August 11th is almost here, and Georgia 811 hopes that the 8/11 date on the calendar will serve as a natural reminder for residents to contact 811 prior to any digging project to have underground utility lines marked. Every few minutes an underground utility line is damaged because someone decided to dig without first contacting 811, which can lead to utility outages, expensive repairs or catastrophic consequences. 

When contacting 811, homeowners and contractors are connected to Georgia 811, the statewide 811 center, which notifies the appropriate utility companies of their intent to dig. Professional locators then arrive at the digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags and/or spray paint. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, requires contacting 811 to ensure underground utilities have been marked before digging. 

Striking a single utility line can cause repair costs, inconvenient outages, fines, severe injuries and can even cause fatalities. Every digging project warrants contacting 811 by phone or online. From building a deck to planting a tree, every digging project requires a free 811 request at least a few days before breaking ground.

“On Aug. 11 and throughout the year, we remind homeowners and professional contractors alike to use the free 811 service before digging to reduce the risk of striking an underground utility line,” said Meghan Rafiniski, President and CEO of Georgia 811. “Calling 811 or submitting a ticket at Georgia811.com is the only way to know which utilities are buried in your area so that you can dig safely and keep your community safe and connected.”

On August 11, and all year long, take the following steps when planning a digging project:

• Always contact 811 at least three business days before digging, regardless of the depth or familiarity with the property.

• Plan ahead. Make a free 811 request on Monday or Tuesday for work planned for an upcoming weekend, providing ample time for the approximate location of lines to be marked.

• Confirm that all lines have been marked.

• Consider moving the location of the project if it is near utility line markings.

• If a contractor has been hired, confirm that the contractor has contacted 811. Don't allow work to begin if the lines aren't marked.

Visit www.Georgia811.com for more information about 811 and safe digging practices.