This Aug. 11, Columbia Gas of Maryland urges homeowners and contractors to contact 811 at least three business days before beginning any digging project. This free and simple service helps prevent damage to underground utility lines and promotes community safety.
“Safety is at the heart of everything we do,” said Columbia Gas of Maryland President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Kempic. “Contacting 811 is the law because it ensures that we all contribute to safe digging and protect our communities and their utility services.”
By
calling 811 or visiting MissUtility.net, residents are connected to the state
system which coordinates with local utilities to mark underground lines using
color-coded flags or spray paint. These markings help identify the location and
type of utility lines, such as gas, electricity, water, or communications, so
that digging can be done safely.
Examples of projects needing a locate request
include installing fences or mailboxes, planting trees or shrubs, and
constructing patios or decks. Even shallow garden digging can be dangerous
because utility line depths may differ due to erosion, prior work, or uneven
ground. While homeowners or professionals may think they know where underground
utilities are, the only dependable way to confirm is by contacting 811.
"Accidentally
hitting even one utility line can lead to repair expenses, inconvenient
outages, fines, serious injuries, or worse,” added Kempic. “Columbia Gas takes
pride in supporting 811 Day and encourages everyone to remember to call before
digging.”
For
more information about safe digging practices, visit MissUtility.net or ColumbiaGasMD.com.
