Public Safety Announcement

Remember ! Before you dig, call 811.

Whether you or a contractor are going to dig on your private property, it is important that you call 8-1-1 and schedule an appointment for a service rep to come to your dig site and mark crucial infrastructure. It does not cost you anything until you dig and strike a gas line or a water line or other services.

It is just as important for municipal entities such as DPW and highway crews, sub contractors to call before digging a sidewalk or street.

Nothing more embarrassing than to strike a service and have the fire department respond to mitigate the problem until appropriate public utilities arrive to correct the mistake. Again, this costs more than the free telephone call you can make prior to starting your work project.

Home fires occur more in winter than in any other season.

Working smoke alarms are especially important during a loss of power when people may use alternate forms of heating equipment, portable generators and candles.

Never use candles for emergency lighting. Many things in your home can catch fire if they are too close to a candle's flame.

Use flashlights for emergency lighting and stock up on batteries.

Have a qualified repair company or licensed electrician inspect water-damaged appliances and home wiring after a flood.

Portable generators are useful during storms, but if not used safely, they can cause injury and death.

Keep portable generators outside, away from windows, and as far away as possible from your home.

Install and test carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month.