Summer Serves as a Convenient Reminder to Always Call 811 Before Digging
NC811 & PSNC Energy encourages residents to make a free call 3 days before digging to know what's below
Greensboro, NC (June 3, 2016) - North Carolina 811 and PSNC Energy want to remind NC homeowners to call 811 by Tuesday to ensure all underground utilities are properly marked before breaking ground on their weekend digging projects. Striking a single line can cause injury, repair costs, fines and inconvenient outages.
When calling 811, homeowners and contractors are connected to NC811, which notifies the appropriate utility companies of their intent to dig. Professional locators are then sent to the requested digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags or spray paint.
Every digging project, regardless of depth, warrants a call to NC811. Installing a mailbox, building a deck, planting a tree and laying a patio are all examples of digging projects that should include a call to 811 before they begin.
The depth of utility lines can vary for a number of reasons, such as erosion, previous digging projects and uneven surfaces. Utility lines need to be properly marked because even when digging only a few inches, the risk of striking an underground utility line still exists.
"Since the start of summer brings about many outdoor projects, we remind homeowners and contractors alike to call 811 before digging to eliminate the risk of striking an underground utility line," said Louis Panzer, Executive Director, NC811. "As North Carolina residents plan for projects for the weekend, we ask that 811 be an important part of their planning process. We also ask that you watch this informative video concerning natural gas safety to keep you and your community safe"
Visit nc811.org for more information about 811 and safe digging practices or visit PSNC Energy for natural gas and pipeline safety.
Check out PSNC Energy's bilingual natural gas and pipeline safety video that has live demonstrations of safe digging practices and tracer wire repair. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLw_F5VtehY
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