May 2 2007
JULIE, Inc. announced the launch of a new 811 "Call Before You Dig" number today to help prevent homeowners and professional excavators from damaging underground utility lines while digging and causing injury or service outages in Illinois.
"Knowing where utility lines are buried before each digging project helps protect those who dig from injury, expense and penalties," said Mark Frost, executive director of JULIE, Inc. "One easy call to JULIE will get the approximate location of underground utility lines marked for free."
As one of the largest industry one-call systems in the nation, JULIE annually receives over 1.2 million calls. In addition to JULIE's existing number (800-892-0123), 811 is a new FCC-designated national N-11 number that assists excavators with reaching the one-call center. This quick and efficient service notifies the appropriate member utilities, who then send locators or locate technicians to the requested site to mark underground lines.
"Safe digging is no accident. Regardless of the project size or depth, always call 811 before you dig," Frost continued. "Call center representatives are available to receive and process calls 24 hours a day, seven daysa week."
Safety Tips
Today, more utility companies that supply power, gas, water and telecommunications are delivering these services underground. Following are safety tips when planning projects:
- Call JULIE (simply call 811 or 800-892-0123) before you dig;
- Wait the required amount of time (two working days);
- Respect the marks; and
- Dig with care.
Types of Projects
Common examples of homeowner projects that require a call to JULIE before digging include putting up a fence; installing a pool, a mail box post or water feature such as a pond or fountain; building a deck or room addition; preparing a new garden area; or planting trees, bushes or shrubs.