Whether planting a tree, building a deck, putting in a pool or putting up a new fence, be sure to include an important safety step prior to starting the job. Call Underground Service Alert (USA), a minimum of two business days before you begin digging to find out if there are any dangerous underground utilities, such as power lines, in the area. The toll free number for this free service is 811 or go online to www.call811.com.
The Sacramento Municipal Utility District and other area utilities companies, such as gas and cable television, will be contacted to determine whether they have underground pipelines, conduits, wires or cables at the excavation site. Underground utility lines are not always located in the street, and digging into an underground electrical line can cause power outages and personal injury or death.