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AEP Ohio Reminds Public to Always Call 811 Before Digging

todayAugust 11, 2021 14

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GAHANNA, Ohio, August 10, 2021 – AEP Ohio, an American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) company, is using the date 8/11 as a way to remind the public to stay safe and call 811 before they dig to have underground utility lines marked.

Electric, gas, water, sewer and cable utilities rely on underground lines to deliver services to customers. The depth of these lines can vary for a number of reasons, such as erosion, uneven surfaces and previous digging projects. Utility lines need to be properly marked because, even when digging just a few inches, the risk of striking an underground utility line still exists.

“Before building a deck or even planting a tree, it’s important to have these lines marked to avoid serious or fatal injuries, outages and costly repairs,” said Jim Goodnite, director of safety and health for AEP Ohio. “One phone call can help keep you, your family and neighbors safe during your next home improvement project.”

Ohio law requires you to call 811 at least two days before you begin digging, and no more than ten days in advance. An Ohio Utilities Protection Service (OUPS) technician will come to your home and mark the location of any utility lines, free of charge.

Always know what’s below by calling 811 before you dig.

For more safety tips and resources, visit AEPOhio.com/Safety and Call811.com

Written by: WKTN Staff

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