Every digging project requires a call to 811. Calling 811 three full working days prior to digging notifies utility companies of the intent to dig and gives representatives time to mark the appropriate lines. Aug. 11 is 8/11 on the calendar, a natural reminder for people to call 811.

811 can be called from anywhere in the country. A representative from NC811 will answer the call to find out the location and description of the digging site. The affected utility companies will be notified of the intent to dig. The utility companies will send a professional locator to the digging site to identify and mark the approximate location of the underground lines. Once lines have been marked, you should respect the marks and dig carefully around them.

Lines need to be marked for each separate project, such as installing a rural mailbox, putting up a fence, planting trees or building a deck. Call three full working days prior to digging to allow time for professional locators to mark the utility lines. Even if you’ve hired a contractor, make sure the contractor calls 811 to have lines marked.

Every six minutes an underground utility line is damaged because someone decided to dig without first calling 811.

Hitting an underground utility line while digging can cause serious injuries, disrupt service to entire neighborhoods, and potentially result in fines and repair costs.

For more information, visit www.nc811.org. Thank you for your continued support in promoting damage prevention.

-Submitted by Ann Rushing