From the Orange County Newsroom
In Summary:
April is National Safe Digging Month, and officials are reminding Apopka residents to take precautions before starting outdoor projects. Florida saw more than 28,000 instances of underground utility damage last year, often caused by routine work such as landscaping and fencing. Calling 811 before digging allows utility lines to be marked, helping prevent injuries, service disruptions, and expensive repairs.
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Spring is here, and that means it’s prime time for yard projects – and, unfortunately, for underground utility damage, too. April is National Safe Digging Month, a timely reminder for Floridians that even routine outdoor improvements can turn dangerous if underground utility lines aren’t located first.
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Last year, Florida experienced more than 28,000 incidents of damage to underground utility lines. Landscaping and fencing continue to be among the leading causes of these incidents. Striking a line can lead to costly repairs, service disruptions , and dangerous situations involving gas, power, or water.
To help homeowners and professional contractors reduce risk and prevent damage, Floridians can call 811 or visit the website and select “Create a Ticket.”
“Underground utility damage is rarely intentional, but it’s almost always avoidable,” said Wendy Schaefer, education and awareness manager for Sunshine 811. “When homeowners and contractors follow the safe digging process and contact 811 first, they can cut the risk and not the line, significantly lowering the chances of injury, service disruptions, and costly repairs.”
“Calling 811 before digging is a simple step that protects people, property, and the essential services our community depends on every day,” added Dustin Putney-Hoke of Orange County Utilities and Sunshine 811 Board Member.
Key Points:
- April is National Safe Digging Month across Florida
- More than 28,000 underground utility line damages occurred in Florida last year
- Landscaping and fencing are leading causes of accidental strikes
- Residents and contractors can call 811 or submit a request online before digging
- Officials say taking this step helps prevent injuries, outages, and costly repairs
For more information on how to dig safely and protect Florida’s underground infrastructure, visit DigSafeFlorida.com.
