MidAmerican Energy Company reminds homeowners and contractors of the importance of calling 811, their local one-call service, before excavating or digging.

Every six minutes in the U.S., an underground utility line is damaged because someone started digging without first calling 811. Accidental dig-ins create potentially dangerous situations and result in costly repairs and service outages for utility customers.

One Call is a free service that connects callers who plan to dig with their state’s one call center to arrange for underground power lines and other utilities to be marked and properly avoided. Residents are required

by law to call 811 at least 48 hours before beginning any digging project, regardless of size or depth.

Failure to call 811 could result in serious injury, property damage, power outages, fines or prosecution for civil penalties.

If an underground facility is struck, customers are urged to:

Leave the area immediately and tell others to stay away.

Call 911 and then call 811 to report the incident.

Report even minor damage; what looks harmless can cause big trouble.

If 811 is not available in a specific location, customers should call:

South Dakota – 800-781-7474

Residents should make arrangements with a private locate company to mark privately owned lines not owned by a utility.