Hey guys! Ever wondered what that iCall thing is all about before you start digging in Idaho Falls? Well, you've come to the right place! It's super important, and honestly, it can save you a whole lot of trouble (and maybe even some serious cash!). So, let's dive into why calling before you dig is essential, especially when you're in Idaho Falls. Whether you're planning a small garden project or something bigger, this is the lowdown you need to stay safe and compliant.

Why "Call Before You Dig" is a Must

Okay, so, why all the fuss about calling before you dig? The main reason is safety, plain and simple. Underground, there's a whole network of utilities like gas lines, electrical cables, water pipes, and communication lines. Hitting one of these while you're digging can lead to some seriously dangerous situations. We're talking explosions, electrocution, loss of essential services, and hefty fines. Not a fun day, right? Calling before you dig helps prevent all of that.

When you call 811 – which is the national call-before-you-dig number – you're essentially alerting utility companies to come and mark the locations of their underground lines on your property. This service is free, and it's designed to keep you safe and prevent damage to vital infrastructure. Think of it as a free insurance policy against a whole bunch of potential disasters. Plus, it’s the law! So, you're not just being safe; you're also being compliant with regulations.

Imagine you're putting in a new fence. You're all excited, ready to get started, and BAM! You hit a gas line. Suddenly, you're not just dealing with a fence project anymore; you're dealing with a potential explosion, evacuations, and a massive repair bill. Calling 811 beforehand means the gas company can come out, mark the line, and you can adjust your fence plan accordingly. No drama, no danger, just a smooth project.

How to "Call Before You Dig" in Idaho Falls

So, how do you actually make the call? It's super easy, guys. Just dial 811. This number connects you to your local one-call center. In Idaho, it's Idaho One Call. You can also make the request online through their website, but calling is often the quickest way to get the ball rolling. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Dial 811: Call a few business days before you plan to dig. This gives the utility companies enough time to locate and mark their lines.
2. Provide Information: The operator will ask you for the location of your digging site, a description of the project, and the dates and times you plan to dig. Be as specific as possible. The more accurate your information, the better the utility companies can locate and mark the lines.
3. Wait for the Markings: Utility companies will send locators to your dig site to mark the approximate location of underground lines with color-coded paint or flags. Each color represents a different type of utility (e.g., red for electric, yellow for gas, blue for water).
4. Dig with Care: Once the lines are marked, you can start digging, but proceed with caution. Hand dig within 18-24 inches of marked lines to avoid accidentally hitting anything. This is called the “tolerance zone,” and it’s where you need to be extra careful.

What Happens After You Call?

After you make the call, here’s what you can expect. The one-call center notifies the relevant utility companies in your area. These companies then dispatch locators to your dig site. Locators use specialized equipment to detect underground lines and mark their approximate location with color-coded paint or flags. The colors are standardized, so you know what type of utility is buried where:

• Red: Electric power lines, cables, conduit, and lighting cables
• Yellow: Gas, oil, steam, petroleum, or gaseous materials
• Orange: Communication, alarm or signal lines, cables, or conduit
• Blue: Potable water
• Purple: Reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines
• Green: Sewers and drain lines
• White: Proposed excavation routes or limits

It's super important to understand these markings. They're your guide to digging safely. Always respect the markings and dig with care, especially near the tolerance zone.

Digging Safely: Tips and Best Practices

Okay, so the lines are marked, and you're ready to dig. Awesome! But hold up – let's talk about some best practices to keep you safe and avoid any mishaps:

• Respect the Tolerance Zone: As mentioned earlier, the tolerance zone is the area within 18-24 inches of a marked utility line. In this zone, you need to hand dig to avoid damaging the lines. No heavy machinery allowed!
• Dig Carefully: Even outside the tolerance zone, dig carefully. You never know if a line is shallower than expected or if the markings are slightly off. Take your time and pay attention to what you're doing.
• Watch for Warning Signs: Keep an eye out for any warning signs while you're digging. This could include the smell of gas, exposed wires, or discolored soil. If you notice anything unusual, stop digging immediately and contact the utility company.
• Backfill Carefully: When you're backfilling, be careful not to damage any underground lines. Use hand tools to gently pack the soil around the lines, and avoid using heavy machinery in the immediate vicinity.
• Document Everything: Keep a record of your call to 811, the markings on your property, and any precautions you took while digging. This can be helpful if any issues arise later on.

What to Do If You Hit a Line

Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. If you accidentally hit an underground line, here's what you should do:

1. Stop Digging Immediately: The first thing you should do is stop digging. Don't try to cover up the damage or move the line. Just stop what you're doing and assess the situation.
2. Evacuate the Area: If you hit a gas line or an electrical cable, evacuate the area immediately. Move a safe distance away and warn others to stay clear.
3. Call 911: Call 911 to report the damage. They can dispatch emergency responders and notify the relevant utility companies.
4. Notify the Utility Company: Even if you don't think the damage is severe, it's always a good idea to notify the utility company. They can inspect the line and make any necessary repairs.
5. Don't Attempt Repairs Yourself: Leave the repairs to the professionals. Don't try to fix the damage yourself, as this could be dangerous.

Idaho One Call: Your Go-To Resource

Idaho One Call is your primary resource for all things related to digging safely in Idaho. They provide a free service to help you locate underground utilities before you dig. You can reach them by calling 811 or visiting their website.

Benefits of Using Idaho One Call

• Safety: The most important benefit of using Idaho One Call is safety. By locating underground utilities before you dig, you can prevent accidents and injuries.
• Compliance: Calling before you dig is the law in Idaho. By using Idaho One Call, you can ensure that you're in compliance with state regulations.
• Cost Savings: Hitting an underground utility line can be expensive. You could be responsible for the cost of repairs, as well as fines and penalties. Using Idaho One Call can help you avoid these costs.
• Convenience: Idaho One Call makes it easy to locate underground utilities. Simply call 811 or visit their website, and they'll take care of the rest.

Common Misconceptions About "Call Before You Dig"

There are a few common misconceptions about calling before you dig that I want to clear up:

• "It's only for big projects.": Nope! Calling before you dig is important for any project that involves digging, no matter how small. Even if you're just planting a tree, you should call 811.
• "I know where the lines are.": Even if you think you know where the lines are, it's always best to call. Utility lines can shift over time, and your memory might not be accurate.
• "It takes too long.": Calling 811 is quick and easy. It only takes a few minutes to make the call, and it could save you a lot of time and trouble in the long run.
• "It's only for public property.": Calling before you dig is important for both public and private property. If you're digging on your own property, you still need to call 811.

Conclusion: Dig Safe, Idaho Falls!

So there you have it, folks! Calling before you dig is not just a good idea; it's the law, and it's essential for keeping you and your community safe. Whether you're in Idaho Falls or anywhere else in Idaho, remember to dial 811 before you start any digging project. It's a free service that can save you from a whole lot of headaches (and potential dangers). Stay safe, dig smart, and happy landscaping! By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your digging projects in Idaho Falls are safe, compliant, and successful. Always remember, a few minutes of planning can prevent serious accidents and costly damages. So, before you grab that shovel, make the call – it's the responsible thing to do!