LAPLACE — “Do-it-yourself” homeowners and contracted professional should take measures to stay safe when digging before starting landscaping or home improvement projects.

There are more than 100 billion feet of underground utilities in the United States, according to Louisiana One Call, an organization dedicated to protecting the safety of people who dig near underground utility lines. This equates to more than one football field’s length of buried utilities for every man, women and child in the country.

Every nine minutes in the U.S., an underground utility line is damaged because someone did not call 811, the national “Call Before You Dig” phone number, or connect online at laonecall.com

Each year, August 11 (8/11) is a reminder to dig safely and lawfully. It’s important to dial 811 or connect online to have the approximate location of underground utilities and pipelines marked, whether installing a fence, deck or swimming pool; planting a tree; or beginning any excavation project.

Not only is it the law in Louisiana, but also knowing where pipelines and underground utility lines are buried prevents unintentional damage, service interruptions, potential fines and costly repairs.

Residents and contractors must contact 811 before starting any digging project, even if they have done so previously for a similar project, as the depth of utilities can vary, and there may be multiple utilities located in the same area.

Contacting 811

When a person contacts 811, information will be collected about digging plans. Local pipeline and utility companies will be notified about the project.

Representatives from local pipeline and utility companies will be sent to mark the approximate location of underground utilities using color-coded paint, flags or stakes. If the utility is a metered service, member companies typically mark up to the meter on the property where work will be done.

Louisiana requires at least a two-business day notice to have underground utilities marked. Advanced notice allows utility and facility owners enough time to plan their marking process.

Planning a Project

Regardless of the depth of digging or familiarity with the property, always contact 811 before starting a project that involves digging. If a contractor has been hired, confirm they have done so. Don’t allow work to start until all utilities have been marked.

If utilities have not been marked within the identified timeframe, contact 811 again prior to digging. Remember, markings have an expiration date. Please dig with care around the markings, which may include paint, flags or stakes.

For more information, visit our website at louisiana811.com.