Call Before You Dig – National Grid Reminding Customers to Call 8-1-1

The month of April is National Safe Digging Month and National Grid is reminding their customers, before you start to dig, call 8-1-1 to prevent damage to any underground utilities. You should call the number for any sized project including planting a tree, or building a deck.

Dialing 8-1-1 will provide a free service, Dig Free, from National Grid, who says its part of their commitment to the importance of avoiding damages or service outages in a community.

“Safe digging plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of our employees, the public, and local communities that we proudly serve daily,” said Richard Delaney, Vice President of Gas Pipeline Safety & Compliance at National Grid. “Over 27 million Americans who are planning to dig on their property this year will not contact 811 at least a few days in advance, putting themselves and their neighbors at serious risk of personal injury and utility service interruptions. Remember, calling 811 before you dig will help to protect you and your family, as well as your neighbors and the local community.” 

A survey from Common Ground Alliance shows 68% of Americans plan to do a do-it-yourself project that requires digging. National Grid says its an estimated 27.2 million people who won’t contact 8-1-1 before they dig. The company says this will put themselves, neighbors, and essential utility services at risk. 

“Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in serious injury or death, inconvenient service disruptions, and costly fines and repairs. Hitting underground gas, electric, communications, water, and sewer lines while digging can have a major impact on communities and businesses.”

National Grid says.

Dialing the number is required under law, no matter the size of the project. Those who do not call may be fined up to $1,000 for the first offense and up to $10,000 per subsequent offense. Residents in Upstate New York may also visit UDigNY.org for more information.