TPUC Recognizes Safe Digging Month

APRIL IS SAFE DIGGING MONTH, TENNESSEANS
ARE REMINDED TO CALL 811 BEFORE DIGGING

 Making the free call to 811 can prevent damage to underground utility lines  

Nashville, Tennessee – In observance of National Safe Digging Month in April, the Tennessee Public Utility Commission urges Tennesseans to call 811 before digging underground.

Homeowners who plan to dig for projects like landscaping, installing a fence or mailbox, or building a deck, pond or patio and other DIY projects during the coming warmer months, will put themselves and their communities at risk by not calling 811 at least three days prior to digging to learn the approximate location of underground utilities.

Calls to 811 are connected to a local one-call notification center. The center will take the caller’s information and communicate it to the local utility company. Professional utility line locators will then visit the dig site to mark the approximate location of underground lines with spray paint, flags or both.

Digging without knowing the location of underground utilities can result in serious injuries, service disruptions and costly repairs when gas, electric, communications,water and sewer lines are damaged.

As part of National Safe Digging Month, the Commission encourages homeowners to take the following steps when planning a digging project:

• Plan ahead. Call 811 at least three days prior to the work being performed to allow ample time for the approximate location of lines
  to be marked by the utility company.
• Confirm that all lines have been marked.
• Consider moving the location of your project if it isnear utility line markings.
• Confirm that the hired contractor has called 811. Don’t allow workto begin if the lines are not marked.

For complete information about 811, visit www.tenn811.com

Contact: Greg Mitchell, Media
(615) 741-6883