KELOWNA – The line gas companies have been using for generations is still being ignored by a lot of people.

Dial before you dig.

FortisBC has been keeping track of numbers.

In 2013 in Kelowna, 2,049 followed the old adage and phoned up B.C. One Call.

The statistic that worries the gas company is the 26 natural gas pipelines that were damaged.

Not only could you blow up yourself and your neighbours, you could be on the hook for the cost of repairs. That bill can be in the thousands of dollars.

When you call you get up-to-date information on where the underground pipes and wires are.

Plus it’s a free service.

“Whether you’re planting a rose bush or installing a new fence, it’s important to call or click before you dig,” FortisBC Damage Prevention and Emergency Services manager Ian Turnbull said in a media release.

FortisBC’s safe digging tips:

– Call BC One Call toll-free at 1-800-474-6886 (or *6886 from any cell phone) at least three business days before you start digging, or open an e-ticket at bconecall.bc.ca. BC One Call will contact its members with underground facilities in the area and you’ll be provided with requested information at no cost.

– Have all location information on site and refer to it during any digging.

– Use the information to locate and mark lines and maintain the markings until digging is underway.

– HAND DIG FIRST to locate and carefully expose natural gas pipelines, underground electrical wires and other utilities before using mechanical equipment like backhoes or augers

To learn more about safe digging practices, visit fortisbc.com/digsafe.

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