#United States #Pennsylvania 811 #Safe Digging #West Mifflin #underground utilities

Protect Your Community: Contact PA 811 Before You Dig

The state of Pennsylvania is once again reminding its residents about the critical importance of safety when it comes to digging projects. Using the 8-1-1 calendar date as a prompt, Pennsylvania 811 urges everyone to make that simple call before starting any digging task. Whether you plan to plant a tree, install a mailbox, or embark on a significant construction project, contacting 811 is essential to have underground utilities properly marked. This proactive step helps avoid accidents, service disruptions, and hefty repair costs.

Unfortunately, accidents happen far too often when individuals fail to reach out to 811. Every few minutes, an underground utility line is damaged because someone digs without checking. Striking a buried utility line can lead to disastrous outcomes, including disrupting essential services, incurring substantial repair bills, injuries, or in the worst-case scenario, fatalities. Therefore, every digging project, regardless of its scale, necessitates a request to 811 at least three business days before you start.

Bill Kiger, President and CEO of Pennsylvania 811, emphasizes the significance of this simple yet vital procedure. "On August 11 and every day, we remind homeowners and contractors to use 811 before they dig," he stated. "This simple step protects you, your property, and your entire community. It’s free, it’s fast, and it can prevent a life-changing mistake.”

Essential Steps for Safe Digging

Planning a digging project? Follow these essential guidelines to enhance safety and minimize risks:
1. Contact 811 Three Business Days in Advance: No matter how well you know your property or the size of the project, it's crucial to make your request at least three business days ahead of time.
2. Plan Your Requests Early in the Week: If your project is set for the weekend, ensure that you submit your request early in the week to allow adequate time for marking utilities.
3. Wait for Response and Marking: Do not begin any digging until you have confirmed that all utility lines have been marked and you have received responses.
4. Respect the Utility Markings: Dig carefully and ensure you respect all markings provided by the utility service.
5. Ensure Contractors are Compliant: If you have hired a contractor, double-check that they have contacted 811 before commencing any digging. Unmarked digging should never be permitted.

The Mission Behind Pennsylvania 811

Pennsylvania 811's mission is to promote safety and minimize damage to underground facilities throughout the state. That's why they're so committed to educating residents about this important service through various channels. Their website (www.paonecall.org) is an excellent resource for learning more about safe digging techniques and submitting requests for utility marking.

By calling 811 in advance of any digging project, you play a vital role in protecting not only your safety but also the well-being of your entire community. Let’s work together to prevent accidents and ensure everyone has access to the essential services they rely on every day.