Always call 811 before digging
Auburn Hills, Mich. (May 6, 2009) /PRNewswire/ — Many Michiganders initiate digging projects each spring. Across the state, thousands strike underground utility lines unintentionally by failing to call 811 before breaking ground. It is important to remember to call 811 at least three business days ahead of time to have underground utility lines marked before digging begins. With one call to 811, Michigan's one-call center MISS DIG System, Inc., will contact utility companies to mark your lines free of charge.
"We strongly encourage individuals and companies to always call 811 before they break ground," said Kathie Fournier, MISS DIG CEO and Executive Director. "Every digging project requires a call to 811 or an online locate request. By having underground lines marked, you reduce the risk of striking a line while digging. Hitting a single line can cause serious personal injuries, damage to the environment, significant repair costs and fines, and inconvenient outages."
A few common examples of when to call include:
- Installing a mailbox
- Putting in a fence
- Planting trees or shrubbery
- Building a patio or deck
- Excavating a new garden area
"The depth of utility lines can vary for a number of reasons, such as erosion, previous digging projects and uneven surfaces," said Fournier. "Utility lines need to be properly marked because even when digging only a few inches, you are at risk for striking an underground utility line. Call 811 before all digging projects."
When you call 811, you will be connected to MISS DIG, which notifies the appropriate utility companies of the intent to dig. Professional locators will be sent to the requested digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags or spray paint within a few days of your call. Once lines have been properly marked, digging can begin around them.
811 is the national number designated by the Federal Communications Commission to help protect do-it-yourselfers, gardeners, landscapers and contractors from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines while working on digging projects — large and small.
Call MISS DIG at least three business days before starting any project that includes digging in the ground to have your utilities located. It's fast and it's free. And, it's the law if you're using power digging equipment such as a backhoe or power auger. Dial 811 to request the service and ensure your safety and the safety of your project. Visit www.missdig.net for more information.
