2 minute read
Know What's Below 811 Before You Dig
BY GARY BAKER, Director of Marketing & Public Relations KNOW WHAT’S BELOW. 811 BEFORE YOU DIG.
While mowing the grass recently I noticed a commercial lawn mowing company unloading in front of the house next door. My neighbors were not home at the time and were preparing to plant some trees. A few days before, my neighbor contacted OHIO811 to locate the utilities in his yard. The locate crews marked the site with paint and flags so when my neighbor dug the holes for trees, he could do so safely and not hit buried utilities.
I noticed the mowing crew removed the yellow, natural gas locate flags from the marked yard. Painted lines for communications, telephone, natural gas, water and proposed construction remained but the yellow flags were gone. I went over to the mowing crew and explained why it is important not to remove locate flags prior to any digging or trenching. Locate flags are placed to mark the location of underground utilities. When these flags are removed prior to work being completed, it presents a potential hazard for any homeowner or contractor who is digging
or trenching because they do not know where the initial locate flag was placed. Making contact with any utility line could result in serious injury or death, as well as serious damage to the utility infrastructure.
The Energy Cooperative, along with other underground utility companies, spend valuable time and material on emergency calls when residents and contractors dig into a utility line. A vital resource for Ohio residents and businesses alike, OHIO811, formerly OUPS Call Before You Dig, acts as a communication link between utility companies and individuals planning any digging activity. The mission of OHIO811 is to prevent damage to member facilities and to promote public safety by providing an efficient and effective educational communication process. At The Energy Cooperative, we want to ensure our members stay safe when working outdoors. That is why it is critical you are made aware of all utilities that are below the surface by contacting OHIO811.
LEARN MORE @ OHIO811.ORG.
Contacting OHIO811 before you dig is important not only for safety reasons, it is also the law. Homeowners considering a digging project can contact OHIO811 three different ways.
WAYS TO CONTACT OHIO811: 1. VISIT OHIO811.ORG. 2. DIAL 8-1-1. 3. CALL 1-800-362-2764.
This should be done at least 48 hours in advance but no more than 10 working days prior to excavation excluding weekends and legal holidays. A person can
also submit their request online with e-dig, the easy online remote ticket entry system for homeowners. There are millions of miles of buried utilities beneath the surface of the earth that are vital to everyday living like water, electricity, and natural gas. Today more than ever, phone, and fiber lines are critical to first responders, hospitals, schools, businesses, and even industrial parks. OHIO811 is free and helps us stay safe and ensure utility service is not disrupted. Safe digging starts with you!
