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Insights > Know What’s Below – Call 811 Before Digging
Know What’s Below – Call 811 Before Digging
08/07/2018
Stay safe by marking underground utility lines in advance
The dog days of summer have arrived in Entergy’s service area. But before you get your paws dirty, remember to call 811. Saturday is Aug. 11 (8/11 on the calendar), a good reminder to identify and mark underground utility lines before any digging project.
“On Aug. 11 and throughout the year, it’s important for homeowners and contractors to call 811 before digging to avoid the risk of striking an underground utility line,” said Rick Riley, senior vice president of distribution operations and asset management at Entergy. “It’s really the only way to know which utilities are buried in your area.”
Every hour, there are more than six damages to buried utilities because someone started digging without calling 811. Striking even a single line can leave you hang-dog, with the potential for injury, fines and outages. You may also be responsible for expensive repairs.
When contacting 811, homeowners, excavators and contractors are connected to their local one call center, which notifies the appropriate utility companies of their intent to dig. Professionals are then sent to the site to mark the locations of underground lines – including natural gas pipelines, electric power lines and other utility services – with flags, spray paint or both.
Every digging project, no matter how large or small, requires a call to 811. It’s the law. The depth of underground utility lines varies, and there may be multiple utility lines in the same area. Installing a mailbox, building a deck, erecting a fence, planting a tree or laying a patio? Don’t make a judgment call. Just make a phone call.
“It’s just as important to locate underground utilities as it is to keep your distance from overhead power lines,” added Riley. “Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner or contractor, don’t chance it and assume there isn’t a utility line below. Call 811 before you dig.”
Each state that Entergy serves has its own local 811 center. Visit the links below for information specific to your area.
Forget to call before digging? If you suspect utility damage of any kind, leave the area immediately and call 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) or 911.
Learn more about electrical and natural gas safety.
