Saturday is August 11 and Georgia 811, the state utility locator service, is using the date as a landmark of sorts to remind people to call 811 before they do any digging for home projects.
GA-811 spokeswoman Megan Estes said this week anyone who is planning to do any sort of digging in the yard is required by law to notify GA-811 at least two days before doing so.
Estes said hitting a utility line can result in injury or death, loss of utility service and offenders can face pretty significant fines.
She added most general and subcontractors know to call 811, but for the average homeowner, it can be easily overlooked.
Estes said the way the process works is a homeowner calls at least two days before starting a project that involves digging. The service will send someone out who will locate the utilities, mark the ground with paint and use colored flags to alert anyone to the presence of a utility line.
She said to contact GA-811, just dial the numbers and give the information to the GA-811 representative or visit online at GA811.com.
