Norwich — If your drone didn't come home, you might try calling Norwich Public Utilities.

NPU announced Wednesday that a Promark VRP drone, weighing approximately 1.5 pounds, was found Tuesday morning during a routine inspection of the Occum water tank. The drone owner is asked to contact NPU at (860) 887-2555 to arrange for its return.

NPU is using Tuesday’s discovery to remind the public of the importance of using drones safely, particularly in relation to utility infrastructure.

“As drones become more popular, it is very important that operators understand the considerable safety concerns associated with their use,” NPU General Manager John Bilda said in a news release on the incident. “Drones can be fun — and helpful — but only when they are used safely, and never near power lines or any other utility infrastructure.”

NPU encourages drone users to follow the Federal Aviation Administration’s “I Fly Safe” checklist for safe operation of drones. The list includes:

[naviga:ul]

[naviga:li]fly below 400 feet[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]fly only within a visual line of sight[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]be aware of FAA airspace requirements[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]never fly over groups of people, or above stadiums or sporting events[/naviga:li]

[/naviga:ul]

NPU also urges drone users to be aware of public utility equipment and facilities, such as electric distribution and transmission lines, substations, wastewater treatment plants, water treatment plants and reservoirs.

For more information, visit www.knowbeforeyoufly.org.