Newsroom

Safety

August 11 is National Safe Digging Day

Phillip Harris

Public and employee safety is Williams’ top priority, which is why we are happy to remind everyone that Wednesday, Aug. 11 (8/11), is National Safe Digging Day.

Nation Safe Digging Day is the annual day set aside to remind everyone to always call 811 before starting any digging projects, no matter how large or small. It’s not only safe and simple; it’s the law.

Contractors and homeowners should always call 811 at least 48 to 72 hours before starting any digging projects, whether installing a mailbox, planting a tree or building a deck or fence. When you call, your state’s One-Call center answers and notifies the appropriate utilities of your intent to dig. Then, professional line locators will arrive at the digging site and mark the locations of underground lines with flags, spray paint or both.

Line locators use specific colors defined by the American Public Works Association to indicate the location of buried utility lines. The colors include:

  • Yellow: natural gas
  • Red: electric power lines or cables
  • Orange: communication, alarm or signal lines
  • Blue: potable water
  • Green: sewers and drain lines
  • White: proposed excavation limits or route
  • Pink: temporary survey markings
  • Purple: reclaimed water, irrigation and slurry lines

Line depths vary by utility or state laws, so even the smallest project is worth calling about. And even if you have a good idea where your utility lines are, they may have been moved or relocated without you knowing. Use Call811.com as an online resource to find state laws or other safe-digging information.

Take advantage of National Safe Digging Day as an opportunity to share this vital information with everyone you know. By sharing 811, you may save a neighbor, friend or family member from personal injury, service disruption and costly fines.

You can also help spread the word about National Safe Digging Day by visiting our Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn pages to share directly with your social media followers.