This Safe Digging Month, I pledge to protect my community and family while working near underground pipelines and utilities.
I pledge to:
- Lead by example and contact my provincial/state one call center before I dig or conduct excavation-related activities. I will encourage my friends and neighbors to do the same. I understand that knowing where pipelines and other underground utility lines are buried before I dig can help prevent damage to property and utilities, protect me from fines and repair costs and keep me and my community safe.
- Wait for operators to mark lines in my area.
- If I notice any damage or suspect a leak, I will notify the operator of damage. For emergencies, I will call 911.
How it works
In Canada, call your provincial one call center or visit clickbeforeyoudig.com.
In the United States, call 811 or visit clickbeforeyoudig.com/ for online requests in select states.
When you call 811 or contact your provincial/state one call center, your information will be forwarded for processing. Local one call center operators record the location of the excavation and then notify the affected utility companies of your plans. Utility companies will then dispatch professional locators to mark the approximate location of pipelines and other utility lines within 2-3 business days (5 in Ontario). Once the lines are marked, you will know their approximate location and can work safely. Knowing what’s below will protect you, your family and your neighbors.
When to call
Homeowners often make assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines marked, but every digging job requires it — even small projects like planting trees and shrubs. Never assume that all underground utilities are buried at the same depth or that they are buried alone. Often there are multiple lines in the same area. Digging without calling or clicking can disrupt service to an entire neighborhood, potentially harm you and those around you and result in fines and repair costs. Calling or clicking before every job gets underground pipelines and other utility lines marked and helps prevent accidents.