#United States #Duke Energy #Charlotte, N.C. #Piedmont Natural Gas #811 Day

Importance of Calling 811 Before Digging

On August 11th of every year, communities across the country recognize National Safe Digging Day, also known as 811 Day. This initiative urges homeowners, contractors, and anyone involved in excavation projects to make a crucial phone call before starting to dig. Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas are leading the charge in promoting this important safety protocol to help protect life and property.

Understanding 811 and Its Importance

The concept of calling 811 stems from an initiative led by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). This nationwide program aims to prevent accidents related to underground utilities. When a call is made to the toll-free number 811, a designated center takes in the request and promptly communicates with local utility companies to mark the locations of underground lines. This service helps to eliminate the risk of unintentionally hitting electric, gas, water, sewer, cable, or telecommunications lines.

Risks of Not Calling 811

Unfortunately, many individuals neglect this essential step, leading to concerning statistics. Duke Energy and Piedmont reported around 4,500 incidents of damage to underground electric and natural gas lines in just the first half of 2026. The report highlighted over 1,300 damages to natural gas lines and more than 3,100 to electric lines across their service areas, which include North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana. In 2025 alone, nearly 9,800 damages were reported, emphasizing the dire consequences of failing to mark utility lines before digging.

Safety First: Protecting Communities

Emily Henson, President of Duke Energy's Natural Gas Division, reminds us of the importance of this simple, free step. She states, "As summer projects wrap up and fall projects begin, remember to call 811 before you dig. This not only helps avoid costly damages but also protects you and your community from potential hazards."

How to Properly Contact 811

For anyone planning an outdoor project that involves digging, the process is straightforward. It is recommended to call 811 at least three business days before the planned excavation date. Local utility companies send out professionals who will mark the underground infrastructure using flags, stakes, or paint. This provides clear visual guidance for diggers to ensure they avoid damaging utilities.

Resources and Next Steps

For further information about the 811 process, individuals can visit Call 811 Before You Dig. It's essential to remember this valuable resource is available to ensure the safety of everyone involved in excavation projects. If you're unsure of how to initiate the process or have any questions, simply dialing 811 will connect you with your local 811 center.

Conclusion

With National Safe Digging Day serving as a reminder, the call to action is clear: prioritize safety by calling 811 before any digging work begins. Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas stress that this single step can save lives and prevent unnecessary economic loss. By following this protocol, we can work together to create safer communities, and ensure that our underground utility systems remain intact while we complete our projects.