Multiple US Utilities Urge Homeowners to Call 811 Before Digging

Across the United States, utility companies and safety officials strongly urge homeowners and contractors to call 811 before beginning any digging projects to prevent damage to underground utility lines and ensure public safety. This free service coordinates with local utilities, which respond within days to mark underground lines with color-coded paint or flags, indicating the location of gas, water, electric, and communication lines. Experts highlight that even small digging projects, such as planting trees or installing fences, can be dangerous due to unpredictable utility line depths, and failing to call 811 can result in costly repairs, outages, fines, or serious injuries. Utility representatives from Virginia, Pennsylvania, and other states emphasize that calling 811 is not only a safety precaution but also a legal requirement in many areas. The campaign includes public awareness efforts such as National Call 811 Day and promotional materials featuring ambassadors to encourage compliance. Overall, the consistent message is that calling 811 before any excavation is a simple, essential step to protect communities and utility infrastructure.