It’s August 11th, and that means everyone’s favorite holiday – National Call Before You Dig Day!

Question: What do installing a new mailbox, planting a tree, building a fence or creating a new garden have in common?

Answer: It is really important that you call 811 at least three business days before you begin any of the steps above.

The natural gas you use to cook or heat your home comes to your house through a pipe buried under your lawn. The same goes for the water you use and the cables that bring you electricity and internet access. And when you flush your toilet, it all has to go somewhere, and “somewhere” is another pipe under your lawn.

The danger of accidentally cutting a pressurized sewer line (or a natural gas line, power cable, or other critical infrastructure) with a shovel may seem obvious, but underground piping is naturally out of sight. This buried infrastructure is often overlooked during these household excavation projects—which can spell disaster for everyone involved.

Where exactly are these pipes and cables located? Your state’s 811 center can help you identify them. Call 811 before you dig so that representatives from your utility companies can be dispatched to mark all critical infrastructure so you know where not to dig. The representatives at your 811 center will also explain how to check that everyone has signed and that it is really safe to dig. The best part is that this service is completely free!

Calling 811 before you dig is 100% beneficial and can prevent anything from a major inconvenience to an actual threat to your health and safety. It’s fast, convenient, and free, so on this Call Before You Dig Day, please remember: Just call 811 first.