May 2008 - National Safe Digging Month

The Common Ground Alliance and its stakeholders have designated May 2008 as National Safe Digging Month. This month is dedicated to increasing awareness of safe digging practices across the country and to celebrate the one-year anniversary of 811, the national call-before-you-dig number.

Throughout the busy digging month of May, CGA and its members are encouraging homeowners and contractors to call 811 before they dig to prevent injuries, property damage and inconvenient outages.

Did you know?

• One utility line is unintentionally hit every minute in the U.S.
• 40% of all U.S. digging damages result from not calling before digging.
• Utilities are buried only a few inches underground, making them easy to strike even during shallow digging projects.

Here are some ways you can participate:

• Join us in National Safe Digging Month by calling 811 before beginning any outdoor digging project, large or small.
• If a neighbor is planning a digging project, remind them to call 811 before they break ground.
• If you have a web site, personal blog or MySpace profile, you can post our "We Support Safe Digging Month" button on your profile to show your support for safe digging.
• Encourage your organization or company to sign a "Safe Digging Month Proclamation."

For more information, please visit the National 811 Website at

www.call811.com

    Commission Directive

    Order No. 2006-3911