Today marks the first day of spring, which means folks around the country will be taking advantage of the longer days and warmer weather by biking around town, gardening, and landscaping around their homes.
But, when you plan this year's garden, please make sure to include a call to 8-1-1 before you do any digging.
DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) works to ensure the safe, reliable, and environmentally sound operation of America’s pipeline system. And one of the most important ways PHMSA protects the integrity of our pipelines is by reminding Americans to call 8-1-1, the nationwide hotline number, before their shovels hit the dirt.
How important is this safety issue? Excavation is the number one cause of serious pipeline accidents, with one-third of all pipeline accidents caused by accidental digging.
Knowing where underground utility lines are buried before you dig will not only help protect your family and your neighbors from injuries – it will also prevent damages to utilities, service disruptions, and potential fines and repair costs.
8-1-1 is for everyone – homeowners, gardeners, professional excavators, anyone who plans to dig. And whether you’re planting a small shrub or digging deep for a new pool, every job requires a call.
Calling 8-1-1 is toll-free and hassle-free. After you call, someone will come out and mark your lines so you’ll know what's below – and be able to dig safely. Paint and flags mark pipeline locations, and their colors indicate what materials run through the pipelines buried below ground.
It’s simple – the more we know about pipelines, the safer we are.
In addition to calling 8-1-1 before you dig, you can also visit your state pipeline profile on PHMSA.dot.gov to learn about the many miles of pipeline in your state, view inspection reports, and much, much more.
If you’re planning even the smallest digging project, please make the right call, to 8-1-1, before you dig.
So true! Last week my neighbor was planting a tree and knocked out all the power on our street because he hit a line. Call 811!
Posted by: auto transport | March 20, 2012 at 10:08 PM
Spring break...... Yeah. The 8-1-1 idea is great. You really do not know what you are going to dig-op.
Posted by: AJ Alvarez | March 21, 2012 at 03:04 AM