Consumers Energy Urges Residents to Prioritize Safety Before Spring Digging Projects

Consumers Energy Encourages Safe Digging Practices

As the Memorial Day weekend approaches, Consumers Energy, the largest energy provider in Michigan, is reaching out to residents with safety reminders about digging projects. Spring represents a time for home improvement and gardening, making safety awareness all the more essential. In particular, calling 8-1-1 is crucial to identify any underground utilities before breaking ground.

Importance of Calling 8-1-1

Holly Bowers, vice president of gas engineering and supply at Consumers Energy, emphasizes the necessity of confirming what lies beneath the surface. "The arrival of warmer weather is indeed a wonderful motivation to get outdoors," she states, "but it's critical to know what's underground when starting your projects."

By dialing 8-1-1, Michiganders are utilizing a free service designed to prevent accidents and costly damage. This service ensures that underground utility lines are marked, allowing homeowners to proceed with their projects safely. Under state law, contacting MISS DIG 811 before any excavation is mandatory. The service coordinates with utility operators to mark the location of underground pipes and wires using stakes, flags, or paint.

Planning Ahead

Residents are urged to make their calls at least three days prior to any digging initiative. Planning ahead helps utility companies adequately mark a location, thereby preventing accidents. Homeowners are reminded that any project involving digging—whether it’s installing a deck, planting trees, or even replacing mailbox posts—requires a call to 8-1-1.

Bowers highlights the urgency of this message by stating, "It occurs every six minutes across the country that a utility line is damaged due to unmarked digs, often stemming from negligence to locate these installations first. It’s vital we don’t rush the safety process for the sake of convenience."

Consumer Education and Safety Commitment

Consumers Energy takes its role in assuring safe gas and electricity delivery to approximately 6.8 million customers within Michigan very seriously. By reinforcing these safety practices, they aim to protect residents from potentially severe repercussions associated with utility line damages. As the company strives to enhance the safety, strength, and affordability of its services, they invite all residents to take part in promoting safety during the dig season.

Before engaging in any outdoor labor, customers should take a moment to visit Consumers Energy's official website for further information.

Celebrate Safely

As construction and gardening projects soar in popularity with the arrival of warm weather, Consumers Energy encourages all residents to adopt responsible safety measures.

Social Media Outreach
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In conclusion, prioritize your safety by calling 8-1-1 before you dig this spring. Enjoy your home projects while staying safe!