April is designated as National Safe Digging Month, and National Grid is reminding anyone planning on digging to call 811 to prevent damage to underground utilities or even injuries or property damage.

Before digging for any size project—whether planting new bushes or trees, installing mailboxes, or building a shed or deck—a call to 811 is critical to know what is below before digging. Dig Safe is a free service to use and National Grid remains committed to emphasizing the program’s importance to avoid damages or service outages in local communities.

"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 Pipeline Safety & Gas Compliance at National Grid. "Remember, calling 811 before you dig will help to protect you and your family, as well as your neighbors and the local community, and it’s the law." 

Each year, damages to buried utilities cost the U.S. approximately $30 billion in repairs and societal impacts.  While backhoes are the #1 tool used when buried utilities are damaged, shovels are #2 – meaning even small projects can have big impacts.

Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811. It's not only the safe and smart thing to do – it's the law. Failure to call 811 may be punishable by fines, which can be as high as $1,000 for a first offense and $10,000 for subsequent violations. A call to 811 is the best safeguard and the first line of defense for preventing strikes on underground utility lines.

Utility lines must be appropriately marked in each previously marked location to avoid risk but their depth can vary due to factors like erosion, previous digging projects, and uneven surfaces. National Grid works closely with local fire and police departments; with their strong support, people are calling before they dig. Calling 811 can avoid an incident that requires police and fire response.

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.

•  Making a free request before digging online at http://www.811beforeyoudig.com/ or by calling 811 will help everyone who digs maintain essential utility service for their communities.

As part of National Safe Digging Month, National Grid encourages everyone to take the following steps when planning a digging project this spring:

Plan ahead. Always contact 811 before digging, regardless of the depth or familiarity with the property. 

• • Massachusetts law requires you to contact Dig Safe at least 72 business hours in advance in advance of projects requiring excavation.
  • New York law requires you to contact Dig Safe at least 48 business hours in advance of projects requiring excavation.
• Confirm that all lines have been marked.  
• Consider moving the location of your project if it is near utility line markings. 
• If a contractor has been hired, confirm that the contractor contacted 811. Do not allow work to begin if the lines are not marked. 
• Visit www.811beforeyoudig.com for complete information.
• The service is easy to use and free of charge.

Additional Resources:

• Massachusetts: Call 811 or 1-888-DIG-SAFE (344-7233) | digsafe.com
• Metro New York, Long Island, and the Rockaways: Call 811 or 1-800-272-4480 | newyork-811.com
• Upstate New York: Call 811 or 1-800-962-7962 | UDigNY.org
• When It Comes to 811, There’s No Kidding Around – National Grid Safety video