PENNSYLVANIA — Pennsylvania One Call System Inc. is urging residents to contact 811 before starting any digging projects this spring, citing survey data showing millions of homeowners plan to break ground without taking the precaution.
The warning comes as April is recognized as National Safe Digging Month and as a national survey found that 74% of U.S. homeowners plan outdoor projects involving digging, representing more than 60 million households.
The survey estimates more than 10 million homeowners may dig without contacting 811, increasing the risk of striking underground utility lines.
Striking buried gas, electric, water, sewer, or communications lines can cause injuries, service disruptions, and costly repairs. Utility lines can be located just inches below the surface.
Bill Kiger, president and chief executive officer of Pennsylvania 811, said the volume of planned projects increases the importance of safe practices. “Contacting 811 takes just a few minutes, and it can prevent a disaster. There is no project too small to warrant that call,” he said.
The survey found the most common reason for skipping 811 is the belief that projects are too shallow to pose a risk.
Pennsylvania 811 advises homeowners to contact 811 several days before digging, confirm utility markings, adjust project plans if necessary, and ensure contractors have requested line markings before work begins.
Requests to 811 are routed to local call centers, which notify utility companies to mark underground lines with paint or flags before excavation begins.
More information is available at www.paonecall.org and www.811beforeyoudig.com.
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