KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – April is Safe Digging Month, and KUB reminds homeowners and excavators that safe digging is important to our community. Safe digging practices should be followed not just in April, but year-round by everyone. Calling 811 is required no matter the size of the project, and the service is free of charge.
Tennessee State Law requires anyone preparing to dig, excavate, demolish property, or conduct any activity that could damage underground utility lines to notify Tennessee One Call (811) at least three business days before the work begins. Once notified, Tennessee One Call will notify KUB and other member utility companies about the proposed work and the utilities at the digging site. Utilities will be marked with paint or flags, so customers know where to dig safely. KUB reports that they receive anywhere from seven to 10 calls per week reporting a “dig-in”, which is when an underground utility line has been struck. Dig-ins are dangerous to excavators, the public, and KUB responders and could be prevented by calling 811.
KUB also wants to remind excavators of the following safe digging messages:
- The depths of utility lines vary, and multiple lines may exist in the same area. It’s important to call 811 no matter the depth of the project.
- Excavators should always use extreme caution when they dig and avoid digging within the utility safe zone. The safety zone is a strip of land extending two feet on either side of the utility.
- Customer-owned service lines such as underground electrical, water, and wastewater are not mapped and therefore may not be marked. Natural gas service lines are owned by KUB and will be marked.
For more information on National Safe Digging Month, visit www.tenn811.com or KUB’s website at www.kub.org/811. Report any damage to a KUB utility line immediately by calling (865) 524-2911.
