Missouri – April is the national Safe Dig Month. Authorities are asking that people request a free public utility locate before individuals start digging in their yards.
There are over 20 million miles of underground utility lines in the United States. Hitting an underground line can cause serious injury to you and serious damage to your home. They can also cause costly repairs needed for gas, electricity, communications, and water and sewer lines. Missouri 811, a not-for-profit organization, requests that you call before you dig. Missouri 811’s primary purpose is to serve as a single point of contact for all underground facilities located throughout the state. When you call Missouri 811, the utility companies can provide you with information on the locations of nearby utility lines so you can avoid them. Before you dig follow these 5 steps:
- Notify Missouri 811
- Wait for Utilities to be Notified
- Let the Utilities Mark Their Lines
- Confirm The Marks
- Dig With Care! – Keep within 2 feet of the marks to prevent damage to the utilities.
For more information on utility laws and Missouri 811, visit www.missouri-811.org. Remember it is the law for individuals to call and notify Missouri 811 before your digging projects begin.
