New York 811 Highlights Importance of Always Calling 811 Before Digging at Open House

New York 811, the nonprofit organization that connects utility companies and contractors planning any digging activities in Nassau and Suffolk counties and the five boroughs of New York City, today held an open house to celebrate the opening of its new Utility Notification Center in Bohemia, N.Y.   

A recent national public opinion survey conducted by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the national organization dedicated to protecting underground utility lines and the safety of people who dig near them, found that nearly half (48 percent) of homeowners will not call 811 in advance of a digging project. The opening of New York 811's new call center serves as a reminder to the Long Island and New York City community to always call 811 before starting any digging project – large or small – to prevent damage to underground utilities.

"The goal of our open house is to make sure everyone understands the importance of protecting buried utilities for the New York City and Long Island community's safety, and that doing so is only a free phone call away," said Roger Sampson, Executive Director of New York 811. "Our new Utility Notification Center has not only brought new jobs to the area, but will help us keep families, communities and work crews safe."

Long Island and New York City excavators and contractors are required by law to make a free call to 811 to notify utility owners that are members of New York 811 of their intent to dig at least 48 hours prior. Professional utility line locators will then visit the dig site to mark the approximate location of underground utility lines with paint or flags. Once a site has been properly marked, it is safe to dig carefully around the marked areas.

Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities increases the likelihood of an unintentional damage, which can cause serious injuries and service disruptions and require costly repairs. An underground utility line is damaged every eight minutes because someone decided to dig without first calling 811, according to data collected by CGA.

The event featured representatives from New York 811, as well as local companies and government officials. Khrysanne Kerr, Vice President of Communications and Program Development for Common Ground Alliance, provided remarks, and attendees had the opportunity to tour the new facility and learn how it aids in protecting buried utilities and the safety of New Yorkers.

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