Gov. Kemp Proclaims April As Georgia Safe Digging Month


Georgia 811 reminds local residents to call 811 before all digging projects

[Duluth, GA] (April 29, 2019) — Today Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp issued a proclamation announcing April as Georgia Safe Digging Month. The proclamation reminds Georgia homeowners to call 811 before starting any outdoor digging projects.

April marks the start of spring digging season, so Georgia 811 and Gov. Kemp are encouraging homeowners to call 811 before they dig to prevent injuries, property damage and inconvenient outages. Every nine minutes an underground utility line is damaged because someone decided to dig without first calling 811.

When calling 811, homeowners are connected to Georgia 811, which notifies the appropriate utility companies of the intent to dig. Professional locators are then sent to the requested digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags or spray paint. Once lines have been accurately marked, digging can begin around marked lines.

“We join the governor in strongly encouraging individuals and companies to call 811 before they begin digging,” said Meghan Wade, Georgia 811’s President & CEO. “By having underground lines marked, homeowners are making an important decision that can help keep them and their communities safe and connected.”

Striking a single line can cause injury, repair costs, fines and inconvenient outages. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, necessitates 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 www.Georgia811.com for more information about 811 and the call-before-you-dig process.

 

Media Contact:
Megan Estes
770-823-3936
MEstes@Georgia811.com