NC811 reminds local residents to call 811 before all digging projects

GREENSBORO, NC (April 6, 2016) — Yesterday North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory

issued a proclamation announcing April as NC Safe Digging Month at the Executive Mansion in Raleigh. NC811 Staff and Board Members, Underground Damage Prevention Review Board Members, Representative Mike Hager and other Stakeholders were in attendance for this personal signing by McCrory.  These proclamations have been requested and obtained annually since 1988, a full 12 years before the formation of the common ground alliance. The proclamation reminds NC homeowners to call 811 before starting any outdoor digging projects.

April marks the start of spring digging season, so NC811 and Gov. McCrory are encouraging homeowners to call 811 before they dig to prevent injuries, property damage and inconvenient outages. Every six minutes an underground utility line is damaged because someone decided to dig without first calling 811.

“Neglecting to call 811 before digging can have dangerous consequences,” said Gov. McCrory.  “I urge every North Carolinian to take the time to use this valuable service.”

When calling 811, homeowners are connected to NC811, which notifies the appropriate utility companies of the intent to dig. Professional locators are then sent to the requested digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, stakes or paint. Once lines have been accurately marked, digging can begin around marked lines.

“We join the governor in strongly encouraging individuals and companies to call 811 before they begin digging,” said Louis Panzer, Executive Director – NC811. “By having underground lines marked, homeowners are making an important decision that can help keep them and their communities safe and connected.”

Striking a single line can cause injury, repair costs, fines and inconvenient outages. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, necessitates a call to 811. Installing a mailbox, putting in a fence, building a deck and laying a patio are all examples of digging projects that need a call to 811 before starting.

Visit www.nc811.org or http://www.call811.com for more information about 811 and the call-before-you-dig process.