Duke Energy is reminding Hoosiers to call 811 before starting any digging projects to prevent personal injury and avoid electric outages.
The national 811 “Call Before You Dig” system was created so anyone who plans to dig can make a free call to have underground utility lines clearly marked. Contractors, homeowners, business owners and anyone else preparing for a digging project should call 811 at least three business days before digging begins. Once called, local utilities will then send a crew to mark underground utility lines in the area with stakes, flags or paint, according to a Duke Energy news release.
For the first six months of this year, the utility reported nearly 260 cuts to its underground lines in Indiana. Calling 811 helps prevent injuries, outages and costly repairs, officials say.
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. Once the site is accurately marked, it’s safe to beginning digging around the marked areas, Indiana 811 officials say.
