No, that’s not a typo! You call 911 in case of an emergency – but you need to call 811 before you start to dig.
Why is that? Well, for your own safety, and for the safety of the utility lines in your community. Did you know that every six minutes an underground utility line is damaged because someone decided to dig without first calling 811? The risk of injury or even death is serious. Beyond the devastating risks of death or injury, consider the costs of repair, fines, and even inconvenience.
Here's what else you need to know:
- Call 811 or go online several days in advance of when you plan to dig. All you have to do is give the address or general location of the project, when you plan to start, and how much digging you'll be doing.
- Make sure you dig parallel with the utility line and use precautions when you are removing soil from near the utility line.
- Use smaller hand tools while digging within 24 inches of the outer edge of underground utility lines.
- Keep an eye out for signs of a natural gas leak. If you smell something similar to rotten eggs, or hear hissing, whistling, or roaring, it's likely a leak.
No one likes to take an extra step when they’re working on a home improvement project, but this is one you can’t afford to skip. Whether you’re putting in a fence, planting a tree, or building a deck, knowing where the power and water lines are before you dig will save a lot of time, money, and suffering later.
For more than 25 years, Beall Financial and Insurance Services, Inc., has been helping corporations and individuals protect their most important assets. The agency’s client base covers a spectrum of businesses that require specialized insurance packages and knowledge. With offices in Newport Beach and Redlands, California, Beall Financial and Insurance Services serves clients nationwide.