UGI Utilities Urges Safety with 811 Calls Before Digging Projects on National 8/11 Day
TL;DR
Calling 811 before digging offers homeowners and contractors a legal and safety advantage, avoiding costly damages and fines.
UGI Utilities advises calling 811 at least three business days before digging to have underground utilities marked, detailing work location and type.
Making the call to 811 before digging enhances community safety, preventing injuries and fatalities by avoiding underground utility damages.
National 8/11 Day reminds us that a simple call to 811 can mark underground utilities, turning a routine dig into a safe project.
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UGI Utilities, Inc. is using National 8/11 Day as an opportunity to remind homeowners and contractors of the critical importance of calling 811 before any digging project. This simple step, required by law, ensures that underground utility lines are marked, helping to avoid potentially dangerous and costly accidents. Whether the project is as small as installing a mailbox or as large as a construction excavation, the call to 811 or a visit to call811.com is a must.
Janet Toporcer, UGI Public Safety Administrator, stresses the significance of this precautionary measure. Calling 811 before you dig is a simple step in the process, but one that could prevent costly damage, loss of service, fines, serious injury, even death, Toporcer said. The service is free for homeowners, with contractors required to pay a small annual fee. Preparation is key when making the call, with details about the work's location, type, method, and duration needed to ensure accurate utility marking.
UGI also highlights the dangers of working near above-ground facilities, such as power lines, where contact can be fatal. For more information on safe digging practices and excavation safety, UGI directs the public to www.ugi.com/811 or call811.com. Additionally, UGI's website offers resources for scheduling safety training for excavators, further emphasizing the company's commitment to community safety.
With headquarters in Denver, Pennsylvania, UGI Utilities serves over 760,000 customers across 46 Pennsylvania counties and one county in Maryland. The company's initiative on National 8/11 Day serves as a vital reminder of the shared responsibility to prioritize safety in every digging project, no matter the scale. The implications of this announcement are significant, as it underscores a proactive approach to public safety that can prevent accidents, reduce service disruptions, and avoid legal penalties. By reinforcing this message on a designated day, UGI aims to increase compliance and awareness, potentially saving lives and resources. The focus on both underground and above-ground hazards highlights the comprehensive nature of excavation risks, making this reminder crucial for all involved in digging activities.
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