By: Megan Palera
mpalera@klkntv.com
Officials want you to remember these four words: call before you dig. Even if it's just a tree going in your backyard, better to be safe than sorry.
It's the third gas leak in a 24-hour period and one of four in just two days. Construction crews getting through a four to six inch gas main near 7th and N Street Tuesday morning causing an evacuation.
"A breeze would have probably helped us out a little bit today but then you always have additional evacuation concerns depending on the direction of the wind," said Battalion Chief with LFR, Jeanne Pashalek.
Before this, crews responded to two other gas leaks Monday. The fourth happened next door to Marty Haferman Tuesday afternoon. There seemed to be some confusion as to where the gas line ran in the front yard. Neighbors say it wasn't clearly marked.
"One of the first things when we moved in here, I called diggers hotline just to make sure where everything was," said Haferman.
So Lincoln officials are reminding everyone to follow the law and call before you dig. It's simple, just dial 811. Crews will come out to your house and mark where the underground utilities are and where it's safe to dig. It's free and most importantly it's safe.
Not to mention it will save you from a big toxic mess in the future. "It has saved me a headache. I haven't had to worry about anything yet so far. I've had them come back because I forget where they are," said Haferman.
In the last month, there have been 12 gas lines hit. One thing to be aware of because it is so hot and dry, officials warn the Earth is shifting and could cause some of those lines to shift as well.
