Digging Into Summer

August 11 is National 811 Day–Call 811 before you dig

If you are finally getting around to your summer backyard projects, it’s not too late to call 811. August 11 (8-11) is National 811 Day, a time to remember safety in all projects—especially those that require digging near underground utility lines.

You may never think about the electric, gas, water and other utility lines buried below the ground, but hitting one of these lines while digging is not the reminder you want.

All Benton REA members who plan to dig should call 811 two to three business days before starting. Submit a request online by visiting www.call811.com.

Here’s how the process works:

After you call 811 or submit your request online, all affected utilities will be notified of your intent to dig. It may take the utilities a few days to get to your request, so please be patient and plan ahead.

The affected utilities will send someone out to mark the buried lines with paint or flags. Before you break ground, confirm that all utilities have responded to your request.

If you placed your request by phone, use the process explained by your 811 call center representative. If you submitted your request online, refer to your 811-center ticket to confirm everything.

By taking this important step before you break ground on your project, you can help protect not only yourself but our community. Disrupting an underground utility line can interrupt service, cause injuries and cost money to repair, so remember to call 811 first and know what’s below.

Learn more about safety around underground utility lines at www.BentonREA.org/safety.