August is Safe Digging Month: Call Before You Dig

Safety is job one at any project site. Can you dig it?

Every August 11—and throughout the entire month of August—the focus turns to safe digging practices through the 811 campaign. This annual observance serves to raise awareness about protecting underground utility lines and preventing potentially catastrophic accidents.

Damaging underground utilities like natural gas, water, electric, and communication lines can lead to service disruptions, injuries and even fatalities. Therefore, it's critical that you call 811 to have underground utility lines identified and marked before digging or excavating at construction sites. The 811 service is simple, easy, and free of charge.

How it works:

The 811 process involves just a few simple steps. Call 811 or visit your state's 811 center website. Provide the address, project type, and digging location. Utilities will visit the site and mark any underground lines with colored flags:

• Yellow for natural gas

• Red for electric

• Orange for telecommunications

• Blue for water

• Green for sewage

Respect the utility marks. Dig carefully to avoid the marked areas.

Who's behind the 811 campaign?

The 811 campaign is operated by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), an association created to work with the utility industry to prevent damage to underground utility infrastructure and ensure public safety. Although a private association, CGA grew from a U.S. Department of Transportation initiative.

Keep your family, project sites, and community safe by calling 811 before you break ground.