The Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC) recognizes April as National Safe Digging Month. Homeowners planning to do outdoor projects such as landscaping, installing a fence, or adding a deck onto their home, are encouraged to call 811 first. Knowing where underground utility lines are buried before you start a project can protect you from the risk of serious bodily injury, service disruptions, and unnecessary repairs due to damaged gas, electric, communications, water, and sewer lines.
The service is free and required by law before any excavation can begin. Once a utility company is notified, the company will send a representative to your property to mark underground lines with paint and flags.
Alabama 811 is also teaming up with the Nextdoor app to enhance damage prevention. Families will be able to use this form of communication to seek advice, exchange local recommendations, and share neighborhood information.
“811 is a valuable source to ensure safety and precaution before digging. The partnership with the Nextdoor app will only enhance awareness and the importance of dialing 811,” says Commissioner Chris “Chip” Beeker, Jr.
The APSC will hold its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at 10:00 A.M. in the Carl L. Evans Chief Administrative Law Judge Hearing Complex, RSA Union Building, Room 900, 100 North Union Street, Montgomery, Alabama. Immediately afterward, Commissioners will sign a Resolution to recognize April as “811 Safe Digging Month.” For more information, please contact John Free at (334)242-5868 or visit the Commission’s website at http://www.psc.state.al.us
