Bill Bush | 202.682.8069 | bushw@api.org
WASHINGTON, August 10, 2010 — Nationwide, an underground utility line is damaged during a digging project once every three minutes. Take a moment tomorrow August 11th – or 8/11 – to remember to dial that number – 811 – whenever you plan to dig.
“Eight-one-one should become as familiar to Americans as 911,” API pipeline director Peter Lidiak said. “Millions of us live, work or play near or above underground infrastructure. We need to protect it by calling 811.”
Whether installing a mailbox, building a deck, planting a tree, laying a patio – or excavating for a large commercial or industrial project – call 811 first to learn what’s below ground. The number works in every state, and the call is free in every state. A call center will arrange to send a professional locator to your property – also for free – to mark the location of all underground utilities with flags, spray paint or both. Then you’ll know the location on your property of gas lines; telephone, television or internet cables; electric lines; oil pipelines; or other elements of our underground infrastructure – and can safely avoid them.”
Striking a utility line can cause injury, repair costs, fines and inconvenient outages. Failure to call results in more than 60,000 unintentional hits annually. Don’t become a statistic. Don’t take a chance and lose your internet or television service – or damage another utility line, possibly endangering you and your family.
Every digging project, deep or shallow, warrants a call to the national 811 number. Utilities, some only a few inches down, run under most properties. The depth varies depending on the type of utility, erosion, previous digging projects and uneven surfaces.
Be safe. Call before you dig. Every time you dig.
Visit
www.call811.com today, on 8/11, or on any day to learn more about 811 and safe digging practices.
Updated: August 10, 2010