This April marks the seventh annual National Safe Digging Month, reminding Tennesseans to always call 811 at least 3 working days before any digging project. National Safe Digging Month is formally recognized by the United Sates House of Representatives and Senate and has traditionally earned the support from nearly every state governor across the country.

     Governor Haslam recently signed a Proclamation proclaiming April as Safe Digging Month in Tennessee. This month is dedicated to increasing awareness of safe digging practices across Tennessee and reminding homeowners to call 811 before starting any outdoor digging projects.

     According to the association, Common Ground Alliance, one underground line, Electric, Gas, Communications, water or sewer, is damaged by digging every six minutes nationwide because an excavator did not call 811.

     Calling Tennessee 811 at least three (3) working days prior to a scheduled project allows a professional locator to visit the property and mark the approximate location of the underground utility lines. Remember to dig around the marks, not on them, and also remember that time, erosion or root structure growth can shift the locations of utility lines.

     Striking a utility line while digging can lead to injury, repair costs and inconvenient outages, so consider this a friendly reminder to call 811 before you dig not only in April, but every month of the year.

April Fun - "Can You Dig It?"