Call Before You Dig... It's the Law

Habersham EMC customers are reminded to call the Utilities Protection Center before you dig. By calling 811 or (800)282-7411 or logging on to www.gaupc.com 72 hours before you plan to dig you can request a ticket to dig. The Utilities Protection Center will then contact all the utilities that you use and in turn the utilities, including Habersham EMC, will come out to your location and flag where the utility lines are. There is no charge for this service and it could save you a great deal of money by preventing you from digging into your utility service and interrupting service to your home as well as to your neighbor's homes.

When calling the Utilities Protection Center, be prepared to give them the following information:

• Name, area code, phone number, address, city, county and nearest cross streets.
• Type of work to be done and how long it will take.
• Date and time digging is scheduled to begin.
• If any work will be done within 10 feet of overhead high-voltage power lines.
• Contractor/contact person and phone number.
• Where on the property you want marking done.
• Specific directions to your property - landmarks, etc.

The dig ticket that you call in is intended to prevent any harm to your life and property. Please call if you are planning to do activities such as:

• Planting
• Repairing or replacing utilities, fences, mailboxes or retaining walls
• Aerating, grading or tilling
• Using an auger or any mechanized/motorized piece of machinery, etc.

By not calling, here's what you could get into:

• Personal injury (possible loss of life)
• Damage to environment
• Costly property damage
• Damage to important utilities that would disable others to make emergency calls or lose the availability of a utility
• Costly delays
• Expensive repairs
• Legal problems and/or civil penalties

To avoid all of this, call before you dig. After all, it is the law.