Consumers Energy Urges Safety and Call to MISS DIG Before Beginning Fall Outdoor Digging Projects Consumers Energy reminds contractors and do-­‐it-­‐
yourselfers working on last-­‐minute projects before the snow flies to call MISS DIG at 811 at least three working days before beginning any digging project. The biggest increase in “dig-­‐in” damages has occurred in Oakland, Wayne, Macomb and Genesee Counties. As of August, 2014 a total of 605 damages have occurred in these areas, up 26 percent from a total of 478 during the same time in 2013. Consumers Energy offers these safe digging tips: •
Call 811/MISS DIG at least three working days before digging to have underground utilities marked. Staking requests can also be initiated online by selecting the eLocate icon at www.missdig.org •
Wait to start projects until you’re sure all lines are marked or cleared by the utility. This can be confirmed by contacting MISS DIG at 811. •
Respect the marks and dig with care, especially if using power equipment. If your project is within four feet of the utility marks modify your plans and stay more than four feet from the marks, or use a wooden handle shovel to carefully expose the lines before starting excavation. •
Ask your contractor to confirm 811 has been contacted before allowing any digging work to proceed. LEARN MORE: Find more information on natural gas safety at www.ConsumersEnergy.com/safety.