On August 11, National 811 Day, UGI Utilities is amplifying a crucial safety message: always call 811 before you dig. The date, 8/11, serves as a natural reminder of the free service that connects excavators with underground utility lines. For homeowners and contractors, a simple phone call or online request can mean the difference between a safe project and a dangerous incident.
UGI Utilities, headquartered in Denver, Pennsylvania, serves more than 760,000 customers across 46 Pennsylvania counties and one Maryland county. The company emphasizes that calling 811 or visiting call811.com before digging is not just a recommendation—it is a critical step to protect lives and property. Striking a natural gas line, for example, can lead to explosions, fires, and injuries. Even hitting an electric or communication line can cause outages and expensive repairs.
The 811 service works by notifying local utility companies to mark the approximate location of buried lines with flags or paint. This service is free to homeowners and contractors. Once lines are marked, digging can proceed safely, but it is essential to respect the marks and dig with care. UGI’s push on National 811 Day underscores a year-round responsibility. With summer and fall being peak times for outdoor projects, the reminder is timely.
Failure to call 811 can result in more than just physical harm. It can lead to legal consequences, fines, and liability for damage. Many states mandate calling 811 before digging, and UGI’s service area is no exception. The company’s message aligns with national efforts to reduce utility strikes, which occur thousands of times each year. According to the Common Ground Alliance, an estimated 400,000 dig-ins happen annually in the U.S., causing billions in damages and numerous injuries.
For UGI, the stakes are particularly high given its extensive natural gas infrastructure. A damaged gas line can have catastrophic consequences. By promoting 811, UGI aims to prevent such incidents and ensure public safety. The company also encourages customers to visit its website at www.ugi.com for additional information. Staying informed and proactive is key.
Contractors, in particular, bear a significant responsibility. Professional excavators are often required by law to call 811 before every digging job, regardless of depth or familiarity with the site. Even small projects like installing a mailbox or planting a tree can intersect with underground lines. UGI’s reminder serves as a vital checkpoint for these professionals.
National 811 Day is more than a date on the calendar; it is a call to action. UGI Utilities is leveraging the occasion to reinforce that safety starts with a simple call. As digging season continues, the company hopes that homeowners and contractors alike will prioritize this step. The consequences of neglect are too severe to ignore.
For more updates, UGI can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ugiutilities and on X at https://x.com/ugi_utilities. However, the most important action remains calling 811 before any digging project. It is a small effort that saves lives.
