With Millions of Californians Still Working and Schooling from Home, Calling 811 Before Digging More Important Than Ever

With the arrival of spring, many Californians are thinking of starting projects to make their outdoor spaces more livable, and many of these projects will require digging. To help ensure these projects can proceed safely, and without disruptions to essential utility services that we all depend on to be able to stay connected during the ongoing pandemic, April is recognized as National Safe Digging Month. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and more than 1,000 other utilities support this nationwide public safety initiative to supported by to raise awareness about the importance of calling 811 to have underground utility lines marked in advance of any digging project.

Throughout the pandemic, many homeowners are using their extra time at home to complete projects that require digging, according to a recent national survey conducted by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA). In fact, the survey shows that one in five homeowners (20%) have been more likely to do a DIY home improvement involving digging since the pandemic began – particularly gardening projects, and 56% of homeowners who are planning to plant a tree or shrub this year said they were more likely to dig while having extra time at home. The most popular planned projects cited among surveyed homeowners who plan to dig include:

• Planting a tree or shrub: 62%
• Building a fence: 37%
• Building a deck or patio: 32%
• Installing a mailbox: 20%
• Installing a pool: 6%
• Something else: 26%

Additionally, of the millions of homeowners who plan to dig this year for projects like gardening, building a fence or deck, installing a mailbox and more, nearly two in five (37%) will put themselves and their communities at risk by digging without contacting 811 beforehand to learn the approximate location of underground utilities.

"With millions of Californians relying on essential utility services as they work and learn from home, it is of the utmost importance that everyone take advantage of the free call to 811 prior to digging. Our locate and mark crews are in the field every day helping to ensure digging projects of all sizes can proceed safely, without risk to life, health or property. Whether your project is large or small, from repaving a driveway to installing a fencepost, calling 811 three working days before excavating to have the locations of underground gas or electric lines marked will help keep you, your family and your neighbors safe and help you avoid potentially costly repairs,” said Joe Forline, PG&E senior vice president of Gas Operations.