Planting new shrubs? Putting in a deck? Refreshing your flowerbed? Call 811!

Whether you’re installing a fence, planting new shrubs, or another project, large or small, that requires digging, you should contact 811 – the national call-before-you-dig phone number – before you break ground. For homeowners and contractors alike, safe digging must remain a priority to prevent damage to critical utility services and keep communities safe.

Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811. For example:

• Planting new rose bushes? Call 811.
• Putting in a new mailbox? Call 811.
• Building a deck? Call 811.
• Installing a flag pole? Call 811.

BGE has more than 17,000 circuit miles of underground electric lines — 65 percent of the electric distribution system. Additionally, there are nearly 14,000 miles of BGE natural gas distribution and service lines throughout central Maryland. In addition to BGE’s lines, there are underground communications cables, water and sewer lines, and other utilities.

When calling 811, customers and contractors are connected to Miss Utility, the local one-call center, which notifies BGE and other utilities of the intent to dig at a location. The utilities’ professional locators then mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, spray paint or both at digging sites. Once lines are located, customers and contractors must understand the markings and look for evidence of unmarked lines, such as water and sewer lines on private property. Sewer clean-outs and water valve covers are examples of equipment that can indicate the presence of underground lines. After lines are marked, customers and contractors must proceed carefully. Hand dig with caution and never use mechanized equipment near marked utilities.

For information on digging safely, including how to get lines marked and what to do after lines are marked visit www.bge.com/811, or contact the BGE Damage Prevention team at 410.470.6200 to arrange for free damage prevention training.