U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is partnering with NASCAR and certain states and organizations to promote the use of the national one-call number “811” for safe digging during April as National Safe Digging Month.
People can call 811, which is the national "call-before-you dig" phone number or visit Call811.com before digging into their properties, according to a March 28 news release. Through 811, people can request the approximate location of buried utilities be marked so underground utility lines aren’t accidentally hit.
“Whether you’re doing construction on your property or simply putting in a new mailbox, digging without contacting 811 can have serious consequences for your family and community,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in the release. “This National Safe Digging Month, and every month, remember to always contact 811 before you dig.”
NASCAR vehicle, fire and pit crew suits and more will display “Call 811” in more than 30 races in the 2023 season of the NASCAR Xfinity Series, the release said. The National Volunteer Fire Council will stream a 30-second ad on Spotify that promotes “free excavation damage incident training resources to first responders.”
The 811 national call number went live in 2005, according to the release. The number connects “homeowners, contractors and other professionals to state call centers to arrange the marking of underground utilities.”
Digging is “a leading cause of serious pipeline incidents,” with more than 192,000 damages to underground facilities in 2021 caused by unsafe digging, the release reported.
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration gave nearly $2.8 million in 2022 through its State Damage Prevention Grant and One Call Grant programs to support states’ damage prevention projects, the release said.
“Incidents caused by unsafe digging put workers, the public and first responders at risk — that's why we’re partnering with NASCAR and states from across the country to raise the public’s awareness about this important safety issue,” Deputy Administrator Tristan Brown said in the release.
