Floridians encouraged to call 811 before starting their spring digging projects

ORLANDO, Fla. — With spring in the air and Floridians starting to do more outdoor work, April is being designated “Safe Digging Month.”

Before you start that spring DIY project, the Florida Public Service Commission is asking Floridians to call 811 before you start to dig.

811 is the free, national call-before-you-dig phone number.

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“Whether you are installing a fence, securing a swing set, or planting trees, it’s important to call 811,” said PSC chairman Andrew Giles Fay. “Accidentally hitting an underground utility line while digging could harm you and those around you, so be safe with a free call to 811.”

According to a release from PSC, buried utility lines are damaged once every nine minutes across the United States. Hitting a buried utility line can serious injury or disrupt service to an entire neighborhood.

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A call to 811 will notify your local utility company to dispatch crews to mark the approximate location of underground utility lines to help prevent damages.

Not calling before you dig can result in potential fines and penalties, including repair costs.

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In Florida, 811 is managed by the Sunshine State One Call Center, which is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In order to give your utility company enough time to find and mark buried lines, PSC is asking that Floridians call at least two working days before digging begins.

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You can reach the Sunshine State One Call Center at 800-432-4770.

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