Happy 8/11 Day! Want to avoid expensive and potentially catastrophic disasters while digging? It’s as simple as contacting 811 before you dig! Whether you’re a homeowner digging for the first time or a seasoned professional, it’s crucial to contact 811 a few days in advance to have underground utilities marked. Stay safe this summer! For more information visit call811.com.

The Underground Facility Protection Act, better known as the “One Call Law,” was signed into law in October 1994. This law requires that anyone digging must call 1-800-272-1000 or 811, so that operators can markout their underground utilities. Anyone digging (schools, police, public safety, public works, municipalities and homeowners) to install, remove or replace trees, tree stumps, curbs, street and signposts, mailbox posts, fences, construct decks, additions, or create new gardens, etc. must call 1-800-272-1000 or 811.

The one call system will notify the operators of underground facilities to markout your planned activity. You must wait three business days for your mark out and not more than ten days before you start your project. Your notification is suitable for 45 business days. The person/company doing the excavation is required to call the center. The information needed to process your request is as follows: Name, address, the dig address and the nearest intersection, how deep you are digging, the type of work, and where you need the property marked out. You cannot work outside the scope of work stated on your request. You must hand dig within 2 feet of markouts before using mechanized equipment. Be sure to have this information available when you call the Center. You will receive a ticket number, which you should keep until your project is safely completed.

The one call center is not responsible for markouts. If you should find that your property is marked, it means that someone has requested that utility markout in your area to ensure your safety.

For your reference, the color code markings for utilities are: Red (electric); yellow (gas, oil, dangerous materials, product and steam lines); Orange (CATV communication); Blue (water); Green (sewer); White (proposed excavation).

Here’s How It Works:

  • Always call the one call center before digging within the required time frame at 1-800-272-1000 or 811.
  • Be ready with all-important information: the municipality, street address, extent of work, caller’s name, contact person name, address and phone numbers.
  • Wait for the site to be marked. Marking can be in colored paint, flags or stakes.
  • Respect and protect the facility operator’s marks. Note the color of all markings used and what type of facilities they indicate.
  • Dig with care. Always hand dig within two feet on either side of any marked lines.
  • If damage, dislocation or disturbance of an underground utility line occurs, immediately notify the affected facility, utility or pipeline.
  • If damage creates an emergency, take immediate steps to safeguard health and property.

Results of Not Calling:

  • Personal injury, including loss of life.
  • Damage to the environment.
  • Costly property damage.
  • Damage to these utility lines: telecommunications, electricity, gas, sewer, and water.
  • Expensive delays and repairs.
  • Legal ramifications.
  • Civil penalties.

If you need further information visit call811.com.