With warmer weather approaching and spring home improvement projects beginning, Gov. Eric Holcomb recently proclaimed April as Indiana Safe Digging Month.
The proclamation serves as a reminder for Indiana professional excavators and homeowners to contact Indiana 811, the statewide 811 Before You Dig center, at least two full working days before starting any outdoor digging projects.
According to a recent survey by the Common Ground Alliance, the national association dedicated to protecting underground utility lines, people who dig near them and their communities, nearly six in 10 U.S. homeowners (58%) reported experiencing a utility service interruption during the last 12 months.
In addition, nearly 34.9 million U.S. homeowners who plan to dig this year will put themselves and their communities at risk by digging without contacting 811 beforehand to learn the approximate location of underground utilities.
“We join Gov. Holcomb in strongly encouraging individuals and companies to contact 811 before they begin digging,” said Justin Sell, executive director of Indiana 811. “This spring and summer, homeowners and professionals alike will be completing various projects that require digging, and it is imperative that they always contact Indiana 811 beforehand. By having underground lines marked, homeowners can help keep themselves and their communities safe and connected.”
After submitting a ticket by visiting indiana811.org or calling 811, the utility companies who have assets in the dig area will be notified. Professional locators will then visit the dig site to mark the approximate location of underground utility lines with spray paint, flags or both. Once a site has been accurately marked, it is safe to begin digging around the marked areas.
As part of National Safe Digging Month, Indiana 811 encourages homeowners to take the following five steps to safe digging when planning any projects: Plan your project, contact Indiana 811, wait for the marks, confirm the marks and dig with care.
For information about 811 and safe digging practices, visit indiana811.org.
Indiana 811 is a nonprofit corporation made up of member operators of underground facilities in Indiana designed to reduce the number of damages to buried utilities and promote safe digging statewide. This free service helps prevent damage incidents that can result in millions of dollars in property damage, the interruption of utility service, personal injuries and even loss of life.
Indiana’s Call Before You Dig law requires everyone who digs to contact Indiana 811 at least two full working days before starting a project. All underground utility owners and operators are required by law to be members of Indiana 811.
Indiana 811’s mission is to lead Indiana in promoting safety and preventing damage to underground facilities by providing coordination and notification services at a reasonable cost.