UGI Urges Safety on National 8/11 Day: Call Before You Dig

UGI Utilities, Inc. is using National 8/11 Day as an opportunity to remind homeowners and contractors of the critical importance of calling 811 before any digging project. This simple step, required by law, ensures that underground utility lines are marked, helping to avoid unintentional hits that could lead to costly damages, service interruptions, or even serious injuries and fatalities. Whether the project is as small as installing a mailbox or as large as a construction excavation, the call to 811 or a visit to call811.com is a necessary precaution.

Janet Toporcer, UGI Public Safety Administrator, stresses that the law mandates this call at least three business days before digging begins. Homeowners undertaking their own projects are responsible for making the call, while contractors must do so when hired. The service is free for homeowners, with contractors incurring a small annual fee. Preparation is key when calling 811, with details about the work's location, type, method, and duration required to ensure accurate utility marking.

UGI also highlights the dangers of working near above-ground facilities, such as power lines, where contact can be deadly. For more information on safe digging practices and excavation safety, UGI directs the public to www.ugi.com/811, which also offers resources for scheduling safety training for excavators. UGI Utilities, serving over 760,000 customers across Pennsylvania and Maryland, continues to prioritize public safety through education and adherence to regulations.