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NM811 Asks New Mexicans To Dig Safely This Fall

Reminds homeowners to call 811 before digging to avoid underground utilities and potential injury

New Mexico — The weather is cooling off and all over New Mexico folks are getting ready to start their fall projects. NM811 reminds anyone who is planning a digging project, including do-it-yourselfers and contractors, to call 8-1-1 before starting any type of landscape and home improvement projects.

Digging without knowing the location of underground utilities can cause serious injuries, service disruptions and repair costs if a line is damaged. Even simple landscaping projects like planting a tree or shrub to more complex projects like installing a deck or fence require a call to NM811.

“New Mexico state law requires anyone who is digging to call 8-1-1 prior to digging,

regardless of the size or depth of the project. This is a free service, so there is no reason to take a chance or assume you know the location of these underground utility lines,” stated Gary Sloman, executive director of NM811. “Our operators are available to receive and process locate requests to keep our communities safe and prevent damage to underground facilities. We support the PRC and its commitment to increase awareness of safe digging practices across New Mexico.”

When a call is placed to 8-1-1, NM811 will notify its members to have the underground lines at the project site marked with spray paint or flags by professional locators, free of charge, so that excavators can dig safely. NM811 is a not-for-profit organization representing 466 underground facility owners whose mission is to ensure damage prevention and public safety. The call center acts as a facilitator between excavators and utilities.

NM811 encourages homeowners to take the following steps when planning a digging project this spring:

• Always call 811 a few days before digging, regardless of the depth or familiarity with the property.

• Plan ahead. Call on Monday or Tuesday for work planned for an upcoming weekend, providing ample time for lines to be marked.

• Confirm with your local one call center that all lines have been marked.

• Learn what the various colors of paint and flags represent at www.call811.com/faqs.
• Consider moving the location of your project if it is near utility line markings.
• If another location is not viable, respect the marks and avoid using mechanized digging equipment near them.
• If a contractor has been hired, confirm that a call to 811 has been made. Don't allow work to begin if the lines aren't marked.

Contact:
Gary Sloman
505.254.7303
gsloman@nm811.org