The Journal

April marks the 10th anniversary of National Safe Digging Month, reminding all Colorado residents to contact Colorado 811 at least three business days before a digging project.

National Safe Digging Month has been recognized by the U.S. House and Senate and supported by Gov. John Hickenlooper.

When dialing 811, homeowners and contractors are connected to a call center, which notifies the appropriate utility company of their intent to dig. Professional locators are then sent to the requested digging site to mark approximate locations of underground lines with flags, paint or both. Striking a utility line can cause injury, repair costs, fines and outages. Installing a mailbox, building a deck and planting a tree or garden are all examples of digging projects that should only begin after contacting 811.

“We are using this month to strongly encourage homeowners and contractors to contact 811 before they begin digging,” said Marty Mead of Colorado 811.

Visit www.co811.org for more information.