Submitted by Sunshine811
With the arrival of hurricane season there is one simple step residents can take to help keep safe and avoid making a difficult situation worse – contacting 811.
Repairing damage after a storm seems like a harmless action, but if done incorrectly, an underground utility line could be hit and result in serious injuries, even death, service disruptions and costly repairs to essential gas, electric, communications, water and sewer lines. Digging without knowing what’s below is the disaster that awaits after the storm. That’s why it is the law in Florida to contact Sunshine 811 before digging.
Sunshine 811 is a free public service that alerts member utility companies to any dig so that they can mark underground facilities on property. Visit www.Sunshine811.com or call 811 two full business days before anyone starts digging. Even something seemingly harmless such as replacing a broken fence or mailbox, digging up a downed tree or grinding a stump shouldn’t be done without contacting 811 first. If you hire a contractor, make sure they 811 too.
And, if the worst comes to pass and you hit or expose a utility line, do not touch it or attempt to fix it. Contact the utility immediately to avoid further danger.
