TALLAHASSEE —
Every three minutes nationwide, an underground
utility line is hit because of failure to call 8-1-1 before digging.
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) reminds Floridians to
call 8-1-1 before putting a shovel in the ground this spring!
“April is National Safe Digging Month,” said PSC
Chairman Art Graham. “So before heading out in the yard for those
spring projects, we encourage professionals and homeowners to call 8-1-1
and follow the safe digging process to help prevent injuries, property damage,
and inconvenient outages.”
Chairman Graham continued, “For information on safe digging,
I encourage consumers to view a helpful
8-1-1 video tip on the PSC’s website.”
Digging for any type of landscape and home
improvement projects without knowing the approximate location
of underground utilities can cause serious injuries, service
disruptions, and repair costs if a line is damaged. Homeowners
often make risky assumptions about whether or not to get their
utility lines marked, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, which supports the 8-1-1 campaign.
The Federal Communications Commission has
designated 8-1-1 as the national “Call Before You Dig” number.
By calling 8-1-1, local Sunshine State One Call Center
personnel notify affected utility companies to dispatch crews to mark your underground
utility lines. Utility markings show those who dig the approximate location of underground
lines and help prevent undesired consequences. This is a free service, so there is no reason
to take a chance or make an assumption about the location of critical underground utility facilities.
Remember to follow the safe digging guidelines
and dig with care after your underground facilities are marked,
not only during National Safe Digging Month, but every month!
For more information on the 8-1-1 campaign,
visit www.call811.com, or access
the PSC’s brochure on Natural Gas Utility Regulation in Florida at www.floridapsc.com.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter,
@floridapsc.
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