Summertime often means home-improvement projects that involve digging on your property. Whether planting a tree or digging a post for a new mailbox, call 811 in advance to ensure public safety for you and your neighbors.
On Aug. 11, the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) will celebrate National 811 Day to remind us to call 811 before digging. Safe digging is important to all carriers who have underground facilities. This applies to gas, electric, water and pipeline companies, and those of us in the telecom
business. An underground cable cut, for example, can cost thousands of dollars in repairs, lost revenue and decreased customer satisfaction for all.
According to CGA statistics, digging activity damages a buried utility line every three minutes in the United States, and one-third of incidents are caused because someone didn't place a free call to 811.
Do your part to raise awareness of the importance of safe digging practices. Know what's below. Call 811 before you dig. Refer to the Call811 website for more details about this year's awareness campaign.