Call 811 before digging to keep the utilities working this spring

 It’s that time of year again whenin many parts of the country, you can finally put away the snow shovel and bring out the one designed for digging. Before you begin digging, or allow the professionals to break ground in your yard, remember to call 811 to ensure digging doesn’t disrupt underground utility lines, says the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the association dedicated to protecting underground utilities and the people who dig near them.

Utility services that your family depends on, such as cable TV, high-speed Internet, landline telephone, electric, gas, water and sewer, are buried underground in many communities. Unintentionally striking one of these lines can result in inconvenient outages for entire neighborhoods, harm to yourself or someone else, and repair costs.

When you dial 811 several days before you plan to start your digging project, a local one call center representative will collect your information and notify local utility companies of your intent to dig. A professional locator will then visit the dig site to mark the approximate location of all underground utility lines with spray paint or flags. Once your site has been marked, it is safe to begin digging around the marked areas.

CGA member 3M and NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, driver of the #16 3M car, have teamed up with CGA to promote 811 by placing the safety message on Biffle’s car during the April 25 race at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala., during National Safe Digging Month.

“As a do-it-yourselfer, and someone who is known for being hands-on when it comes to my activities off the track, I strongly encourage everyone to call 811 before breaking ground to have all underground utility lines marked,” said Biffle. “This simple call will help you avoid cutting a cable or electric line, or any other utility for that matter, keeping you and your neighbors safe and connected, and ensuring you don’t miss a minute of action on race day or any other day.”

No matter the type of project – putting in a mailbox, installing a fence, planting trees or shrubbery, building a patio or deck, or excavating a new garden area – make sure to call 811 several days prior to digging to have your site properly marked. Visit Call811.com for more safe digging tips and state-specific information.

Courtesy of ARAcontent