The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission reminds Hoosiers to always call 811 before any digging projects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INDIANAPOLIS (April 3, 2017) — Today, Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb issued a proclamation announcing April as Indiana Safe Digging Month. The proclamation reminds Hoosiers to always call 811 before starting any outdoor digging projects.

As April marks the start of spring digging season, Gov. Holcomb and Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission are encouraging all Indiana residents to call 811 before digging to prevent injuries, property damage and inconvenient outages. Every six minutes an underground utility line is damaged because someone decided to dig without first calling 811.

“We join the governor in strongly encouraging individuals and companies to call 811 before beginning any digging project,” said James Atterholt, Chairman of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. “By having all underground lines clearly marked and then digging carefully, homeowners are making an important decision that helps keep our communities safe and connected.”

When calling 811, you will be connected to Indiana 811, which notifies the appropriate utility companies of your intent to dig. Professional locators are then sent to the requested digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags and paint. Once lines have been accurately marked, careful digging can begin.

Striking a single line can cause injury, repair costs, fines and inconvenient outages. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, requires a call to 811. Installing a mailbox, putting in a fence, building a deck and planting a tree are all examples of digging projects that need a call to 811 before starting.

Visit http://www.call811.com/ or http://www.indiana811.org/ for more information about 811 and the call-before-you-dig process.