National Safe Digging Month: A Call to Action for Homeowners and Contractors Alike

BRYN MAWR, PA — With the arrival of spring, the ground thaws and many Americans turn their thoughts to outdoor projects ranging from landscaping upgrades to home improvements. It’s also the time of year that Peoples Natural Gas, a subsidiary of Essential Utilities, Inc., reminds everyone, from professional contractors to weekend warriors, of the critical importance of making a simple phone call before breaking ground. April marks National Safe Digging Month, a campaign that urges individuals to dial 811 at least three business days prior to starting any digging project.

The emphasis on this precaution stems from the potential dangers lurking beneath our feet. Invisible to the eye, a network of utility lines—including natural gas pipelines, water mains, and electrical cables—crisscross underneath properties. Accidental strikes against these lines during digging activities can have catastrophic consequences, from service disruptions to serious injuries or even fatalities.

Lynda Petrichevich, Peoples Senior Director of Process Operations, highlights the stakes involved. “The most frequent cause of gas incidents is when lines are hit and damaged,” she states. This underscores a fundamental truth: what we don’t see can indeed hurt us, making the act of calling 811 not just a safety measure but a civic duty.

The process laid out by Pennsylvania 811 is straightforward and free for homeowners. After placing a call to 811 or 1-800-242-1776 (for those calling from outside the state), utility companies are notified and send locators to mark the positions of underground lines. These markers serve as a guide for safe excavation, helping to avoid accidental damage. Should any damage occur, immediate notification of the utility provider is imperative to prevent further hazards.

The importance of this procedure is magnified by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), a national nonprofit trade association focused on protecting underground utilities and the communities above them. In 2023, the CGA launched the “50 in 5” challenge, aiming to slash damages to critical underground utilities by half within five years. Achieving this ambitious goal hinges on the consistent and effective use of the 811 service, proving that a simple phone call can play a pivotal role in safeguarding infrastructure and lives.

Peoples Natural Gas and Aqua Pennsylvania, another Essential Utilities company, stand as vocal advocates for the 811 system. Their message during National Safe Digging Month—and indeed throughout the year—is unequivocal: Call Before You Dig. This plea extends beyond mere compliance with the law; it’s a call to action for preserving the safety and well-being of entire communities.

The implications of ignoring this advice are profound. Striking a natural gas line can lead to explosions, while severing a water main disrupts essential services. Electrical lines pose immediate danger upon contact, and telecommunications cables, when cut, can isolate residents from emergency services. Beyond the immediate physical dangers, there’s a financial toll, with repair costs and potential legal liabilities falling on the shoulders of the responsible party.

As we embrace the warmer months and the promise of renewal they bring, Peoples Natural Gas’s campaign serves as a critical reminder of our shared responsibility. By making the 811 call a non-negotiable step in our springtime rituals, we not only protect ourselves but also contribute to the resilience and safety of our communities at large.

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