A Vital Safety Reminder from PECO: National Call Before You Dig Day

A Vital Safety Reminder from PECO: Call 811 Before You Dig

In advance of National Call Before You Dig Day, the company reminds customers to prioritize safe digging.

Click here for footage of an underground electric line mark-out that can be used as b-roll.

PHILADELPHIA (August 8, 2024) - Sunday, 8/11, is National Call Before You Dig Day, an annual reminder for all residents, businesses, and contractors that safe digging must remain a priority to prevent damage to critical underground energy infrastructure and to keep communities safe.

There are thousands of miles of utility lines buried below the surface across the region. This vast network includes everything from electric to water to natural gas, and telecommunications.

Earlier this year, the Common Ground Alliance - the national association dedicated to protecting underground utility lines, people who dig near them, and their communities - announced results from a national survey which found 26.9 million homeowners planning do-it-yourself digging projects will not contact 811, putting themselves and their communities at risk of utility service disruptions, costly fines and repairs, and even serious injury or death. In 2023 alone, PECO was called to 481 incidents where damage was caused to underground electric or natural gas equipment due to unsafe digging practices.

Whether installing a mailbox, building a deck, planting a tree, or laying a patio, it is important to call 811 at least three business days in advance. When calling 811, customers and contractors are connected with PA One Call, the state's coordinator for marking utility lines. PA One Call will collect information about the project and provide it to PECO and other member utilities. The utilities will then mark their underground facilities. Once lines are marked, it's crucial for customers and contractors to understand these markings and be vigilant for unmarked lines, such as private property water and sewer lines. Indicators like sewer clean-outs and water valve covers can signify the presence of underground lines.

PECO joins the Exelon family of companies, as well as the Common Ground Alliance in marking National Call Before You Dig Day to bring extra attention to the issue of underground utility line safety and reduce the risk of unnecessary infrastructure damage.

To learn more, visit peco.com/safety.

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