Calling 811 Before Digging: The Key to Safe Excavation
The importance of calling 811 before starting any excavation project cannot be overstated. With millions of miles of buried utility lines crisscrossing the United States, the potential for unintentionally hitting a gas line, electrical cable, or water main is very real. This is why calling 811, the national call-before-you-dig number, is crucial to preventing injuries, property damage, and disruptions to essential services.
This service is not limited to large-scale construction projects; even small digging endeavors like planting trees or installing a fence or mailbox require that you contact 811. Regardless of the scope of the project, the process is the same: call 811 or visit your state 811 center’s website a few business days before digging to request that utilities mark the location of buried lines with paint or flags.
Once the request is made, utilities will send locators to mark the areas where their lines are buried. This ensures that when you begin digging, you can avoid the potentially hazardous lines and prevent accidents. Additionally, erosion and root growth can shift the locations of buried lines over time, making it essential to call 811 every time you dig, even if it’s in the same yard.
The consequences of not calling 811 can be severe. Striking a buried utility line can lead to serious injuries, significant property damage, and costly repairs, not to mention the potential fines that may be imposed. Moreover, it can disrupt services to entire neighborhoods. Given the serious risks involved, it is crucial that homeowners, contractors, and excavators of all kinds make calling 811 an integral part of their excavation planning.
April is recognized as Safe Digging Month, a national effort to raise awareness about the importance of calling 811 before starting any digging projects. By spreading the word and making this simple call, we can greatly reduce the number of accidents and disruptions caused by unintentionally hitting buried utility lines.
By taking the necessary precautions and calling 811, you not only protect yourself and your community but also ensure that essential services remain uninterrupted. Make the call and dig safely.
In practice, this means:
- Calling 811 or visiting your state 811 center’s website a few business days before digging.
- Providing detailed information about the project location and scope.
- Waiting for utilities to respond and mark the buried lines with paint or flags.
- Digging carefully around marked areas to avoid accidental contact with utilities.
