811 - How it Works
Getting your lines marked is quick and easy with 811. When you dial 811, your call is forwarded to the One Call Center in your area for processing. Local One Call Center operators record the location of the dig and then notify the affected utility companies of your digging plans. Your utility companies then dispatch a professional locating crew to mark the approximate location of your lines within a few days.
You should be sure to call 811 a few days in advance of your scheduled dig to allow time for the request to be processed. Once your lines are marked, you will know their approximate location and you can dig safely. Knowing what's below will protect you, your family and your neighbors.
http://www.call811.com/how-811-works/default.aspx
Smart digging means calling 811 before each job. Whether you are a homeowner or a professional excavator, one call to 811 gets your underground utility lines marked for FREE.
About 811
Building a deck? Planting a tree? Installing a mailbox? 811 is the new number you should call before you begin any digging project.
A new, federally-mandated national "Call Before You Dig" number, 811 was created to help protect you from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines while working on digging projects. People digging often make risky assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines marked due to concerns about project delays, costs and previous calls about other projects. These assumptions can be life-threatening.
Every digging job requires a call – even small projects like planting trees or shrubs. If you hit an underground utility line while digging, you can harm yourself or those around you, disrupt service to an entire neighborhood and potentially be responsible for fines and repair costs.
Don't assume you know what's below. Protect yourself and those around you – Call 811 every time.
Common Ground Alliance
You may be wondering exactly who is behind the 811 campaign? The answer to your question is the Common Ground Alliance (CGA). CGA is the leading association created specifically to work with all industry stakeholders in an effort to prevent damage to underground utility infrastructure and ensure public safety and environmental protection.
Officially formed in 2000, CGA represents a continuation of the United States Department of Transportation's Common Ground Study – a study that highlighted the need for one organization to continuously update best practices among the growing underground utility industry.
Along with the new 811-number, CGA and its 1,400 members and sponsors have launched the national "Call Before You Dig" campaign to increase public awareness about the importance of using 811, having utility lines marked before digging and protecting America's vast underground infrastructure of pipelines, conduits, wires and cables.
Need more information about 811 or CGA? You can learn more by visiting our media section or by contacting us directly.
