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If you are a homeowner in Florida, chances are you’re no stranger to digging – whether that be installing new landscaping, fencing or a deck, removing trees after a storm, doing gardening and other yard spruce-up projects.
Now, if you also are a dog owner, chances are you might not be the only one digging in your backyard. Sunshine 811 is celebrating Aug. 11 as 811 Day – a national observance to remind people to dig safely – and offers tips to help you and your furry friends dig safe and avoid making contact with buried lines.
“Landscaping and fencing are among the most popular yard spruce-up activities for Floridians, but combined, they cause the most damage to underground utility lines – some of which are very shallow, while others can end up being entangled with roots,” said Wendy Schaefer, Sunshine 811’s education and awareness manager.
“Hitting a power, telecom or gas line – whether you’re a homeowner or the family pet – can result in fines, costly repairs, service interruptions, street evacuations, injuries or even worse. That’s why contacting 811 before you dig is the law, and nationwide, the majority of damage occurs from not contacting 811,” Schaefer added.
She adds that the work of Sunshine 811 is all about ensuring public safety and preventing damage to underground infrastructure. When 811 is contacted, the organization alerts member utilities of a project so utility lines can be identified and marked first before digging.
811 can be accessed by dialing those numbers directly on your phone or by visiting DigSafeFlorida.com and clicking on “Create a Ticket.” Sunshine 811 also is Florida’s go-to resource for education on the safe digging process. The organization’s online Learning Center at offers in-depth information, resources and videos on a variety of topics, including: safe planting tips, hurricane storm prep and after-storm clean-up reminders, damage prevention and more.
For humans and homeowners
In observance of 811 Day Aug. 11, Sunshine 811 offers key reminders about safe digging and tips to avoid dangers when it comes to yard and outdoor projects:
• Doing a DIY project? Hiring a contractor? You or your contractor must contact 811 at least two business days before your project start so that underground utility lines can be marked.
• Follow the essential six steps to safe digging: (1) Plan your project. (2) Contact 811. (3) Wait until utility lines are marked. (4) • Confirm responses from utilities. (5) Respect the marks – don’t remove them. (6) Dig with care.
• Have the right tools for the right project. In addition to the timeless shovel, your project may require some other must-haves such as a spade, digging bar, graft, pick axe and post hole digger. Use caution as hand tools cause the most damage to underground lines.
• Know the difference between public and private lines. Private lines on your property are not marked by utility companies and are your responsibility. Learn what and where they are, such as water, sewer, irrigation, electrical lines to sheds, lighting and pool pumps, and gas lines to grills.
• Use extra caution when installing a new fence, mailbox and landscaping, as they are the biggest contributors to underground utility damage. Buried utility lines can be very shallow.
• Remember that dangers lie below during hurricane season. During post-storm clean-up and recovery, take caution before cutting away tree debris, replacing your fence or using a stump grinder.
Contact your utility immediately if you contact or damage a utility line.
For our furry friends
Dogs that like to dig can tear up your yard and landscaping, or worse they can dig or chew up telecommunication and other buried lines. Sunshine 811 shares some essential tips from experts to help deter your dog from digging:
• Keep your dog inside when you’re not home and supervise when you’re out back.
• Establish a dedicated dig zone in your yard (or build a run) – a spot where there are no buried lines. Bury some toys there and keep repeating so your pup recognizes this area as his or her digging ground.
• Directly intervene to deter your dog from digging in certain spots. Don’t punish your dog after the fact. This won’t address the cause of the behavior and will worsen any digging that’s motivated by fear or anxiety. To stop the digging, try a hard clap to get your dog’s attention and re-direct to a designated dig spot or favorite toy.
• Consider placing large stones, landscaping or lawn fixtures in those “don’t dig” spots and make sure your pup has shade so he or she isn’t digging just to keep cool.
• Keep interesting toys in your backyard as your dog’s “go to.”
• Fill existing holes with dirt as they occur.
• Since dogs often dig for entertainment (and to fill boredom), increase your time with him or her through walks, play and more.
For more information about safe digging and the 811 process, visit Sunshine811.com.
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