Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin proclaims April as National Safe Digging month and encourages West Virginians to call 811 before every digging project.
“The depth of utility lines can vary and the risk of striking an underground utility exists-whether you’re landscaping your yard or excavating a hillside,” Gov. Tomblin said. “I have proclaimed April as National Safe Digging Month in an effort to raise awareness of the importance of calling West Virginia 811 before every digging project-large or small.”
Every year, the nation’s underground utility infrastructure is jeopardized and utility service is interrupted by unintentional damage caused by failure to dial 811 before starting a digging project. Striking a single pipeline, wire or cable can cause service disruptions or serious personal injury and may result in costly repairs or fines.
Miss Utility of West Virginia, Inc. (West Virginia 811), the statewide one call system, receives calls from homeowners and contractors regarding proposed digging projects. West Virginia 811 then notifies the appropriate utility companies so they can send out professional locators to the proposed digging site to mark the approximate location of underground utilities with flags and paint. Once utilities have been accurately marked digging can begin.
Homeowners and contractors can save time and money and help prevent personal injury and property damage by calling 811 in advance of any digging project, waiting for utility personnel to come out and mark the location of any underground lines, respecting the marked lines, and digging with care around the marks.
For more information about West Virginia 811, visit www.wv811.com.
To read the proclamation in its entirety, click here
