Utility Safety Experts Urge Homeowners to Call 811 Before Digging to Prevent Accidents
TL;DR
Calling 811 before digging gives you an edge by preventing costly damage and ensuring safety.
Before digging, call 811 or visit call811.com to have utility lines marked to avoid hitting them.
Calling 811 makes the world safer by preventing accidents, injuries, and loss of utility services.
27 million homeowners plan to dig without calling 811, risking danger and loss of services. Make the call!
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Utility safety experts are urging homeowners and contractors to call 811 before beginning any excavation work as spring arrives and outdoor projects commence. This simple action can prevent serious injuries, utility service disruptions, and potentially life-threatening accidents that occur when underground utility lines are damaged. A recent survey by the Common Ground Alliance revealed a concerning statistic: 27 million U.S. homeowners plan to dig this year without contacting utility locator services, putting individuals and entire communities at significant risk.
Pennsylvania law mandates that both homeowners and contractors call 811 at least three business days before any excavation work. The service is free for homeowners and requires only a small annual fee for contractors. When calling, individuals should be prepared to provide specific details about the project's location, type of work, method of excavation, and expected duration. Underground utility lines, including gas, water, sewer, electric, phone, and cable television networks, can be inadvertently damaged without proper location marking.
Professional utility locators will mark these underground lines with paint or flags, helping prevent unintentional strikes during digging projects. Chris Brown, UGI Utilities Vice President of Operations, emphasized the importance of this safety measure: "UGI wants every dig on every project to be a safe one. Whether it is a small project or a major one, the same rule applies: call 811." The Common Ground Alliance provides extensive resources about safe digging practices at https://www.commongroundalliance.com.
In addition to underground utility safety, experts also remind workers to be cautious around above-ground electrical facilities, as any contact with power lines can be fatal. The implications of not calling 811 extend beyond individual safety to potential widespread utility outages, costly repairs, and legal liabilities for property owners and contractors. As National Safe Digging Month continues, residents are encouraged to prioritize safety and take the simple, proactive step of calling 811 before beginning any excavation project. More information about utility safety regulations and procedures can be found at https://www.puc.pa.gov.
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