Aug. 9. There are only two more days until National Safe Digging Day, also known as 811 Day. It’s a day to remind professional excavators and do-it-yourselfers of the importance of calling 811 before digging to protect underground utility infrastructure, prevent potential personal injury and avoid natural gas outages.

The national “811 Call Before You Dig” system was created so anyone who plans to dig can have underground utility lines clearly marked with stakes, flags, or paint at least three business days before.

Reece Graves

“Already in 2023, Piedmont Natural Gas reported damage to underground natural gas lines over 1,200 times,” said Reece Graves, a Piedmont Natural Gas crew lead.

Special program

To help educate families on safe digging, Discovery Place Kids in Huntersville will celebrate National 811 Day with hands-on activities – including a mini-excavator – to help increase awareness of “what’s under the ground.”

The event, which runs 9 am to noon, includes representatives from Colonial Pipeline, responsible for the 2 million gallon gasoline spill and ongoing clean-up.