With warmer weather on the way and spring home improvement projects beginning, Indiana 811 is reminding Hoosiers to contact Indiana 811 before any digging projects.
A recent study by Common Ground Alliance showed that nearly 349 million U.S. homeowners who plan to dig this year will put themselves and their communities at risk by digging without contacting 811 first to learn the approximate location of underground utilities. The alliance is a national association dedicated to protecting underground utility lines, people who dig near them and their communities, according to an Indiana 811 news release.
Earlier this month, Gov. Eric Holcomb proclaimed April as Indiana Safe Digging Month, which serves as a reminder to excavators and homeowners to contact Indiana 811, the state’s call before you dig center, at least two full working days before starting any outdoor digging projects, the news release says.
After Hoosiers submit a ticket to Indiana 811 by calling 811, or going online to Indiana811.org, utility companies with assets in the dig area will be notified. Professional locators will then visit the dig site to mark approximate locations of underground utility lines with spray paint and/or flags. Once the site is accurately marked, it’s safe to beginning digging around the marked areas, according to the news release.
