Protect Your Community: Contact PA 811 Before You Dig

Pennsylvania 811 encourages everyone to contact 811 three (3) business days before digging to avoid damaging buried utilities

WEST MIFFLIN, Pa., Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania 811 is using the 8 - 1 - 1 calendar date as a timely reminder to residents: Always contact 811 before starting any digging project to have underground utilities marked. Whether you're installing a mailbox or breaking ground on a major construction project, contacting 811 helps prevent accidents, outages and costly repairs.

Every few minutes, an underground utility line is damaged because someone digs without calling 811. Hitting a buried line can lead to serious consequences—from disrupting essential services to causing severe injury.

Striking a single utility line can cause repair costs, inconvenient outages, fines, severe injuries and can even cause fatalities. Every digging project warrants contacting 811 by phone or online. From building a deck to planting a tree, every digging project requires an 811 request at least a three business days before breaking ground.

"On Aug.11—and every day—we remind homeowners and contractors to use 811 before they dig," said Bill Kiger, President & CEO at Pennsylvania 811. "This simple step protects you, your property, and your entire community. It's free, it's fast, and it can prevent a life-changing mistake."

Digging ** soon** ? Take these steps to stay safe and avoid unnecessary risks:

• Contact 811 three business days in advance—no matter the size of your project or how well you know the property.
• Plan ahead. Make your request early in the week for weekend projects.
• Wait for utility lines to be marked and confirm that utilities have responded to your request before starting any digging.
• Respect the marks and dig with care.
• Double check that your contractor has contacted 811 if you've hired one. Never allow unmarked digging to begin.
• To learn more about safe digging and to submit a request, visit www.paonecall.org.

Pennsylvania 811's mission is to promote safety and prevent damage to underground facilities.

SOURCE Pennsylvania One Call System, Inc.