DID YOU KNOW?
Calling 811 before digging results in a 99% chance of avoiding utility damage. [2]
KNOW THE RISK
- Hitting an underground line while excavating can lead to serious injury, service outages, or costly repairs. [1]
- Contact with underground electrical lines can cause electrocution or burns, even if the equipment doesn't seem damaged.
- Gas line strikes pose immediate explosion and fire hazards, potentially affecting entire neighborhoods.
- Cutting fiber optic lines may not be dangerous to you — but the downtime and cost to restore them can be massive.
MITIGATE THE RISK
1. Call 811 Before You Dig
- 811 is the national “Call Before You Dig” number. It connects you to local utility locators who will mark buried lines at no charge. [1]
2. Use 811 for Any Excavation, Not Just Construction
- Planting trees, installing fences, digging a garden, or building a deck — any digging project may hit buried utilities. Always make the call or submit a request online. [1]
3. Call a Few Days in Advance
- Utility companies typically need a few business days to mark lines. Don’t wait until the morning of your project to submit your request.
4. Respect the Flags and Markings
- Colored markings indicate specific types of utility lines. Dig with caution near them, and never remove or ignore markings.
EXCAVATION SAFETY REMINDER
It only takes one bad strike to cause an emergency. Call 811 or submit a request before any digging — even if it seems like a small project. It’s free, fast, and could prevent a disaster.