Safe Digging Month is a reminder to ‘call before you dig’

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - April is Safe Digging Awareness Month to remind people that a number of pipelines, wires, and cables are buried in the ground beneath and around their homes, and to promote the importance of knowing what’s buried before doing any outdoor projects.

Homeowners planning to do outdoor projects such as landscaping, installing a fence, or adding a deck onto their home, are encouraged to call 811 first.

Knowing where underground utility lines are buried before you start a project can protect you from the risk of serious bodily injury, service disruptions, and unnecessary repairs due to damaged gas, electric, communications, water, and sewer lines

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, if someone calls 811 before they dig, they have a 99% chance of avoiding contact with a utility pipeline.

The service is free and required by law before any excavation can begin. Once a utility company is notified, the company will send a representative to your property to mark underground lines with paint and flags.

Click here to submit a “locate request” online instead of actually dialing 811.

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