August 11 is Safe Digging Day, also referred to as National 811 Day, and EEI and our member companies are reminding customers to call 811 before they dig to help prevent injuries, property damage, and utility outages.

According to the Common Ground Alliance, nearly 40 percent of homeowners planning to dig this year will put utility service at risk by not calling 811 before they get started.

Underground utilities, including electric lines, natural gas pipelines, telephone cables, and water lines, are located everywhere, including private property. Sometimes, they are just inches below the surface.

That is why it’s critical that you call 811 at least three days before starting any digging projects on your property, including installing a fence or mailbox or planting trees and flower beds.

When you call 811:

• Your state 811 center will notify your local utility companies of the planned digging site.
• Within a few business days, your local utilities will send out locators to mark buried lines with paint or flags.
• Your state’s 811 center will explain the process to confirm that all utilities have responded to your request and will ask you to check the request status before digging.

Whether you are a homeowner or a contractor, respecting the markings is critical to ensuring that you are not putting yourself or your community in harm’s way. It also can save you from potentially paying hefty fines if you hit underground utility lines.

Visit the Call 811 website to learn more.