WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – August 11, or National 811 Day, is an annual reminder to the public to call before you dig.

Zach Vavricka, spokesperson with Piedmont Natural Gas, says the process is simple.

“It’s the easiest way to dig safely. It just takes a couple of minutes on the phone. It just takes a couple days to get your lines marked, and then you don’t have to worry about it,” Vavricka said.

All you have to do is dial 8-1-1 three days before you start your project. Then, a utility company will come to your yard to mark underground lines.

Vavricka says if you don’t call before you dig, there could be several consequences.

“You could be on the hook for some of the repair costs, and you could, you could get hurt in the process as well,” Vavricka said.

This could not only impact you, but your neighbors as well.

“You are taking a chance because you could strike and damage a natural gas line, a water line, an electric line,” Vavricka said.

That happens often, Vavricka says. In the first six months of 2024, more than 2,000 gas and electric utility lines were damaged by people who didn’t call before sticking in the shovel.

“I know you want to get it done fast. You want to work efficiently, but you need to keep safety in mind as much as possible,” Vavricka said.

As a reminder, the service is completely free.

Copyright 2024 WECT. All rights reserved.