JULIE, Inc. Celebrates National Safe Digging Month In April

JOLIET, Ill., April 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- April marks the sixth annual National Safe Digging Month, reminding Illinois residents to always call 811 before any digging project. Across the nation, every eight minutes an underground utility line is damaged because someone decided to dig without first calling 811.

When calling 811 in Illinois (outside the city of Chicago), homeowners and contractors are connected to JULIE, Inc. (JULIE), which notifies the appropriate member utility companies of their intent to dig. Professional locators from these member companies then mark the approximate location of their underground lines at the digging site with flags or paint within two business days.

Striking a single line can cause personal injury, environmental or property damage, repair costs and inconvenient outages. According to state law, every digging project, no matter how large or small, requires a call to 811. Planting a tree or shrub, installing a mailbox and building a deck are all examples of projects that require a call to 811. This is a free call and service.

"As April marks the traditional start of the digging season, we strongly encourage everyone to call 811 before digging, regardless of depth," said Kevin Chmura, Director of Public Relations for JULIE, Inc. "By calling 811, homeowners and professional excavators are making an important decision that can help keep them, their families and their neighborhoods safe and connected." 

JULIE, Inc. is promoting National Safe Digging Month activities throughout the month of April.  In addition to the launch of a new Web site at www.illinois1call.com, residents should be on the look out for 811 banners and "Call Before You Dig" messages on fire department signs and other venues across the state.

JULIE's call center agents are available to receive and process requests 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 811. E-Request is also a convenient option for homeowners who prefer to enter their own locate requests via www.illinois1call.com.

"We also continue to encourage residents and contractors to follow "JULIE1call" on Facebook and Twitter for additional information on upcoming promotions, contests and safe digging tips," stated Chmura.

Based in Joliet, the not-for-profit organization represents more than 1,840 members.  For an explanation of the color-code markings and more information, visit www.illinois1call.com or follow "JULIE1call" on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE JULIE, Inc.