August 11 is National Safe Digging Day: Here’s the Scoop

UGI joins utilities across the country to recognize August 11 (8/11) as National Safe Digging Day, a commemorative day in which both residents and professional contractors are encouraged to call 8-1-1 at least three business days prior to beginning any digging project.

If you’re doing any outdoor work – like installing a fence, building an addition or starting up a landscaping project – always call 8-1-1 to make sure you don’t dig into an underground power line or other utility. There are more than 20 million miles of underground utilities in the U.S. Utility services that your family depends on, such as electric, gas, cable television, internet, water, and sewer, buried underground in many communities. The risk can exist just inches below the surface.

There is no charge to homeowners or professional contractors to have underground utilities marked. The 8-1-1 operator will ask brief questions about how to contact you, where you are planning to dig, and what type of work you will be doing. Utility companies will then send out professional locators to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags or paint.

UGI also encourages individuals to “look up and live” when working near overhead power lines. Contact with an overhead wire by either your body or a conductive object such as a ladder, pole, or antennae can cause serious injury or death. Keep ladders, platforms, tools, and equipment at least 10 feet away from any wires to avoid the potential for power outages, fire, and serious injury.

Visit www.ugi.com/call811 for more information about utility line safety.