Provided by the Village of Ada

In observance of Safe Digging Month, Common Ground Alliance (CGA) – the national association dedicated to protecting underground utility lines, people who dig near them, and their communities – recently announced results from a recent national survey which found 27.2 million Americans planning digging projects in the next year will not contact their local 811, putting themselves and their communities at risk of utility service disruptions, costly fines and repairs, and even serious injury or death. 

In Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine would like to remind all Ohioans to prioritize safety by contacting OHIO811 before any excavation project.

Whether you’re a homeowner planting a tree or a professional excavator breaking ground, Ohio law requires you to “call before you dig” to request utility companies locate and mark all underground utilities within the proposed excavation area. 

Notifying OHIO811 is a free public safety service that protects Ohioans and the vital utility services relied upon daily. Your dig request ensures that underground utility lines are properly marked before digging, preventing accidents and keeping communities safe. 

Digging without knowing the location of underground utilities can lead to serious injuries, service outages and expensive repairs. Accidentally striking gas, electric, communications, water or sewer lines can cause significant disruptions to homes and businesses. 

"Our survey found that 46% of Americans don't plan to notify 811 before digging, with most believing their project is too shallow to merit an 811 request. This misconception puts homeowners and their neighbors at risk of injury and utility service interruptions,” said CGA President and CEO Sarah K. Magruder Lyle. “The reality is that utility lines can be buried just inches below the surface, which is why everyone must contact 811 before every digging project—whether it's installing a patio or major construction."

Even common do-it-yourself projects—such as planting a garden, installing a mailbox or setting up a fence—can pose risks, as the depth of buried utilities can vary.

To keep homeowners, families and communities safe, a few days before breaking ground, make a free request to have the approximate location of underground lines marked with flags or paint by dialing 8-1-1 or visiting https://oups.org/, or OHIO811 mobile app. This Safe Digging Month, and all year long, take the following steps when planning a digging project:

Always contact OHIO811 at least 48 hours – but no more than 10 days - before digging, regardless of the depth or familiarity with the property.

Plan ahead. Make a free OHIO811 request on Monday or Tuesday for work planned for an upcoming weekend, providing ample time for the approximate location of lines to be marked.

Confirm that all lines have been marked.

Consider moving the location of the project if it is near utility line markings.

If a contractor has been hired, confirm that the contractor has contacted 811. Don't allow work to begin if the lines aren't marked.

Curious about what those flag and paint colors mean? Check out: https://oups.org/one-call-process/

Homeowners can find tailored resources at: https://oups.org/homeowners/