8-1-1 BEFORE YOU DIG

Always call 8-1-1 before you dig. 

Dig with C.A.R.E.

C – Call Miss Utility at 811 before you dig

A – Allow time for marking

R – Respect the marks

E – Excavate carefully

Did you know that digging without first calling 8-1-1 increases the chances of knocking out a utility service for you or your neighborhood?

Striking a single power, gas, water or sewer line can result in injury, repair costs, fines and inconvenient outages. And the damage occurs more often than you might think.  An underground utility line is damaged every three minutes nationwide.  

When you take the simple step to call 8-1-1 three days before digging, you’ll be connected to the free “One Call” Virginia communications center.  Professional locators will come to your digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, spray paint or both.

Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call. Installing a mailbox, building a deck, planting a tree and laying a patio are examples of digging projects that should prompt an 8-1-1 call from homeowners or contractors.
 
The call is FREE – a great price for safety.  And, calling 8-1-1 is the law.
 
Resources:

• va811.com: for more information about safe digging practices. It's a great resource for homeowners.  
• Utility Markings: What do the marks mean?
• Downloadable 8-1-1 flyer: Help spread the word about 8-1-1.  Share this flying with your neighbors, civic association, work place or organization.

8-1-1 Video

This video explains why you need to 8-1-1 before planting a tree or doing any project that requires digging in your yard. If your viewer doesn't allow this video to appear, view this video on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=-N-dMMxyYvg&feature=plcp