A resolution supporting National Safe Digging Month to promote safe digging practices and protect underground utility infrastructure by encouraging contacting 811 before digging.
Todd Young
Senator
IN
This resolution supports National Safe Digging Month and encourages contacting 811 before any digging project to protect underground utilities. It highlights that failure to contact 811 is a major cause of damage to these lines, often due to landscaping work. The resolution urges homeowners, excavators, and damage prevention groups to promote safe digging practices and educate the public about the importance of using the 811 service.
Resolution Backs National Safe Digging Month: Reminder to Call 811 Before Landscaping
This resolution throws official support behind National Safe Digging Month, which happens every April. Its main goal is pretty straightforward: get more people to dial 811 before starting any digging projects, whether it's planting a tree, putting in a fence, or bigger excavation work. The idea is to prevent damage to all those essential underground lines – think gas, electric, water, sewer, and even the fiber optic cables keeping your internet running.
Why the Nudge?
The resolution points out a key reason for utility line damage: folks digging without checking what's underneath first. Landscaping projects are apparently a common culprit. Hitting one of these lines isn't just inconvenient; it can be dangerous, lead to costly repairs, and cause service outages for you and your neighbors. Think about losing internet right before a deadline or, worse, causing a gas leak. This resolution essentially serves as a public service announcement, reminding everyone that a quick, free call to 811 can prevent a lot of hassle and potential harm.
Call Before You Dig: The 811 Lowdown
So, what does this resolution actually do? It encourages homeowners and professional excavators alike to make contacting 811 a standard part of their pre-digging routine. Dialing 811 connects you to a local center that notifies utility companies about your planned digging. They then send crews out to mark the approximate location of their underground lines on your property, usually with flags or paint. The resolution also supports efforts by damage prevention groups to educate the public about why this simple step is so crucial. It’s not creating new laws or penalties, but rather boosting awareness for an existing safety system designed to protect vital infrastructure and keep everyone safe.