Spring is officially upon us, and so is National Safe Digging Month! Louis Panzer, Executive Director of NC811 is asking fire stations across the state to show their support during the month of April by reminding their community members to call North Carolina 811 at "811" before any digging project - large or small.

One free call to 811 three full working days prior to digging starts the process of having underground utility lines marked. This simple call reduces the chance of diggers unintentionally striking a utility line (gas, electric, communications, water or sewer) and causing inconvenient outages, harm to themselves or someone else, and/or repair costs.

Louis asks that you simply post a brief reminder to call 811 on the marquee in front of your fire station during April. Here are a few examples to consider:

• Know what's below. Call 811 before you dig.
• Digging soon? Call 811 first.
• April is Safe Digging Month, Call 811 before you dig.
• Call 811 or you may be calling 911.

Photos of signs with the safety message will be posted on our website and Facebook page and included in our communications to contractors and homeowners. For additional information and to send in photos or materials contact Ann Rushing at 336-855-5760 or email her at annrushing@nc811.org.

Two winners will be chosen for a $250 prize each to a Fire Station who submits photos.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to raising awareness of safe digging.

For more information about National Safe Digging Month, please visit Call811.com

Sincerely,   

Ann Rushing, Education Manager NC811