Call 811 Before Your Shovel Hits The Ground
Did you know that common household projects like replacing a fence or installing a new sprinkler system can place you at risk?
That’s right. Buried utilities can exist just about anywhere on your property and even a shovel can cause damage to a utility line, resulting in service interruption or a hazardous situation causing personal injury.
From putting in a new swimming pool and adding a room to installing that new and shiny mail box along the street, it’s important to call DigAlert before beginning any type of project that requires digging.
This is a free service, and more importantly—it’s the law.
What is DigAlert?
DigAlert is a one-call notification center and communications link between the person who is digging and the owners of underground utilities. You can use DigAlert Express or call 811 at least two (2) full working days before you plan to start digging. DigAlert then notifies the utilities companies in your area, who come out to mark the lines they own and maintain.
If you’ve hired a contractor for your project, the contractor is responsible for notifying DigAlert. But it would be prudent, as a homeowner, to follow up with DigAlert and make sure. You can be held liable if your contractor is negligent in notifying DigAlert and causes damage to any buried utilities. According to law, anyone who fails to notify Digalert negligently and willfully are subject to fines of up to $50,000.
So when do you call DigAlert? The short answer is “any time you are digging.” And just in case you forget, some of Santa Ana’s service vehicles are wrapped with special DigAlert signage as a reminder.