Call 811 Before You Dig

For many people, spring is a time for getting outside and starting new projects. It’s the perfect time to plant a garden, install a fence, build a deck, or start other projects that require digging. But before you break out the shovel, it’s important to remember that underground utility lines and pipes are everywhere, so digging without knowing what’s below can lead to serious injury, property damage, service outages, and large bills associated with repair costs.

That’s why April is National Safe Digging Month, reminding contractors, excavators and homeowners about the importance of calling 811 before any digging project. 811 is the national call-before-you-dig phone number, which can help protect you, your community, and the vital infrastructure below ground.

Miss Utility is the 811-call notification partner for Maryland, Washington D.C., and Delaware. When customers and contractors call 811, they’re connected to Miss Utility, the local one-call center that 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. With the lines marked, customers and contractors should use caution while hand digging, being careful never use mechanized equipment near marked utilities.

No matter the location, everyone should call 811 to have underground utilities marked before starting any excavation project. Contacting 811 saves time and money and prevents damage and service outages caused by digging without knowing the location of underground lines and pipes.

Be safe and “know what’s below” before starting any digging project. Contact Miss Utility, have all buried utilities marked at your site, and stay safe with your spring project.