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

UGI Utilities, Inc. is leveraging National 8/11 Day 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, preventing potential damage, service interruptions, and even life-threatening injuries. Whether the project is as minor as installing a mailbox or as significant as a large construction endeavor, the call to 811 or a visit to call811.com is a must at least three business days before digging begins.

Janet Toporcer, UGI Public Safety Administrator, underscores the necessity of this precautionary measure. "Calling 811 before you dig is a simple step in the process, but one that could prevent costly damage, loss of service, fines, serious injury, even death," Toporcer stated. The service is free for homeowners, with contractors incurring a small annual fee. Preparation is key when making the call, with details about the work's location, nature, methodology, and duration required to ensure accurate utility marking.

Beyond underground utilities, UGI also highlights the dangers of above-ground facilities, particularly power lines, which can pose lethal risks. For comprehensive 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, headquartered in Denver, Pennsylvania, serves over 760,000 customers across 46 Pennsylvania counties and one county in Maryland, reinforcing its commitment to community safety and service reliability through initiatives like the 811 campaign.