August 11 is tomorrow and Verizon is hoping this date (8/11) will serve as a natural reminder for residents to call 811 to have underground utility lines marked before initiating any digging project. Marking its fifth anniversary, this nationwide call-before-you-dig number was established by the Federal Communications Commission to provide an easy, free method for protecting underground utility lines.

A recent report released by the Common Ground Alliance has determined that an underground utility line is damaged during digging projects every three minutes nationwide. Just one person damaging a single line can cause injury, repair costs, fines and inconvenient outages.

When calling 811, homeowners and contractors are connected to their local one-call center, which then notifies the appropriate utility companies of the intent to dig. Professional locators are sent to the requested digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, spray paint or both. Utility lines need to be properly marked even when digging only a few inches because the depth of utility lines can vary and the risk of striking an underground utility line exists.

Verizon is highlighting 811 Day by participating in promotional events with the Common Ground Alliance and throughout the year by distributing hats, gloves, bumper stickers and other promotional items with the 811 logo.

Visit http://www.call811.com for more information about 811 and safe digging practices.