August 11, 2022 3:00 a.m.

Thursday is National 811 Day. Also known as National Safe Digging Day, the observance exists to raise awareness about contacting 811 before a digging or excavation project.

A release from the Oregon Utility Notification Center, which oversees the statewide call or click before you dig program, is reminding Oregonians that using the free service can save money and lives.

Josh Thomas, Executive Director of the Oregon Utility Notification Center said, “None of us have x-ray vision to see underground utilities before breaking ground, and we know there are a lot of construction and home improvement projects happening this time of year”. Thomas said, “National Safe Digging Day is a perfect time to remind everyone to contact 811 first so they don’t have to call 911”.

Oregon 811, also known as the Oregon Utility Notification Center, was created by the Oregon Legislature in 1995 to prevent damage to underground utilities and enhance public safety. The free service is available by calling 811 or going to: https://digsafelyoregon.com/. By requesting a locate, homeowners and businesses can have their dig site marked with color-coded spray paint to avoid hitting underground pipes and wires.

According to the Common Ground Alliance, the estimated annual cost of damages to underground utilities nationally is nearly $30 billion.