Columbia Gas of Ohio Raises Awareness for the “Call Before You Dig” Hotline: 8-1-1

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- This past Wednesday, August 11th, the eighth month, and the eleventh day of the year, is when 8-1-1 awareness day takes place.

8-1-1 is a free national service to anyone who will be digging into their property for any reason. Not only is it convenient and can save you a headache, it is the law to call before you dig. 

“At least 48 hours prior to starting their project, they’re going to either call 8-1-1, or visit OUPS.org, and they’re just going to have to provide some basic information, really doesn’t take any time at all, and then they get the process rolling… After they start the process, a professional locator will come out to their property. They’re going to go ahead and locate all underground utility lines, and then they’re going to go ahead and mark those lines with either paint or flags. And the best thing about it is, the service is completely free to customers that use it,” Erica Chronaberry, communications specialist for Columbia Gas of Ohio stated.

Just last year, Columbia Gas reported 25% of damages done to their gas lines were caused by people doing outdoor landscaping or digging for any reason without calling 8-1-1. This puts people in a position where they may be held responsible for repairs to utility lines or pipes. By calling 8-1-1, individuals would only have a 1% chance of damaging any utility line and are unlikely to be held responsible for repairs to underground utilities. 

“The reason that customers need to do this is because it is not only a law but it’s a free service that helps keep people safe… We want our customers, our community members to be safe. And this is the best way to do that. Get your lines marked before you start your projects, and then it should be smooth sailing from there. And everyone can continue to stay safe,” Chronaberry said.

Columbia Gas of Ohio wants to remind everyone, whether it is August 11th or not, to call before you dig. Because you never know what’s under your feet.