As spring arrives and outdoor projects begin, utility safety experts are urging homeowners and contractors to take a critical preparatory step: calling 811 before breaking ground. This simple action can prevent serious injuries, utility service disruptions, and potentially life-threatening accidents.
A recent survey by the Common Ground Alliance revealed a concerning statistic: 27 million U.S. homeowners plan to dig this year without contacting utility locator services. This oversight puts individuals and entire communities at significant risk.
Pennsylvania law mandates that both homeowners and contractors call 811 at least three business days before any excavation work. The service is free for homeowners and requires only a small annual fee for contractors. When calling, individuals should be prepared to provide specific details about the project’s location, type of work, method of excavation, and expected duration.
Underground utility lines, including gas, water, sewer, electric, phone, and cable television networks, can be inadvertently damaged without proper location marking. Professional utility locators will mark these underground lines with paint or flags, helping prevent unintentional strikes during digging projects.
Chris Brown, UGI Utilities Vice President of Operations, emphasized the importance of this safety measure: ‘UGI wants every dig on every project to be a safe one. Whether it is a small project or a major one, the same rule applies: call 811.’
In addition to underground utility safety, experts also remind workers to be cautious around above-ground electrical facilities, as any contact with power lines can be fatal.
As National Safe Digging Month continues, residents are encouraged to prioritize safety and take the simple, proactive step of calling 811 before beginning any excavation project.
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