Gov. Cooper Proclaims April as North Carolina Safe Digging Month

NC811 reminds local residents to call 811 before all digging projects

GREENSBORO, NC (April 1, 2024) — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper issued a proclamation announcing April as NC Safe Digging Month. These proclamations have been requested and obtained annually since 1988, a full 12 years before the formation of the Common Ground Alliance. The proclamation reminds NC homeowners to call 811 before starting any outdoor digging project.

April marks the start of spring digging season, so NC811 and Gov. Cooper are encouraging homeowners to call 811 before they dig to prevent injuries, property damage and inconvenient outages.

Fewer than half of Americans believe they need to call 811 before simple projects such as:

• Installing a deck or patio
• Planting trees, bushes and shrubs
• Installing a mailbox

"Neglecting to call 811 before digging can have dangerous consequences," said Gov. Cooper. "I urge every North Carolinian to take the time to use this valuable service."

When calling 811, homeowners are connected to NC811, which notifies the appropriate utility companies of the intent to dig. Professional locators are then sent to the requested digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, stakes or paint. Once lines have been accurately marked, digging can begin around marked lines.

"We join the governor in strongly encouraging individuals and companies to call 811 before they begin digging," said Louis Panzer, Executive Director – NC811. "By having underground lines marked, homeowners are making an important decision that can help keep them and their communities safe and connected."

Striking a single line can cause injury, repair costs, fines and inconvenient outages. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, necessitates a call to 811.

Visit www.nc811.org or www.call811.com for more information about 811 and the call-before-you-dig process.