DIRECTOR'S CORNER

By Brad Patton, District 3,

I have been farming for over 35 years now, and if there is one thing I have learned, it is that what you cannot see can hurt you. Beneath our fields and pastures is a maze of pipelines and power lines carrying natural gas and electricity. You would not know it by looking at the grass or soil, but one wrong move with a backhoe or post-hole digger can set off a disaster.

Why I Always Call Ohio811 Before I Dig

It does not matter if I dig trees growing out of ditches or clear fence rows—I start with OHIO811. They send notifications to utilities to mark where the gas, electric and other utility-owned lines are buried. It is free and does not take long.

What Is At Stake

Natural Gas: Hit a natural gas pipeline, and you will hear gas hissing up into the air. Combine that gas with one spark from your machine, and you will create an explosion. I have seen photos of barns leveled and homes destroyed by this situation.

Electric Lines: Burying a bucket into an electric line is no small matter. The shock can kill a person instantly. And, even if no one gets hurt, cutting off power can knock out the lights for your neighbors, or worse, a local school or hospital.

Too Many Close Calls

The safety folks say a utility line gets damaged every few minutes in this country, usually because someone thought their project was “too small to matter." The truth is that no project is too small! You do not know what is under that soil until someone marks it. This year in Ohio, about 19% of utility damages were caused by contractors or property owners who did not follow state law and contact OHIO811 first, resulting in millions of dollars in damages. At The Energy Cooperative, approximately 27% of damages over the past few years are due to contractors or property owners not calling OHIO811 before they dig. That is why I do not skip that call, for my own safety, but as well as the safety of my family, friends and neighbors.

A Farmer's Common Sense

• OHIO811 is a free service.

• Utilities come out within a couple of days to mark the line.

• Once the lines are marked, you can get back to work with a clear head.

• Skipping this step can hurt someone or result in a bill for thousands of dollars in repairs.

We All Depend On Each Other

I have kids, neighbors, livestock and a community that relies on the same power and gas lines running under my land. If I mess it up, it is not just me who pays the price; it is everyone around me. Do not dig blind. Make the call or go online. Get the lines marked. Then, grab your shovel or tractor and get to work.

Remember: 811 is your first step in any digging job. It saves lives, protects property and it is the law.

Get To Know Your Director

• Brad is a 5th generation farmer in the Utica area farming 2,900 acres of corn, soybeans and wheat.

• He was a 28-year member of the Homer Volunteer Fire Department, where he served 6 years as treasurer and 6 years as chief.

• He previously served on The Licking County Farm Bureau for 6 years as a board member and currently attends Utica Church of Christ.