National Safe Digging Month
Published 10:37 am Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Many homeowners relish this time of year to spruce up their yard by planting flowers, bushes or maybe a tree or two. Some may even get a new fence installed. But one thing everyone should do to ensure the safety of their project is to call 811 three business days before they dig.
In recognition of National Safe Digging Month, Columbia Gas urges customers and contractors to call 811 before starting any digging project. Safe Digging Month is dedicated to increasing awareness of safe digging practices across the country and promoting the use of 811, the free, national call-before-you-dig phone number.
Calling 811 is not only crucial for your safety and the safety of others — it’s the law. Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in damage to gas, electric, communications, water and sewer lines, which can lead to service disruptions and serious injuries.
Calling 811 is free and easy.
Once a call is made, a trained utility line locator will visit the dig site to mark the approximate location of underground public utility lines with paint or flags.
• It’s easy. Simply make a quick phone call to 811 or a visit to www.va811.com. Provide information about the location and scope of the project and VA811 will notify public utility companies to have their facilities safely marked. (Keep in mind that marking of private utility lines is the responsibility of the property owner.)
• It’s fast. Just call at least three business days in advance of your project. That means, if you’re planning to dig on the weekend, be sure contact VA811 by Tuesday.
• It’s free. All public utility lines will be marked at no cost.
Always dig with care
Once public utility lines are marked, it’s important to only use hand tools when within 2 feet of a marked line. Never use mechanized equipment within 2 feet of the marks. Utility marks are only estimates of the line location and depths can vary, so it’s important to dig carefully.