Gov. Scott Declares April 'Safe Digging Month'

DEBARY, Fla., April 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Gov. Rick Scott issued a proclamation declaring April as Safe Digging Month in Florida. The proclamation reminds Florida's homeowners to call 811 before starting any outdoor digging projects.

April marks the start of spring digging season. Sunshine State One Call of Florida, Inc. (SSOCOF) and Gov. Scott encourage homeowners to call 811 two full business days before digging. A utility line is damaged by digging once every three minutes nationwide. One-third of these incidents are caused by failure of the professional excavator or homeowner to call 811 before beginning their digging project.

When calling 811, homeowners are connected to SSOCOF, which notifies appropriate utility companies of the intent to dig. Utility locators will locate and mark any underground lines on your property with flags or spray paint. Once lines are marked, digging can begin; however, use extra caution when digging within 24 inches of the marks. The underground line could be anywhere within that area.

"We join the governor in strongly encouraging individuals and companies to call 811 before they begin digging," said SSOCOF Executive Director Mark Sweet. "By having underground lines marked, homeowners are making an important decision to keep their communities safe and connected."  

Striking a single line can cause injury, repair costs, fines and inconvenient utility outages. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, requires a call to 811. Installing a mailbox, putting in a fence, building a deck and laying a patio are all examples of digging projects that need a call to 811 before starting.

Visit http://www.callsunshine.com for more information about 811 and the call-before-you-dig process.

Sunshine State One Call of Florida is a private, not-for-profit corporation created by Florida Legislature in 1993 with the Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act, Chapter 556, Florida Statutes. It educates excavators and homeowners on the call-811-before-you-dig process and provides the free system used to notify utility owners of intended digging.

Media Contact:        

Wendy Schaefer, Communications Specialist
[email protected]
(800) 638-4097 ext. 2065

This press release was issued through eReleases(R).  For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE Sunshine State One Call of Florida, Inc.