April is Safe Digging Month

April is Safe Digging Month: TPUC Reminds Citizens
That Safety is in Your Hands and to Call 811 Before Digging

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Public Utility Commission (TPUC) reminds citizens to call 811, a free damage prevention service that identifies and marks the location of underground utilities.

A recent national survey released by the Common Ground Alliance, sponsor of Safe Digging Month, shows that more than half of U.S. homeowners plan to complete an outdoor do-it-yourself project that involves digging in the next year, but 27 million Americans do not plan to notify 811 ahead of their next project, putting themselves and their communities at risk.

“The spring season inevitably brings with it an increase in outdoor projects that can result in hitting buried utility lines,” said TPUC Chairman David Jones. “We strongly urge anyone undertaking outdoor residential or business projects to call 811 beforehand to avoid accidents and utility interruptions.”

Hitting buried utility lines can be avoided by reaching out to 811 several days in advance of beginning any excavation or digging project, including small yard projects.

For additional information on safe digging in Tennessee visit www.tenn811.com