Be safe doing spring yard work; call 811 before digging [Video]

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – April showers bring more than May flowers. They also bring to mind outdoor projects.

In effort to recognize the importance of safe digging practices, April has been chosen as “Safe Digging Month.”

Whether you’re a homeowner planting a tree for Earth Day or a contractor installing wires, Black Hills Energy wants you to be safe. Michael Pogany, the general manager of electric operations, stresses the importance of marking the areas where you plan to dig with white flags and hand digging within 18 inches of each side of those flags.

And, most importantly, call 811 before starting to dig.

“Failing to call before you dig can result in a power outage, a water break, or a loss of internet service and so you obviously don’t want to be the neighbor that makes the power go out for the rest of the neighborhood, so its really just a good practice to get in,” said Pogany.

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