Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas Urge Everyone to Call 811 Before Digging
Officials say 811 calls can prevent damage, injury and death, and excavators already know the rule 99% of the time, according to a survey.
- Tuesday, August 11, 2026, marks National 811 Day, an annual reminder for homeowners and contractors to call 811 before digging to prevent damage to underground utility infrastructure.
- Failing to call 811 remains the top driver of utility damages, with 57% of 2026 incidents involving no advance notification; for homeowners specifically, that failure rate rises to 89%.
- Damaging underground lines poses public safety risks requiring 911 responses and results in repair bills averaging $3,500. Mitch Smith, Director, PG&E Damage Prevention, said calling 811 helps residents "dig safely and avoid expensive repairs."
- Utility professionals provide free marking services when residents request locates at least two working days before digging. Once notified, crews dispatch to mark site boundaries using flags or spray paint.
- If a line is struck or a gas leak suspected, individuals must immediately stop work, leave the area, and call 911. Respecting utility markings keeps families safe and connected to critical services.
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13 Articles
811 Day reminds North Carolinians to call before digging
LELAND, N.C. (WWAY) — Before starting an outdoor project, utility safety officials are reminding residents to check what may be underground. Aug. 11 is 811 Day, a nationwide reminder to contact 811 before digging to help prevent injuries, service disruptions and costly damage to underground utility lines. “For every digging project that you have no matter how big or small it starts with a free call or online request to 811,” said Steven Moore, a…
Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas urge everyone to call 811 before digging
August 11 is National Safe Digging Day, recognizing the importance of having underground utility lines marked prior to digging or excavating. Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas reported damage to underground electric and natural gas lines nearly 4,500 times this year.
PR Newswire
Redheaded BlackbeltNational 811 Day: Damaging Underground Utility Lines During Digging Can be a Serious Public Safety Issue
/PRNewswire/ -- Most every day, somewhere in Pacific Gas and Electric's (PG&E) service area in Northern and Central California, an underground utility line is...
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