Today, August 11, is National Safe Digging Day (811 Day), and the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) wants to remind Florida residents to call 8-1-1 before any digging project.
“National 811 Day, appropriately highlighted on 8-11 or August 11, is the perfect time for the Commission to highlight best safe digging practices,” said PSC Commissioner Gabriella Passidomo. “Before you pick up your shovel, remember that safe digging is everyone’s responsibility and remember to call 8-1-1 before you dig.”
Your Florida 811 call connects you to Sunshine 811. Their operators notify your local utilities, who will send locators to your dig site to mark the approximate location of buried lines with flags or paint.
Breaking underground utility lines can result in steep fines, unexpected costs, and long project delays while repairs occur. Calling 8-1-1 or visiting www.call811.com has proven to be the foremost preventive measure in excavation safety and damage prevention. With more than 20 million miles of underground utilities nationwide, the PSC urges residents and contractors to call 811 before any project that requires digging, excavation, or driving materials, like fence posts, into the ground.
View the PSC’s call 8-1-1 public service announcement here.
About 811 Day
811 Day is an annual initiative led by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s PHMSA to ensure the practice of safe digging in communities by calling 8-1-1, a nationwide toll-free number, before any excavation project. For more information on 811 Day, please visit www.sunshine811.com.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
