April 2021 will mark the 14th National Safe Digging Month, a yearly reminder for homeowners and contractors to notify the One Call hotline before beginning a digging project of any size, whether digging, excavating, or blasting.
Did you know underneath your street or yard, there is huge network of underground pipelines? These underground lines transport important energy resources and utilities like natural gas, electricity, water, sewage, cable television, internet and telephone lines to each building within your community. While hidden from view, these underground pipes, cables, and wires are a crucial piece of the system that keeps our world working. Striking one of these buried lines can cause damage to utilities resulting in service outages, serious injuries, fires, explosions, environmental damages, costly fines, and penalties.
Whether you’re planning an excavation, planting a tree, installing a swimming pool, deck, fence, mailbox, shed, home addition, or even a flag pole, it’s important to practice safe digging by always calling 811 before you or your contractor dig. Remember to check with your contractor to make sure they have called 811.
Homeowners are legally required to call the National One Call hotline by dialing 811 or PA One Call at 1-800-242-1776 at least three days before digging on their property. The service is free for homeowners, and it’s the law. No matter how big or small the project may be, you will need to provide details about the dig and the approximate location.
After receiving your call, PA One Call will notify the relevant utility companies and dispatch someone to the digging site to mark any underground lines on the property with flags or paint for your safety. Call 811 before you dig to know what’s below, to keep you and your community safe from injury, and to avoid unnecessary risks, repairs, outages, and fines.
Remember everyone plays an important role helping utilities and pipeline companies protect the safety of families, neighbors, and operations. You can help observe National Safe Digging Month by utilizing the One Call hotline to keep yourself and neighboring homeowners safe. If you are not sure how to notify your state about a digging project, learn more here.