few ~ For Safety’s Sake, Dial 8-1-1 Before You Dig (NAPSA)—An increase in gardening, construction and other outdoor activities can sometimes lead to an increase in the number of telecom cables that are cut. Each year, thousands of telecom cables are accidently cut by both homeowners and construction crews. This can affect consumers, communities and communications companies. To help keep everyonesafer, a leading telecom provider, EMBARQ, reminds anyone working in their yards to protect themselves and their community by dialing 8-1-1 to report digging activities. They should then wait for utility providers to arrive and mark their facilities. This holds true for minor projects, such as putting up a fence, as well as major projects, such as the construction of a new office building. “We see an increase in cable cuts during the spring months, and usually it is because construction crews are hurrying to meet their deadlines,” said Jim Hansen, senior vice president of network services at EMBARQ. “We want to remind everyone that nothing will disrupt that deadline like cutting a communications cable, electric line or gas line. If a utility is cut, the worker and entire community can be in danger.” According to the company, because of the robust nature ofits network, customers may be unaware when a cut occurs. But when there is one, the company mobilizes its technicians into A service has been instituted nationwide that allows people to call 8-1-1 to report their digging activities. action to quickly fix the cable to keep any interruption of services to a minimum. Usually, communications cables are marked with orange warning signs, but residents and construction companies should call even if these signs aren’t noticeable. A service has been instituted nationwide that allows people to call 8-1-1 to report their digging activities. “That number makes it very easy for anyone digging to report their activities,” said Hansen. “No longer is there a different number for each state, and in some in- stances a different number for each utility. Now, it is easy for everyone to remember. Just call 8-1-1.” For more information, visit embarq.com.
