MERRILLVILLE – In recognition of National Safe Digging Month, NIPSCO urges customers not to “dig blind” by calling 811 at least two business days before starting any digging project, the utility said in a release Thursday. According to data collected by Common Ground Alliance, the national organization dedicated to protecting underground utility lines and the safety of people who dig near them, an underground utility line is damaged once every six minutes, the releaes states. Last year, NIPSCO recorded approximately 1,000 cases of system damage by a contractor, homeowner or other outside party. Calling 811 is not only important for safety, it’s the law, the release states. Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in damage to gas, electric, communications, water and sewer lines, which can lead to service disruptions and serious injuries. In addition to the risk of serious injury, not calling 811 could result in fines of up to $10,000 and the cost to repair any damages. Safe Digging Month is dedicated to increasing awareness of safe digging practices across the country and promoting the use of 811, the free, national call-before-you-dig phone number. Once a call is made, a professional utility line locator will visit the dig site to mark the approximate location of underground public utility lines with paint or flags. Whether planting trees, installing a pool or performing any other outdoor digging project, NIPSCO offers the following recommendations for a busy digging season: • Always call 811 or enter a request online at www.811NOW.com two business days before the start of any digging project. • Tell neighbors, coworkers, family and friends about 811 if they discuss their plans for an outdoor home improvement project with you. • Avoid starting projects until you’re sure all lines are marked. 811 will read a list of which companies should respond. • Choose another location on the property for a project if the original planned site is near utility line markings. • If your excavation is within two feet of any marked facility, only use hand tools or vacuum excavation with extreme caution. • If a contractor has been hired, confirm that a call to 811 has been made. Don’t allow work to begin if the lines aren’t marked. • After the site has been accurately marked, it is safe to begin digging carefully around the marked areas. For more information about the 811 service, visit www.NIPSCO.com/811.
