Township reminds residents to call 811 before digging

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The Woodlands Township is using the 8-1-1 calendar date as a timely reminder to residents: Always contact 811 before starting any digging project to have underground utilities marked. Whether you’re installing a fence or deck or breaking ground on a major construction project, contacting 811 helps prevent accidents, outages and costly repairs.

Every few minutes, an underground utility line is damaged because someone digs without calling 811. Hitting a buried line can lead to serious consequences—from disrupting essential services and causing outages to severe injuries or death.

Every digging project warrants contacting 811 by phone or online a few days before breaking ground.

This simple step can protect you, your property and your entire community. It’s free, it’s fast, and it can prevent a life-changing mistake.

Digging soon? Take these steps to stay safe and avoid unnecessary risks:

• Contact 811 a few days in advance—no matter the size of your project or how well you know the property.
• Plan ahead. Make your request early in the week for weekend projects.
• Wait for utility lines to be marked and confirm that utilities have responded to your request before starting any digging.
• Respect the marks and dig with care.
• Double check that your contractor has contacted 811 if you’ve hired one. Never allow unmarked digging to begin.
• To learn more about safe digging and to submit a request, visit 811beforeyoudig.com or texas811.org.

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