Building a deck?  Planting a tree?  Installing a mailbox?

811 is the new number you should call before you begin any digging project.   A new, federally-mandated national “Call Before You Dig” number, 811 was created to help protect you from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines while working on digging projects.  People digging often make risky assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines marked due to concerns of project delays, costs and previous calls about other projects.  These assumptions can be life-threatening.

Every digging job requires a call – even small projects like planting trees or shrubs.  If you hit an underground utility line while digging, you can harm yourself or those around you, disrupt service to an entire neighborhood and potentially be responsible for fines and repair costs.

Smart digging means calling 811 before each job.  Whether you are a homeowner or a professional excavator, one call to 811 gets your underground utility lines marked for FREE.  Special color coded paint or flags indicate what utility is buried below ground.

  • Red – Electric
  • Orange – Communications, Telephone/CATV
  • Blue – Potable Water
  • Green – Sewer/Drainage
  • Yellow – Gas/Petroleum Pipe Line
  • Purple – Reclaimed Water
  • White – Pre-mark site of intended excavation

Visit http://www.tnonecall.org/ for more information.

The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) has created a new pirate-themed video for children ages 8-11 years on the importance of calling before you dig.  The below video is 7 minutes long and teaches children the importance of damage prevention and its relevance to their everyday lives.  Click 811 Pirate.