One simple step can prevent accidents and save lives: calling 811 before you dig.
What is 811 Day and why does it matter?
811 Day, observed Aug. 11 each year, is a nationwide reminder for both homeowners and professional excavators to call before starting any digging project.
“It’s very important for us to get the message out to everyone doing any kind of home project, or even excavators who are working professionally, to call 811 before they do any kind of excavation,” said Shane Alexander, director of damage prevention at CenterPoint Energy.
The law requires anyone planning to dig to call 811, but safety, not just compliance, is the priority.
“[Calling 811] is a way for Texans to protect the community and to protect buried utilities, including gas lines, water, internet and all other utilities that could be damaged,” Alexander said.
How does calling 811 work?
When someone calls 811, the request is sent to utility companies in the area. For example, CenterPoint Energy receives the notice and dispatches a trained locator to mark their gas and electric lines with paint and flags on the property.
Alexander said the color-coded markings are the key to safety.
“The actual marks on the ground are really critical,” he said. “Natural gas is yellow, electricity is red, cable or internet would be orange and water is blue. The intent is that the paint/flags will show people the approximate location of the buried lines, so the next step is to dig cautiously around those marks.”
It’s important to plan ahead. Alexander recommended calling at least two to three business days before starting work to allow time for crews to mark the utilities.
What are the risks of digging without calling?
Accidents from digging without checking for utilities happen daily, and the risks aren’t limited to large construction projects. Small landscaping jobs can be just as hazardous.
When a utility line is damaged, the consequences can range from costly repairs to injuries and neighborhood-wide outages. In severe cases, striking a natural gas line could lead to fires or explosions.
“Having paint on the ground gives people a chance to dig safely,” Alexander said.
If a line is struck, immediately leave on foot, go to a safe location and call both 911 and CenterPoint Energy at 713-659-2111. Don’t use electric switches and outlets, cell phones, drive, start a car or do anything that could cause a spark inside or close to the location.
What are the biggest misconceptions?
The first myth is cost.
“Everyone seems to think that 811 costs money. It doesn’t cost anything. 811 is a free service,” Alexander said.
Another misunderstanding is that private utility lines will be marked. Lines such as a fuel line running to a pool heater are considered private, and homeowners are responsible for locating those themselves.
What’s the one thing everyone should remember?
The message Alexander hopes everyone remembers is simple: call before you dig. Knowing where underground facilities are before starting a project protects not only utilities but also families and communities.
“It’s free, it’s easy to use and it’s the law,” Alexander said. “Remind your family and remind your friends to call 811 before they dig.”
For more information, visit CenterPoint Energy’s website at www.centerpointenergy.com.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
