April is National Safe Digging Month, making it a good time to remind homeowners and businesses that even small digging projects can create big problems if underground lines are hit. A quick call to 811 before digging can help mark buried utilities and may help reduce property damage, service interruptions, and unexpected costs.
Spring often brings a long list of outdoor projects. Homeowners may be planting trees, putting in a new mailbox, building a fence, or starting a landscaping update. Businesses may be preparing for larger improvement projects, signage, drainage work, or construction. What many people do not realize is that even a simple project can become a serious problem if it disturbs an underground utility line.
That is why April, recognized as National Safe Digging Month, is such an important reminder. Before starting any project that breaks ground, it is smart to contact 811 and have underground utility lines marked. The national 811 service is free to use, and it helps identify the approximate location of buried utility lines before digging begins. Call 811 notes that anyone planning to dig should contact 811 or use their state's 811 center website a few business days before starting work. Common Ground Alliance also identifies April as National Safe Digging Month and uses it to promote safe digging awareness nationwide.
Why calling before you dig matters
Underground lines may include electric, gas, water, sewer, and communications services. These lines are not always where people expect them to be. Digging without checking first can lead to damaged property, disrupted service, expensive repairs, project delays, and serious safety hazards.
Many people think 811 is only for large commercial projects, but that is not the case. Even smaller jobs like installing a deck, planting shrubs, or setting fence posts may require digging deep enough to hit a buried line. Calling first is a simple step that can help avoid a much bigger issue.
Common projects that should trigger a call to 811
There are many everyday jobs where people should stop and think before digging, including:
- Planting trees or large shrubs
- Installing a fence
- Putting in a mailbox post
- Building a deck or patio
- Digging for drainage work
- Installing outdoor lighting
- Starting a garden
- Beginning a commercial excavation or site improvement project
According to Call 811, contacting 811 is recommended for projects including planting trees and shrubs, as well as installing fences and mailboxes.
What happens after you contact 811
When you contact 811, you will generally be asked for the project address, county, nearest cross street, the type of work being done, and the area where you plan to dig. Then you wait a few business days so utilities can respond and mark the approximate location of buried lines with flags or paint. After that, digging should still be done carefully around marked areas. Call 811 explains that the request is made a few business days before work begins, and that you should wait for utilities to respond before breaking ground.
This step does not just help with safety. It can also help keep a project on schedule by reducing the chance of a costly mistake or unexpected interruption.
A good reminder for homeowners and business owners
National Safe Digging Month is a practical reminder that spring projects often involve more risk than people expect. Whether you are making improvements at home or overseeing work for your business, taking a few minutes to contact 811 first is a smart move.
Insurance can be an important part of planning for property-related risks, but preventing damage in the first place is always worth the effort. Calling before you dig is one of those simple steps that can help reduce avoidable problems before a project gets underway.
If you have questions about protecting your home, business, or property from everyday risks, American One Insurance Agency is here to help.