Know What’s Below: Steps for Safe Digging

Posted: April 1, 2021, 7:00 am

With spring just around the corner, there has never been a better time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Perhaps you have plans for a new garden or a lawn makeover.

No matter how you plan to revamp your backyard oasis, remember to keep safety in mind for all projects—especially those that require digging near underground utility lines.

Most of us never think about the electric, gas, water, and other utility lines buried below the ground. Hitting one of them while digging is not the reminder you want.

Peninsula Light Co. would like to remind all members to call 811 at least three business days before starting a digging project or submit the request online at the Washington 811 website.

How the Process Works

After calling 811 or submitting the request online, all affected utilities are notified of your intent to dig. It may take the utilities a few days to get to your request, so please be patient.

The affected utilities send personnel out to mark the buried lines with paint or flags.

Before you break ground, confirm all utilities have responded to your request. If requested by phone, use the process explained by your 811 call center representative. If you submitted your request online, refer to the 811 center ticket.

By taking this important step before breaking ground on your project, you help protect not only yourself but the community. Disrupting an underground utility line can interrupt service, cause injuries, and cost money to repair.

Call 811 first, and know what’s below.