Make a Call to 811 Part of Your Springtime Plans
April 2, 2018
Calling 811 before digging can prevent underground utility damage and keep communities safe
As April marks the traditional start of construction activity and outdoor projects, utilities across the nation observe National Safe Digging Month to remind the public to call 811 before digging. Calling 811 three full business days before the start of a digging project to have buried utility lines marked is the simple, smart and safe thing to do— and it’s also South Carolina state law.
A national study published in March found that nearly 40 percent of homeowners who plan to dig this year for home improvement projects will not call 811 beforehand, which puts them and their communities at risk. Striking a utility line can result in injuries, service disruptions, fines and costly repair costs. Examples of projects that involve a call to 811 include landscaping, installing a fence or mailbox, planting a tree, building a deck, pond or patio.
“Before you or someone you hire start digging for your next home-improvement project, don’t forget to do the safe thing and call 811,”said Greg McGlohorn, General Manager of Construction, Operations and Maintenance for SCE&G’s natural gas business. “By calling 811, homeowners and contractors are making an important decision that can help keep them and their communities safe.”
There are three easy ways to contact South Carolina 811 to have buried utility lines located:
- Dial 811 or call (888) 721-7877. Both are toll free.
- Visit www.sc811.com to submit a utility marking request online.
- Download the free South Carolina 811 app for Apple or Android mobile devices. The app has a complete set of tools to help with any digging project.
When a request is received, South Carolina 811 notifies the appropriate utility companies. Professional locators will then mark the location of the utility lines with flags, paint or both, at no cost. Once all lines are marked, dig carefully with hand tools around the locate marks.
To learn more about safe digging, visit www.sceg.com/gassafety and www.sc811.com.
About SCE&G
South Carolina Electric & Gas Company is a regulated public utility engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity to approximately 719,000 customers in 24 counties in the central, southern and southwestern portions of South Carolina. The company also provides natural gas service to approximately 368,000 customers in 35 counties in the state.
