Spring Digging Season: Why Every Homeowner Must Contact 811 for Safety

Spring Digging Season: Prioritize Safety with 811

As spring unfolds, it marks the beginning of the digging season, a time when many homeowners across the United States initiate outdoor projects. According to a new national survey, nearly 74% of American homeowners intend to undertake some sort of digging this spring, with estimates suggesting over 60 million households will be breaking ground. However, concerning statistics reveal that more than 10 million homeowners plan to dig without first reaching out to 811, the designated service for safe digging practices. This lack of precaution is alarming, as it poses significant risks not only to personal safety but also to property and community infrastructure.

Striking an underground utility line can result in service interruptions, serious injuries, and repair expenses that can escalate rapidly. Many don’t realize how shallow utility lines often are; these lines, which can be gas, electric, water, sewer, or telecommunications, may lie just a few inches beneath the surface. Bill Kiger, President and CEO of Pennsylvania 811, points out, "With tens of millions of digging projects planned this year, the scale of activity alone makes safe digging practices more important than ever. Contacting 811 takes just a few minutes and can prevent a disaster. There is no project too small to warrant that call."

Why Homeowners Skip 811

A prevalent misconception among homeowners is that their digging projects—whether it be planting a tree, installing a mailbox, or setting a fence—are too shallow to pose any risk. This assumption leads to dangerous practices that could jeopardize safety and disrupt utility services. It’s crucial for homeowners to understand that no digging project is entirely exempt from the potential of hitting an underground utility line.

Steps for Safe Digging

1. Contact 811 Before You Dig: Always reach out to 811 at least a few days before starting any digging. This applies regardless of the size or depth of your project.
2. Plan Your Digging Project: For weekend projects, place your request early in the week to ensure utility companies have adequate time to mark lines.
3. Confirm Markings: Ensure that all utility lines are marked before beginning any work to prevent accidents.
4. Adjust Plans if Necessary: If your planned project is too close to marked utility lines, consider relocating it.
5. Verify with Contractors: If you hire contractors, make sure they also request utility markings to avoid any issues during their work.

How the 811 Process Works

When you contact 811, you will be connected to a local call center that will relay your request to utility companies operating in your area. Following this, professional locators will visit the digging site to mark the approximate location of underground utilities using color-coded paint or flags. Once property markings are completed, you can proceed to dig cautiously while steering clear of the identified utility lines.

"Making a quick 811 request before digging is a simple step that can prevent dangerous and costly mistakes," Kiger states. "Our goal is to raise awareness and encourage responsible digging practices to ensure safety within our communities and to avoid unnecessary utility disruptions."

Conclusion

The warm weather brings the urge to undertake various outdoor projects; however, the importance of safety cannot be overstated. Homeowners are encouraged to prioritize contacting 811 before initiating any digging endeavors to safeguard themselves, their property, and the welfare of their communities. For more detailed information about safe digging practices, visit www.811beforeyoudig.com or www.paonecall.org. By taking these precautions, we can work together to prevent accidents and enhance public safety in our neighborhoods.