Utility Safety Experts Urge Homeowners and Contractors to Call 811 Before Digging Projects

Utility safety experts are urging homeowners and contractors to call 811 before beginning any excavation work as spring arrives and outdoor projects commence. 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." The Common Ground Alliance provides extensive resources about safe digging practices at https://www.commongroundalliance.com.

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. The implications of not calling 811 extend beyond individual safety to potential widespread utility outages, costly repairs, and legal liabilities. 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. The 811 service connects callers to local utility companies who will dispatch professional locators to mark underground lines at no cost to homeowners.

This safety protocol matters because it addresses a preventable public safety issue that affects millions of Americans each year. The 27 million homeowners planning to dig without calling 811 represent a substantial risk to infrastructure and community safety. The importance of this announcement lies in its timing during peak digging season and its potential to save lives, prevent injuries, and maintain essential utility services. Utility companies like UGI provide additional safety information at https://www.ugi.com to help educate the public about proper excavation procedures.