landscaping Electric power lines, natural gas within a few feet of the ground’s pipelines, communications lines, surface. If you plan on digging and other utility services could be into and/or moving any soil on your property, a simple phone call can prevent damage. Digging into an underground electric line can cause power outages and personal injury from shock or electrocution. A damaged gas pipeline or service to a house can create an explosion hazard that potentially endangers people and property. - Farmers grading ditches should be aware that over time the soil covering pipelines and cables can Stubble burning and grass fires wash away, and that the underground equipment will are often used as a means to become more vulnerable to clean up overgrown areas in the damage. spring. Before you start any - Landscapers, professional outdoor fire, be sure that all the excavators, and homeowners are safety precautions are in place. Clear the area around the base of reminded that digging holes for trees and plants is a form of any hydro poles and build fire excavating. guards to prevent damage to - If you or your contractors are poles in your burn area. Check using a machine to remove your with your municipality for driveway or sidewalk, you are regulations before you start to
Careless Grass Fires Can be Costly
burn. Burning may be effective, but it can also be costly. Every year, utility poles are burned and fires that burn out of control can potentially interrupt electrical service, not only on your own property, but to your neighbours and the entire area as well. Consider how a moment of carelessness may interrupt power to people depending on electricity for life support or critical services. Remember, as a landowner, you’re responsible for the damage caused by a grass fire and liable for the repair and replacement costs of utility poles. Prior to beginning any cleanup work outdoors, point out the location of power lines to your work crew. Bonfires should never be located directly under a power line. If flames are high enough they may damage a power line and cause a power outage. Keep safety in mind as you begin the spring maintenance chores on your property.
changing the existing soil level and should call before you dig. - Even small jobs like installing sprinklers or building fences and decks usually involves digging holes for posts. Please call Manitoba Hydro to make sure that it is safe to dig. One call for our free service can prevent service outages, equipment damage and costly repairs, as well as environmental pollution, and serious personal injury. Please call at least 48 business hours before you plan to dig, and if possible, a week in advance during the busy construction season. Remember to also call other utilities like your local telephone and cable companies. Call 480-1212 in Winnipeg, or 1888-MB HYDRO (1-888-6249376) elsewhere in Manitoba. For contact information for the other utilities in your area, visit callb4udig.mb.ca