CONSUMER ALERT: April is Safe Digging Month
The Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) Consumer Protection
& Information Section (CP) along with the National Association of
Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) reminds citizens during
Safe Digging Month to avoid accidents and utility interruptions when
engaging in any outdoor projects by calling 811.
The Common Ground Alliance, sponsor of Safe Digging Month,
estimates that more than half of U.S. homeowners plan to complete
outdoor do-it-yourself projects that involve digging. However, nearly
27 million Americans do not plan to notify 811 before starting these
projects, putting themselves and their communities at risk.
“The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and
state regulators jointly oversee thousands of miles of underground
pipelines, working to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of vital
utility service for customers and commerce. I cannot stress enough
the importance of following safety precautions before digging,” said
NARUC Committee on Gas Chair and Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank. “With warmer
weather upcoming, there is an expected increase in outdoor
projects that may involve striking buried utility lines. NARUC wishes
to use this opportunity to remind the public to call 811 before
undertaking outdoor tasks. Striking or damaging underground gas,
power, communications, water and sewer lines risks harm, and
costs billions of dollars annually. Calling 811 helps protect the
public from avoidable damage.”
According to CGA, many homeowners fail to reach out to 811
because they’re engaged in shallow digging and are unfamiliar with
the 811 notification process. Small projects such as planting a
garden and installing a mailbox or post light require homeowners to
contact 811 because many utility lines are buried just a few inches
below ground.
Hitting buried utility lines can be avoided by reaching out to the 811
One–Call service, available in every state, several days in advance
of beginning any excavation or digging project, including small yard
projects. NARUC and its members will continue to raise awareness
on the need for safe digging practices throughout the month of
April.
Information on each state’s safe digging program and contacts are
available at
SafeDiggingMap
. Specifically, Alaska’s information can
be found at
AlaskaDigline
.
Date Issued: 4/1/2025