The 11th of August is fast approaching as well Southeast Gas hopes that the 8/11 date on the calendar serves as a good reminder to residents to call 811 prior the start of any digging project to get underground utility lines identified.
Robbie Payne of Southeast Gas indicates a spot for underground utilities that will be laid. (SOUTHEAST GAS Photo)
Every couple of minutes, an underground utility line gets damaged due to someone’s decision to dig without first calling 811.
When you dial 811, local utility company will identify the approximate where the lines are in your yard to ensure that you aren’t at risk of injuring yourself or disrupting the utility service for neighbors. You can make your request for free by calling 811, or going online at al811.com. Any digging project no matter how big or small, must be reported to 811 to make sure underground utilities are properly identified prior to digging.
A single line cut can result in costly repairs unavoidable outages and fines, serious injuries, and even the death of. Every excavation project requires contacting 811 via phone or online. The installation of a mailbox, the construction of an outdoor deck or planting a tree, and building an outdoor patio are just a few instances of projects that need a no-cost 811 call at least several days prior to digging.
“On August 11, as well as throughout the year we encourage homeowners as well as professional contractors alike to utilize the free 811 service prior to digging to limit the possibility of hitting the underground utility line,” explained Mark Fowler, Safety Coordinator for Southeast Gas. “Calling 811 or going to al811.com will be the sole way you can determine what utilities are located in your neighborhood so that you are able to dig in a safe manner and ensure your community is secure as well as connected.”
The length of utility lines varies due to various reasons, including erosion, digging projects that have been completed and uneven surface. Utility lines must be marked properly because even when digging just an inch or two in an area that has previously had a mark, the danger of hitting the underground utility line exists.
For more information visit www.811beforeyoudig.com or al811.com about 811 and safe digging practices.
The article Southeast Gas encourages use of 811 prior to digging projects was first published at The Andalusia Star-News.
