Tuesday, April 14, 2015

What can happen when you cut cable lines


   People across northern Arizona couldn't use the Internet, their cellphones or landlines for several hours after someone vandalized a fiber-optic line that brings communications to a large part of the state, officials said. Businesses couldn't process credit card transactions, ATMs didn't function, law enforcement databases were unavailable, and even weather reports were affected.
   Authorities said 911 service was being supplemented with hand-held radios and alternate phone numbers. Water and sewer facilities switched to manual operations, and residents needed cash to make utility and court payments. 911 lines were limited Wednesday afternoon and authorities couldn't access law enforcement databases. Weather reports from the region weren't able to reach anyone. During their evening newscasts, television stations showed blank spaces on their weather maps where local temperatures would normally appear.

Be safe! Call Julie 811 before any digging project.


Even the most cautious excavator or homeowner can occasionally cause damage to a buried line. If a utility line is damaged or dislocated, state law requires that the person responsible for the excavation or demolition immediately notify the affected utility and then contact JULIE at 811 or 800-892-0123.

Please be prepared to give the following information to the JULIE call center agent:
  • JULIE Dig Number
  • Type of underground line damaged (pipe, cable, etc.)
  • Affected utility, if known
  • The location of the damaged line at the excavation site
JULIE’s call center agents may be able to assist with contact numbers for notifying utility owners.

In the event of a potentially dangerous situation, including the escape of any flammable, toxic or corrosive gas or liquid, state law requires the person doing the excavation to do the following:
  • Immediately stop digging and evacuate the area
  • Call 911 and notify the authorities
  • Contact the owners of the underground lines
DO NOT attempt to repair, clamp or constrict the damaged utility unless under the supervision of the utility owner.

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