Call before you dig

August 11, 2026
All News
A black shovel is positioned in a grassy lawn next to red, yellow and blue utility locator flags identifying underground electric, gas and water lines. The image encourages safe digging practices and contacting 811 before beginning any project that breaks ground.

Late summer is a popular time for outdoor projects. Whether you’re planting a tree, setting fence posts or tackling a backyard improvement, there’s one simple step that should come before any shovel hits the ground: contact 811 to have underground utilities located and marked.

Many utility lines are buried just below the surface, and their exact location may not be obvious. Striking an underground electric, communications, water or gas line can create a dangerous situation and may leave homes and businesses without service.

The good news is that having utilities marked is free. Just contact 811 a few business days before your project begins. Once a locate request is submitted, utility companies will mark the location of their underground facilities in the proposed work area so you can dig more safely and avoid damaging buried infrastructure.

No project is too small to require a locate request. Even routine tasks such as planting shrubs or setting fence posts can put underground utilities at risk.

If you’re hiring a contractor, be sure to ask who will contact 811 before work begins. It’s also important to remember that utility locators generally mark public utility lines only. Private lines, such as those serving outbuildings, underground sprinkler systems or outdoor gas appliances, are typically the property owner’s responsibility.

Five steps to safer digging

Before breaking ground, follow these steps:

  1. Mark the area where you plan to dig with white paint or white flags.
  2. Contact 811 online or by phone to submit a locate request.
  3. Allow the required time for utilities to respond and mark their facilities.
  4. Respect all utility markings and leave flags in place.
  5. Dig carefully around marked utilities and follow all safe digging guidelines.

A simple call or online request can help protect you, your property and the utility services your family and neighbors depend on.

For more information or to submit a locate request, visit 811beforeyoudig.com. For additional electrical safety resources, visit safeelectricity.org.

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