From Lake Apopka Natural Gas District
If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve tackled a yard project or two. But did you know that if it involves digging, there’s a critical first step that everyone, including the professionals, should take before picking up a shovel?
Call 8-1-1.
We at Lake Apopka Natural Gas District (LANGD) are proud to partner with Sunshine 811 – the state’s go-to resource for education and training on safe digging practices – to celebrate 811 Day on August 11.
Related: Be Ready, Not Reactive: Prepare for hurricane season now.
This annual, nationwide observance serves as a powerful reminder that damage to underground infrastructure is incredibly costly and often preventable. In fact, according to Sunshine 811, the leading cause of utility line strikes is failure to properly notify 811 before digging. Every day in Florida, more than 73 underground utility line strikes result in power outages, service disruptions, costly repairs, and damage that could have otherwise been avoided.
By making a quick call to 811 at least two full business days before your project begins, Sunshine 811 will notify its member utility companies to mark underground lines at your site and help you ensure you are digging smart. Calling 811 is free, easy, and it’s the law.
As hurricane season continues, experts also encourage residents to consider the potential aftermath, as hidden dangers can lie below. 811 Day is a timely reminder for all Floridians to factor safe digging into their storm prep and cleanup routines. While stocking up on supplies and reinforcing your home are important, so is knowing what’s underground before clearing storm debris or rebuilding.
According to LANGD Director of Regulatory Compliance & Safety Donna Barrow, just because the storm has passed doesn’t mean the danger is over.
“Cleaning up and digging around fallen trees, broken fences, and other debris after a storm may seem harmless, but if done incorrectly, it can lead to hitting underground utility lines. This can result in serious injuries and even more service disruptions and costly repairs on top of those already caused by the storm.
“Before cutting away tree debris, check for buried lines tangled in the roots. Always have utility lines marked before replacing a fallen or damaged fence, and never place debris over utility structures like boxes, pedestals, or transformers. Finally, be sure to contact 811 before using a stump grinder to remove fallen trees. By following 811 best practices, we can protect ourselves, our neighbors, and the critical infrastructure our community depends on.”
Whether your project is big or small, we encourage our communities to dig smart and stay safe, not just on 811 Day, but every day. Visit www.langd.org or call (407) 656-2734 to learn how you can make the switch to safe, affordable, and reliable natural gas.
