Quick Start Guide Electric Utilities

SECTION 03: KEY SAFETY MESSAGES

Who: Key Audiences The target audiences for this topic are the general public and professional excavators. General Public • Adults • The adult “do-it-yourself” audience, people who frequent home improvement stores, rent digging or excavating equipment, etc.

Excavators • Construction companies • Excavation companies • Landscape companies • Public works departments

For additional information and resources that may assist in getting your “Call 811 Before You Dig” message to excavators, visit the Common Ground Alliance and call 811 websites.

What: Core Messages The core message is the most important point or essential idea to be understood and remembered by the target audience. For this topic, the core message is: Contact with an energized underground power line may result in power outages and serious injuries or fatalities. By law, you must notify the local one-call system (811) before you dig or move earth in any way. If you do not comply with safe-digging laws, you risk contacting underground facilities; if a dig-in occurs, you may be fined and held financially responsible for outage and repair costs and any resulting damages.

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Developing a Public Safety Communications Program