I got an interesting email today, it’s from Matt on behalf of The Common Ground Alliance. Their message, “Call before you Dig”, is a good one. It looks like they’re trying to build awareness about their new nation wide (USA) hotline for DIYers and homeowners who have plans on doing some digging in the yard…
Instead of giving you my interpretation, here is the email I recieved; read it and remember the number, it’s a good idea.
Greetings,
My name is Matt Navitsky and I’m getting in touch with Modern Flat on behalf of The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) to tell you about the recent launch of a new national phone number, 811. This consumer safety number was established by the FCC to help protect underground utility infrastructure and help save the lives of DIY homeowners and professional excavators.
You can find more information on CGA and its “Call Before You Dig” campaign here: http://www.call811.com/about-us
Knowing that a lot of DIYers turn to Modern Flat for news and tips, I thought they might be interested in learning about 811.
As you may be aware, before beginning any digging project, local DIYers or professional landscapers are required to contact their local One-Call Center to have a crew come out and mark their underground lines. Now, diggers all over the country can use the same three-digit number — 811 — to reach their local One-Call Center.
Homeowners often make risky assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines marked, but every digging job requires a call — even small projects like planting trees and shrubs. Research shows that while 46% of Americans are active diggers who have done or plan to do a digging project at home, only 33% of DIYers plan on calling before they dig, which means they are taking a huge risk each time their shovel disturbs the dirt.
Below this email I’ve pasted a brief Q&A with Bob Kipp, Executive Director of CGA, on the alliance and 811. I hope that you’ll check out the new Web site for the campaign at www.Call811.com and help spread the word about this fast, free way to get your lines marked. Please let me know if you decide to share the program and Q&A with your readers, or if I can provide you with further information.
Thanks,
Matt
On behalf of The Common Ground Alliance
Fleishman-Hillard