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Get ready to dig into National Safe Digging Month this April 1! This month-long celebration was created to promote safe digging practices and raise awareness about the dangers of unintentional damage to underground utility lines. Did you know that every six minutes, an underground utility line is damaged because someone did not call 811 before digging? By following proper procedures and using safe digging techniques, we can prevent accidents and protect our communities. So let's celebrate this month by spreading the word and ensuring that all digging projects are done safely!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1976</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Creation of CGA</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) was formed to prevent damage to underground utility infrastructure and to protect workers.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1994</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>"Call Before You Dig" Initiative</div><div class='timeline-text'>The "Call Before You Dig" initiative was born in response to the increasing number of accidents related to digging near utility lines.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of 811 Number</div><div class='timeline-text'>The FCC designated 811 as the nationwide number to call before digging, ensuring an easy-to-remember and accessible number for this crucial service.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2007</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Safe Digging Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>The CGA and stakeholders across the country recognized April as National Safe Digging Month to raise awareness about safe digging procedures.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Campaign Expansion</div><div class='timeline-text'>The "811: Call Before You Dig" campaign was expanded to include more public service announcements and educational events across the country.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself on safe digging practices</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to research and learn about safe digging practices, including the importance of calling 811 before any digging project, and how to properly identify and locate underground utility lines.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share the message with others</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spread the word about National Safe Digging Month by sharing information with friends, family, and neighbors. You can also post on social media or hang up posters in your community to raise awareness.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a safe digging event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a community event focused on safe digging, such as a workshop or demonstration. This is a great way to educate others and promote safe digging practices in your area.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a safe digging pledge</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Encourage others to commit to safe digging by creating a pledge or challenge for your friends and family to sign. This can help remind everyone of the importance of safe digging practices.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Celebrate with a backyard barbecue</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your loved ones for a backyard barbecue and use this as an opportunity to spread the message about safe digging. You can even create fun activities or games centered around safe digging to make it a memorable event.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Prevents damage to underground infrastructure</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Every year, thousands of miles of underground infrastructure - including gas lines, electrical cables and water pipes - are damaged due to unsafe digging practices. By celebrating National Safe Digging Month, we can raise awareness about the importance of safe digging and prevent costly damages.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Keeps communities safe</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Unsafe digging not only puts underground structures at risk, but it also endangers the safety of nearby communities. Gas leaks, electrical fires and water main breaks can all occur when underground infrastructure is damaged. Celebrating National Safe Digging Month encourages individuals to dig safely and keeps our communities out of harm's way.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Saves time and money</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Damage to underground infrastructure takes time and money to repair, causing disruptions in services and inconvenience for residents. By promoting safe digging practices through National Safe Digging Month, we can prevent these damages and save both time and money for communities.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Calling 811 is a Free Service</h3><p class='facts-content'>The 811 phone service provided by the Common Ground Alliance is free of charge. This means everyone can easily access the details about the locations of underground utilities.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Most states require 811 calls prior to digging</h3><p class='facts-content'>Majority of states in America have strict regulations that require people to call 811 before starting any digging or excavation projects. This is to ensure the safety of both workers and infrastructure.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Not calling 811 can result in hefty fines</h3><p class='facts-content'>Failure to call 811 and causing damage to underground utilities is not just a safety risk, but can also lead to significant fines, with penalties reaching up to thousands of dollars in some areas.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Waiting period after calling 811</h3><p class='facts-content'>Most states require a waiting period of a few business days after calling 811 before you can start digging. This allows utility companies enough time to mark their lines at your dig site.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Protects the environment</h3><p class='facts-content'>Not disturbing underground utilities is also a matter of environmental protection as any damage can potentially lead to leaks or spills that could contaminant soil, groundwater or even air.</p></div></div>
National Safe Digging Month is celebrated on April 1 every year. In 2024 National Safe Digging Month will occur on a Monday.
2023
Apr 1
Saturday
2024
Apr 1
Monday
2025
Apr 1
Tuesday
2026
Apr 1
Wednesday
2027
Apr 1
Thursday
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