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The many seasonal nursery ads are signaling spring is here.
Because COVID-19 still advises social distancing, Floridians again find themselves spending outdoor time in their own yards and gardens. As you dig into your 2021 DIY projects, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) encourages you to “Call 811 Before you Dig!” April is National Safe Digging Month, a reminder to practice responsible, safe digging.
“The weather is perfect right now, and we’re ready to ramp up for a really good spring season,” said PSC chair Gary Clark. “Working outside offers the best COVID-19 exercise. Just remember to be smart and safe. Call 811 before all digging projects to protect yourself and others from unintentionally hitting a utility line.”
Hitting an underground utility line while digging can cause serious injuries, disrupt service to entire neighborhoods, and potentially result in fines and repair costs. According to the Common Ground Alliance, every nine minutes an underground utility line is damaged because of someone digging without first calling 811. An 811 call, the federally designated call-before-you-dig number, notifies affected utilities to dispatch crews to mark the approximate location of underground utility lines to help prevent damages.
In Florida, 811 is managed by Sunshine State One Call Center. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Make sure you call at least two working days in advance of your “digging” project start date. This gives the utility companies time to find and mark buried lines on your property. In addition to calling 811, you can reach the Sunshine State One Call Center at 1-800-432-4770.
For more information on 811, visit www.call811.com, or access the PSC’s Consumer Tip, 8-1-1 Know What’s Below. April’s Call Before You Dig Campaign is supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration. The link to the Sunshine State One Call Center’s website is www.sunshine811.com/. For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
