SAY HELLO TO GENERATION ALPHA 13 FUN, BOREDOM-BUSTING WEBSITES WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FACEBOOK HACKING AND CLONING? ALWAYS CALL 811 BEFORE YOU DIG ALLIANCE COMMUNICATIONS SIGNAL SUMMER 2025 VOLUME 27 NUMBER 128
2 www.alliancecom.net Contents Copyright© 2025 by Alliance Communications and Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. 2 w .alliance om.net SIGNAL 3 Ultimate Whole Home Wi-Fi Everything you want in Wi-Fi is everything we offer 4 Say Hello to Generation Alpha Meet the first generation to grow up in a fully digital world 8 13 Fun, Boredom-Busting Websites There’s no reason to be bored with these resources available 10 Why Is Fiber Internet Better Than 5G Home Internet? Fiber internet provides much higher speeds and reliability 12 What’s the Difference Between Facebook Hacking and Cloning? Know the risks, spot the signs, and protect your account 14 Always Call 811 Before You Dig Do your part to prevent damage to underground utility lines 8 3 12 4 14 10 General Manager Ross Petrick Editor Amy Ahlers Assistant Editor Marcy Fogarty Signal (USPS #010-984) is published quarterly for $3.07 a year by Alliance Communications, PO Box 349, 612 Third St., Garretson, SD 57030-0349. Subscriptions are sent to all customers. Periodicals postage paid at Garretson, SD, and additional offices. Postmaster send address changes to Alliance Communications, PO Box 349, Garretson, SD 57030-0349. USPS 010-984 No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, electronic, photocopying, recording, mechanical, or otherwise without prior written permission of the publisher. TRADEMARKS – All brand names and product names used in this publication are trade names, service marks, trademarks, or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Signal magazine is an independent magazine and is not affiliated with, nor has it been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation, Google, Pinterest, X, and Facebook. All screen shots are the property of their respective owners. Alliance Communications and Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc. (the Authors and Publishers) hereby disclaim all warranties relating to Signal magazine or its website, whether expressed or implied, including without limitation any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Although the Authors believe the information provided is accurate, the Authors do not have responsibility for any damage or loss of data to a user’s computer caused by utilizing this information. The Authors will not be liable for any special, incidental, consequential, indirect, or similar damages due to loss of data or any other reason when utilizing information/tutorials from Signal magazine or its websites. In no event shall the Authors be liable for any damages, regardless of the form of the claim. The person using the information contained in Signal magazine bears all risk as to the use of the information provided. Alliance Communications and Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc. are not responsible for the quality, performance, or reliability of third-party tools or software.
www.alliancecom.net 3 Everything you WANT inWi-Fi is everything WE OFFER alliancecom.net/whole-home-wi-fi Try Ultimate Whole Home Wi-Fi RISK FREE for two months. If after the two-month promotional period you want to keep the Ultimate plan, the $9.95/month price will begin the following month. It’s a revolutionary personalized service providing safe, fast, reliable internet that covers your whole home. It is managed from the My Alliance Wi-Fi app and powered by the Alliance Gigaspire Blast router. Call us to set yours up today at (605)582-6311. POWERFUL WI-FI IN EVERY CORNER OF YOUR HOME. Alliance Gigaspire Blast router starts with 100% free installation. We will deliver your system, optimize your Wi-Fi coverage, and connect your devices. Your entire home will have coverage with fast, reliable Wi-Fi. CONTROL YOUR LIFE WITH APPLICATIONS AND SERVICES. Enable a guest Wi-Fi network, manage network access with parental controls, and enjoy secure protection from malware and viruses. All from the intuitive Alliance Wi-Fi app. IT’S PEACE OF MIND DELIVERED Enjoy a stress-free, worry-free experience with Wi-Fi installed, supported, and managed by Alliance Communications. Updates, Assistance, Support. That’s reliability you can count on.
SAY HELLO TO GENERATION ALPHA Meet the first generation to grow up in a fully digital world The world is welcoming a new generation—Generation Alpha. Born between 2010 and 2024, these digital natives are growing up in a time of rapid technological advancement, shifting social landscapes, and evolving global challenges. Sometimes referred to as the iPad generation, Generation Alpha is the first to be fully immersed in a world where screens, artificial intelligence, and automation are the norm. These individuals are being raised in an era where technology is an integral part of daily life, seamlessly embedded in their experiences from day one. As they grow, Generation Alpha is set to redefine education, work, entertainment, and social interactions in ways we are only beginning to understand. Unlike Millennials and Gen Z, who witnessed the digital revolution take place, Alphas have never known a world without it. From their first moments, they’ve been surrounded by tablets, smart devices, voice assistants, and instant access to information. This exposure is profoundly shaping their cognitive abilities, learning styles, and communication methods. Early interactions with AI-driven technology are making them more intuitive users of digital tools, with an increasing ability to multitask efficiently. No matter what generation you’re in, we think you’ll find the pages ahead interesting. FAST FACT: Every week, more than 2.5 million Alphas were born globally, making them the largest generational cohort in history. Source:mccrindle.com.au/article/topic/generation-alpha/generation-alpha-defined 4 www.alliancecom.net
www.alliancecom.net 5 To better understand how Generation Alpha fits into the broader societal landscape, here’s a look at the different generations: An Overview of the Generations The Greatest Generation (Born 1901–1927) This generation lived through the Great Depression and then went off to fight in World War II. Due to the current events of this generation, the challenge of raising a family put a premium on traits like hard work and grit. The Silent Generation (Born 1928–1945) The silent generation famously got their name for being so conformist that they were silent through the McCarthy era when the fear of Communism swept the country. During this era, kids were expected to earn their way through life using a strong work ethic. Baby Boom Generation (Born 1946–1964) Boomers are named for the population “boom” that occurred after WWII, and many young people of this generation defied their parents, protested the VietnamWar, and created the “Summer of Love.” Generation X (Born 1965-1979) Often called the “latchkey generation,” Gen Xers grew up with greater independence and adaptability. They witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall, the emergence of personal computers, and the birth of the internet. This generation values work-life balance and is known for its entrepreneurial spirit. Millennials (Born 1980-1994) Millennials grew up alongside the internet, social media, and the transition to a knowledge-based economy. They are characterized by their tech-savviness, collaborative nature, and a preference for experiences over material possessions. Generation Z (Born 1995-2009) Raised in an era dominated by smartphones, streaming services, and social activism, Gen Z is highly connected and values authenticity. They are digital natives who engage in social and political causes online and expect brands and employers to reflect their values. They are also known for their preference for video-based content and short-form communication. Generation Alpha (Born 2010-2024) Born into a world shaped by AI, automation, and personalized digital experiences, Alphas are the most technologically immersed generation yet. They are growing up with interactive learning experiences, and adaptive AI that shapes their education and entertainment. Generation Beta (Born 2025+) Expected to be the most advanced generation in terms of AI integration, Generation Beta will experience unprecedented technological advancements. From AI-driven decision-making to quantum computing, this generation will likely interact with technology in ways that seem futuristic today. Why Is It Called Generation Alpha? The term Generation Alpha was coined by social researcher Mark McCrindle to signify a new beginning. Inspired by the Greek alphabet, Generation Alpha marks the start of a fresh generational cycle, reflecting the idea that these children are growing up in an era of radical innovation and unprecedented change.
6 www.alliancecom.net Technology Is Central to Generation Alpha’s Upbringing Technology is shaping this generation’s social interactions and learning experiences as children, and it will also impact their future work prospects as adults. Digital Natives from Day One Alphas are comfortable navigating smartphones and tablets before they can even read, and they become adept at using their fingers to choose icons on touchscreens. Unlike previous generations who had to learn how to use technology—perhaps in a class—it’s second nature for Alphas. They engage with voice assistants like Alexa, use augmented reality in gaming, and interact with AI-powered learning platforms. AI and Personalized Learning Education is shifting to accommodate Generation Alpha’s learning styles. Schools are adopting AI-powered personalized learning systems that adapt lessons to each child’s pace and ability. Here are some examples: Adaptive Learning Platforms: AI-driven software tailors lesson plans to individual students by analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and learning pace. These platforms adjust content difficulty dynamically, ensuring that each student remains challenged but not overwhelmed. By offering personalized feedback and targeted exercises, adaptive learning helps bridge knowledge gaps, making education more effective and accessible. Examples include platforms like DreamBox, Squirrel AI, and Knewton, which continuously refine their algorithms to optimize student outcomes. Gamified Education Apps: Interactive learning apps incorporate game mechanics such as points, rewards, and leaderboards to boost engagement and motivation. Apps like Duolingo, which gamifies language learning, and Kahoot!, which turns quizzes into exciting competitions, help make education fun and interactive. These apps leverage AI to adapt content difficulty and suggest personalized learning paths, encouraging students to develop skills in a way that feels more like play than traditional study. AI-Driven Assessments: AI-powered assessment tools provide real-time progress tracking and analytics, allowing educators to pinpoint where students need additional support. These systems go beyond traditional testing by analyzing behavioral patterns, response times, and engagement levels to generate deeper insights. Teachers can then offer personalized interventions, while students receive instant feedback and recommendations for improvement. Collaborative Digital Tools: Cloud-based platforms enhance group learning, communication, and project collaboration by allowing students and teachers to interact in real time. Tools like Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams enable seamless sharing of resources, virtual discussions, and remote learning experiences. AI integrations help automate administrative tasks, recommend relevant study materials, and provide accessibility features like real-time transcription, making learning more inclusive for students with diverse needs. These AI-driven innovations are reshaping education, making learning more personalized, engaging, and effective for students worldwide.Are you seeing these developments in your local schools? QUICK TIP: Parents can encourage positive screen time by integrating educational apps and limiting passive content consumption.
www.alliancecom.net 7 Generation Alpha Faces Social Media Challenges Social media is already playing a significant role in the lives of Alphas, even before they’re old enough to create their own profiles. Many parents document their children’s lives online, giving them a digital footprint before they can even type their names. Early Exposure to Social Media While Generation Z was the first to grow up with social media, Generation Alpha is experiencing an even earlier and more integrated exposure. Platforms like YouTube and Instagram are designed with younger audiences in mind, offering educational content, entertainment, and social engagement. Privacy Concerns With children having digital footprints from birth, their online presence can be used in ways they may not fully understand. Digital safety and digital boundaries are critically important. Mental Health Considerations Studies suggest excessive screen time can contribute to anxiety, depression, and decreased attention spans. The pressure of online validation, exposure to unrealistic portrayals of life, and cyberbullying are growing concerns that can impact self-esteem and emotional well-being. Cybersecurity Risks Cyber threats such as identity theft and online predators are becoming more commonplace in this generation. Children must be educated to recognize scams, safeguard personal information, and use strong passwords. Social Development Challenges Over-reliance on digital interactions may limit face-to-face communication skills, reducing emotional intelligence. Misinformation and Digital Literacy With access to vast amounts of online content, Generation Alpha must learn how to critically evaluate information and distinguish credible sources from misleading or harmful content. Addressing these risks through education, digital literacy initiatives, and responsible technology use will help create a safer and more balanced online environment for this tech-savvy generation.What’s more, these strategies are also applicable to members of any generation that’s using technology. Preparing Alphas for the Future Workforce As Generation Alpha enters a workforce shaped by AI, automation, and digital transformation, the skills they develop early will be essential for success. To prepare them, parents and educators should focus on: Adaptability and Lifelong Learning With rapid job market changes, Alphas must embrace continuous learning, critical thinking, and resilience to navigate evolving career landscapes. Creativity and Emotional Intelligence As automation takes over routine tasks, human-centric skills like empathy, communication, and innovation will become key differentiators in the workforce. Coding and Digital Literacy Understanding technology is essential, whether or not they become programmers. Early exposure to coding, AI, and digital ethics will ensure confidence in a tech-driven world. Problem-Solving and Collaboration Future workplaces will value teamwork and critical thinking. Encouraging group projects and leadership skills will prepare them for dynamic, collaborative environments. Entrepreneurship and Self-Sufficiency With the gig economy rising, financial literacy and business skills will empower Alphas to create their own opportunities. By fostering these skills, parents and educators can help Generation Alpha thrive in an innovation-driven world.
8 www.alliancecom.net Let’s face it. Sometimes we all get bored and need to kill time. Maybe you’re on hold with a customer service center and want a fun diversion while you wait. Or maybe you’ve grown tired of the websites you’re in the habit of visiting and are looking for new ones to explore. 13 Fun, Boredom-Busting Websites There’s no reason to be bored with these resources available To give you ideas, we’ve gathered a wide range of potential places to go online when you want to be distracted, entertained, or both. There are websites that will make you laugh, inspire creativity, teach you valuable tips, transport you to another world, and generate memories of long ago. Check out these websites now and find a few that speak to you. That way, the next time you’re bored, you’ll know just what to do. 1. 100,000 Stars stars.chromeexperiments.com This website, created by Google, takes you through an amazing galaxy and beyond. It’s a 3D model of our galaxy, complete with over 100,000 stars that you can explore. It’s highly interactive and allows you to zoom in and out, move around the galaxy, and click on individual stars to learn about them. It’s a stunning visual representation of the vastness and complexity of the universe. 2. Animated Drawings animateddrawings.net Convert your hand-drawn sketches and doodles to animations and bring them to life. You simply upload your picture and select the subject you want to animate. Animated Drawings will animate the subject along with implementing different effects like jumping, running, dancing, singing, and more. You can then share it on social media platforms. 3. ChatGPT chatgpt.com Sure, you can use ChatGPT for serious work tasks like writing emails or summarizing information for reports. But it can be fun to play around with ChatGPT for more enjoyable reasons. You can ask it to suggest locations for your next vacation, brainstorm themes for a child’s birthday party, or give you a seasonal color analysis so you know what shades of clothing will look best on you. ChatGPT can even suggest what to serve for dinner.
www.alliancecom.net 9 4. Freerice Freerice.com If you want a website that can help you pass the time, do some charity, and enhance your vocabulary—all at once—Freerice is for you. Answer brief vocabulary quizzes, and each time you give the right answer, this website will donate 10 grains of rice on your behalf to the UNWorld Food Programme. Private sponsors match the rice grain donations generated within Freerice, triggering a financial payment to WFP. 5. GIPHY giphy.com This website gives you free access to billions of funny and cool GIFs (short looping videos). You’ll see what’s trending on the homepage, and you can also search by categories including Reactions, Entertainment, and Sports to find the perfect GIF for any occasion. GIPHY also has a fun collection of stickers. 6. Google Arts & Culture artsandculture.google.com The website features high-quality images of artworks, virtual tours, and interactive exhibitions, allowing you to immerse yourself in the arts without leaving home. With just a few clicks, you can access museums, galleries, and cultural institutions from around the globe as well as learn about famous artists and explore different cultures and traditions. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a way to pass the time, Google Arts & Culture is the perfect place to discover something new. 7. Map Crunch mapcrunch.com Map Crunch is your ticket to virtually visiting locations around the globe. All you have to do is click the green “Go!” button to instantly get a random Street View of a city. If there’s a country in particular you’d like to visit, select from the list provided in the “Options” window. Once you’ve arrived at a spot, arrows enable you to look around. 8. NASA+ plus.nasa.gov Did you know NASA now has a streaming platform? It offers live events with astronauts as well as a library of new videos and iconic NASA footage including the “Apollo 13: Houston, We’ve Got a Problem” moment. You can also explore this “out of this world” website by topic, ranging from Humans in Space to History. 9. Neal.fun neal.fun You’ll find lots of silly games and quirky information on this little website. Want to design the next iPhone? Here’s your chance. Which famous people were alive in any given year and how old were they? See the answers instantly. Are you able to draw brand logos from memory? Test your abilities here. There are lots of entertaining ways to spend a few minutes at Neal.com. 10. Patatap patatap.com Patatap is a portable animation and sound kit. With the touch of a finger on your computer’s keyboard, it lets you create melodies charged with moving shapes. Don’t expect to create a musical masterpiece. This is just for fun, and you’ll be rewarded with amusing noises and animations. See what happens when you enter your name or any other word that’s on your mind! 11. Quick, Draw! quickdraw.withgoogle.com Are you confident in your drawing skills? Put them to the test using this online guessing game. You’ll be asked to draw a specific item in a few seconds, such as a T-shirt or a speedboat, and let a neural network (a computer system modeled on the human brain and nervous system) try to identify it. 12. This American Life thisamericanlife.org This American Life is a weekly public radio program and podcast. Each week it chooses a theme and puts together different real-life stories and incidents that relate to that theme. More than 700 episodes are available, so you’re sure to find ones that capture your attention, and you can listen to them from the website. 13. Wayback Machine web.archive.org As the name suggests, Wayback Machine is like a time machine for websites on the internet. Scrolling across the homepage are well-known websites from years gone by—yahoo.com from 1996, amazon.com from 2005, foodnetwork.com from 2013, and many more. Don’t be surprised if you say to yourself, “I remember that!”
10 www.alliancecom.net Before we answer those important questions, let’s clear up a common misconception. The abbreviation 5G refers to the fifth generation of wireless technology for cellular networks, which was initially released in 2019. The “G” in 5G does NOT stand for gigabit and has nothing to do with internet speeds. (See the sidebar on page 11 for more details.) Fiber Internet Is More Available OK, now let’s get back to comparing these two internet technologies. A good place to start is by looking at their availability. Neither 5G home internet nor fiber internet services are available everywhere in this country. However, fiber has been around longer. According to the latest data from the Federal Communications Commission, approximately half of U.S. households have access to fiber internet connections. By contrast, 5G home internet service is still fairly new and is more limited. It’s important to note that fiber internet is increasingly available in rural areas thanks to local internet service providers and cooperatives that have built fiber networks—often with help from federal funding. The primary federal funding program currently available for fiber network builds is the “Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program,”which allocates $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access across the United States. Even if you get 5G on your smartphone at home, you may not be able to access 5G home internet for use on your connected devices such as laptops, tablets, TVs, smart home items, etc. This is because cellular providers prioritize their mobile phone customers, and only the extra capacity on their network can be sold to customers as 5G home internet. Why Is Fiber Internet Better Than 5G Home Internet? Fiber internet provides much higher speeds and reliability You may be hearing a lot these days about the 5G home internet offered by cellular providers. But what exactly is 5G? How does it differ from fiber internet? And which type of service will give you and your family the best online experience at home?
www.alliancecom.net 11 GeeWhiz! What Do All the G’s Mean? When it comes to abbreviations in communications technology, the letter G is currently causing some confusion, particularly when it’s paired with the number 5. Hopefully, this will clear things up for you: The G in 5 Gbps stands for Gigabits, as in Gigabits per second—a measurement of internet speed. A 5 Gbps internet plan, also referred to as 5 Gig, is unbelievably fast and equivalent to 5,000 Mbps. The G in 5G stands for generation. This refers to the fifth generation of wireless data networks (the network your phone uses to access the internet and receive cell service). The fifth generation is a step up from the fourth generation of wireless data, which is referred to as 4G or 4G LTE. The G in 5GHz stands for gigahertz — a Wi-Fi frequency. Wi-Fi comes in two frequencies, 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) and 5GHz, to carry Wi-Fi signals. While 5GHz Wi-Fi is faster and better at penetrating network interference, it struggles to travel through walls and has a shorter range of coverage than 2.4GHz. 5G Home Internet How It Works 5G home internet uses the 5G network towers of a cellular company to provide a fixed wireless connection. Speeds will vary by location, depending on how far the customer is from a local tower or transmitter. Speeds Speeds offered by 5G home internet average just 150 Mbps. What’s more, several factors can adversely affect speeds, including network congestion and lineof-sight issues from obstacles such as buildings or terrain. Even inclement weather can slow things down. Reliability 5G home internet can get bogged down by high-traffic demands and technical issues stemming from poor cell service. Fiber Internet How It Works Fiber internet uses fiber-optic cables consisting of bundled strands of glass, which are buried under the ground to provide a direct internet connection. Fiber is the gold standard. Speeds A range of fiber internet plans are typically offered, with speeds up to 2 Gbps (2,000 Mbps) and more. You may also be able to get symmetrical speeds, meaning your uploads are just as fast as your downloads. Reliability Fiber internet has a much larger capacity to carry data and is less prone to technical malfunctions or slowdowns. This results in a connection you can count on, with a proven track record of 99.9% reliability. It’s clear that despite the hype around 5G, fiber remains the go-to connection type for extremely fast and reliable internet. Simply put, you can’t do better than fiber internet. It’s the preferred connection—and the best overall value—for large households with multiple users and devices, people who work from home, online gamers, and streaming enthusiasts. Let’s say both 5G home internet and fiber internet are available to you. Which is the better choice? Here’s a quick summary of key factors to consider. A Side-by-Side Comparison
12 www.alliancecom.net If you’ve ever received messages from friends warning that your Facebook profile was hacked—only to later find out it was actually cloned—you’re not alone. This confusion can lead to unnecessary panic and misinformation. Hacked vs. Cloned While both involve unauthorized activity, hacking and cloning occur in completely different ways and require different responses. Hacking occurs when someone gains direct access to your actual Facebook account, often by stealing your login credentials. A hacker can change your password, lock you out, and misuse your personal information. Cloning happens when a scammer creates a new, fake Facebook profile using your name, profile picture, and public information. This imposter then attempts to trick your friends into accepting their friend request, opening the door to scams and phishing attempts. Knowing how to identify and respond to each of these threats is essential to keeping your social media presence safe. Details on Facebook Hacking A hacked account means someone has gained access to your real Facebook profile, often with malicious intent. Hackers typically use stolen passwords or security vulnerabilities to log in without your permission. Once inside your account, a hacker can: • Change your password and lock you out. • Send spam messages or phishing links to your friends. • Post inappropriate or harmful content. • Steal your personal information for identity theft. • Access linked accounts, such as Instagram or Messenger. HowDoes Facebook Hacking Happen? Hackers use several methods to compromise accounts, including: • Phishing Emails andMessages – You receive a fake email or message pretending to be from Facebook, urging you to click a link and enter your login details. What’s the Difference Between Facebook Hacking and Cloning? Know the risks, spot the signs, and protect your account Many Facebook users mistakenly use the terms “hacking” and “cloning” interchangeably, but they refer to two very different issues. Understanding the distinction is crucial for recognizing potential threats and taking the right steps to secure your account.
www.alliancecom.net 13 • Weak or Reused Passwords – If you use the same password for multiple accounts, a data breach elsewhere could expose your Facebook credentials. • Keyloggers and Malware – Malicious software installed on your device can track what you type and steal your password. • Social Engineering – A hacker may trick you into revealing personal details that help them guess security answers or reset your password. Details on Facebook Cloning A cloned Facebook account is not an actual security breach—it’s a scam. Scammers copy your name, profile picture, and public information to create a fake version of your account. Then, they send friend requests to people on your friends list. Their goal? To trick your friends into thinking it’s really you. Once they gain your friends’ trust, they may: • Send fraudulent messages asking for money. • Share phishing links to steal personal information. • Attempt to access accounts linked to Facebook. • Spread misinformation or harmful content under your name. How Does Facebook Cloning Happen? Unlike hacking, cloning doesn’t require access to your actual account. Scammers simply search for a profile with public photos and friend lists, download the profile picture and any visible photos, create a new account using the same name, and send friend requests to your real friends. Because there’s no direct breach of your account, Facebook does not notify you when a cloned profile is created. You often only find out when a friend messages you asking, “Did you send me another friend request?” What to Do If Your Account Is Hacked If you suspect your Facebook account has been hacked, take these steps: 1. Reset Your Password immediately. 2. Go to Facebook’s Help Center and search for “Recover a hacked Facebook account.” 3. Enable two-factor authentication to prevent future attacks. 4. Check for suspicious activity in your settings. 5. Remove unknown email addresses or linked accounts under Password and Security Settings. What to Do If Your Account Is Cloned 1. Warn your friends not to accept friend requests from the fake account. 2. Report the cloned profile to Facebook. 3. Make your profile more private to reduce the risk of future cloning. 4. Remain vigilant for duplicate friend requests. FAST FACT: Facebook estimates there are up to 60 million cloned Facebook accounts including hundreds of its founder Mark Zuckerberg. Source: https://scamicide.com/2024/04/08/ scam-of-the-day-april-9-2024-facebookcloning-continues-to-be-a-problem
14 www.alliancecom.net To protect these valuable lines, you’re required to call 811 before any digging project—including common ones like planting trees and shrubs or installing fences and mailboxes—to have underground utilities located and marked. The goal is to avoid serious problems that can result when digging takes place on unmarked property. According to Common Ground Alliance, telecommunications facilities accounted for nearly half of reported damages in 2023, followed by natural gas at about 40%. Utility lines can be buried just inches below the surface of your yard. That’s why it’s important to have hidden lines marked prior to any digging. Accidental damage to an underground utility line can cause inconvenient disruptions to your service, require costly repairs, or even inflict bodily harm. Here are the steps to take before you dig: 1. Contact 811. 811 is the national call-before-you-dig number. Every yard project that requires digging, no matter how big or small, warrants a quick call to 811. Calling this number connects you to your local one-call utility notification center and/or you can check out your state 811 center website by visiting call811.com/811-In-Your-State. 2. Gather the necessary information. Beyond giving the address of where you plan to dig, you’ll also be asked to provide the county and nearest cross street, as well as the type of project and the area on the property where you’re planning to dig. Requesting that the approximate location of buried utilities be marked with paint or flags will save you from unintentionally digging into an underground utility line. 3. Plan ahead. Remember to call 811 or input a request online several business days prior to digging, even for common projects like planting trees or installing fences. The specific amount of advance notice that you are required to provide varies by state. 4. Keep track of your ticket. Upon your request, you will receive a ticket number and specific instructions for when utilities must respond, as well as how to receive confirmation that you can begin digging. Always Call 811 Before You Dig April is National Safe Digging Month and a reminder to do your part The United States has around 20 million miles of underground utility lines including those for water, power, and communications. This is more than one football field’s length of buried utilities for every person in the country.
www.alliancecom.net 15 5. Wait for utilities to mark. Utility companies will then send out a locator to your dig site to mark the approximate location of buried utilities with color-coded markings. This marking system is meant to safely identify, locate, and protect buried lines for both you and utility personnel. Using paint, flags, or stakes, certain colors indicate different utilities, such yellow for gas lines and red for electric power lines. (See the sidebar for more details.) Once you’ve called 811 and confirmed that all the necessary utilities fulfilled your request, you can grab a shovel and get busy digging. Just make sure you stay away from the marked areas. 811 Only Covers Public Utilities It’s important to make the distinction between public and private utilities. All public utilities are responsible for maintaining their underground facilities. Part of that responsibility includes registering with 811 so their lines may be located for free. A private utility, however, is owned and maintained by the property owner and is not registered with 811. It’s the responsibility of the homeowner to have their private utilities located at their own expense. Common examples of private utilities include: • Sprinkler or irrigation systems • Electric running to a detached garage or shop • Lines connected to a propane tank or septic system • Gas lines underground for grills and outdoor fire pits • Electric dog fence If you have private utilities on your property, you must contact a private utility locating company to have those lines marked. This is in addition to calling 811 to have public utilities located. Do You Know the Color Code of Locate Crews? After you call 811, locate crews from member utility companies are told where you are planning to dig, and they will typically arrive within a few days to mark the location of underground utility lines. These markings may be done with paint or flags and will use this universal color code: • Red – Electric power lines • Pink – Temporary survey markings • Orange – Communications lines, cables, or conduit • Blue – Potable water • Green – Sewer and drain lines • Yellow – Gas/petroleum pipeline • Purple – Reclaimed water • White – Premark site of intended excavation After these crews have completed their work, check the digging area carefully before proceeding with your project. Make sure to dig carefully around the marks and not on them, consider relocating projects that are close to buried utilities. Some utility lines may be buried at a shallow depth, and an unintended shovel thrust can bring you right back to square one, facing potentially dangerous and/or costly consequences. Safe digging is no accident. Always call 811 before you dig.
Dial 611 from any phone with Alliance service or call (605) 582-6311 from your cell phone. www.alliancecom.net Baltic Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Brandon Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. – Noon Garretson Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 612 Third Street / PO Box 349 Garretson, SD 57030-0349 WE CONGRATULATE TheseWinners from Spring 2025: $30 - Brian or Kelly Koedam $30 - Ryan or Nicole Kohlmeyer $30 - Jim Symens WIN CREDIT on Your Alliance Bill Just return this coupon by September 30, 2025. Automatic Bank Payment customers are automatically entered into the drawing. To sign up for Automatic Bank Payment, just fill out the form on the back of your next bill. Name ____________________________________________ Email ____________________________________________ Telephone # _______________________________________ Not only will you reduce paper clutter, but you’ll also have extra money in your bank account. After you sign up to receive your bill online, you’ll receive an email from Alliance on or before the first of the month that lets you know your bill is ready to view on Alliance’s website. Then just login to estatement.alliancecom.net/ebill to view your bill. Call 605-582-6311 with any questions. HERE’S HOW YOU SIGN UP TO RECEIVE YOUR BILL ONLINE: 1. Go to estatement.alliancecom.net/ebill and register for an account or sign in. 2. Then click on the Settings tab. 3. Next click on the General tab. 4. Under Invoice Preferences, select Web Bill Only. 5. Click on the Change Preferences button. Then the one-time $25 credit will appear on your bill within two months. If you need help signing up, contact us here. This is a limited time offer and is only valid one time per account.
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