National Safe Digging Month
National Safe Digging Month: Promoting Underground Utility Safety
National Safe Digging Month is an annual observance held in April to raise awareness about the importance of safe digging practices and contacting 811 before starting any excavation project. This initiative aims to prevent damage to underground utilities, protect workers and communities, and avoid service disruptions.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: April
- Tagged as: Safety awareness campaign
- What’s the hashtag?: #NSDM
- When was it founded?: 2008
- Who founded it?: Common Ground Alliance (CGA)
History of National Safe Digging Month
National Safe Digging Month was established in 2008 by the Common Ground Alliance as a strategy to encourage all stakeholders to promote the safe digging message in a coordinated manner during a critical month when digging activity begins across the country. The initiative aims to reduce the number of underground utility damages caused by unsafe digging practices.
Timeline
- 2005: 811 is designated as the national one-call number for anyone planning a digging project in America
- 2008: National Safe Digging Month is established
- 2022: PHMSA awards nearly $2.8 million through State Damage Prevention grant and “One Call” grant programs to support damage prevention efforts
National Safe Digging Month Dates
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 1 | Thursday |
| 2028 | April 1 | Saturday |
| 2029 | April 1 | Sunday |
| 2030 | April 1 | Monday |
How National Safe Digging Month is Observed
During National Safe Digging Month, various initiatives and activities are held across the country to promote safe digging practices. These include:
- Public awareness campaigns through social media, television, and radio advertisements.
- Educational programs and workshops for contractors, homeowners, and industry professionals.
- Partnerships between utility companies, government agencies, and safety organizations to spread the message of calling 811 before digging.
Fun Facts About National Safe Digging Month
- There are over 20 million miles of underground utilities in the United States
- An underground utility line is damaged every nine minutes due to unsafe digging
- Eight distinct flag colors represent different types of underground utilities
- Calling 811 is free and required by law in all 50 states
Quiz
- In which month is National Safe Digging Month observed?
- What is the national one-call number for digging projects?
- How many miles of underground utilities are there in the United States?
- How often is an underground utility line damaged due to unsafe digging?
- How many flag colors are used to represent different underground utilities?
(Answers: 1. April, 2. 811, 3. Over 20 million, 4. Every nine minutes, 5. Eight)
FAQs
Q: Who should call 811 before digging?
A: Anyone planning a digging project, including homeowners and professional contractors, should call 811.
Q: How long before digging should I call 811?
A: It’s recommended to call at least a few days before your planned digging project.
Q: What happens when I call 811?
A: Local utility companies will be notified to mark the approximate location of underground lines on your property.
Q: Is there a cost for calling 811?
A: No, calling 811 is a free service.
Q: What types of projects require calling 811?
A: Any project that involves digging, including planting trees, installing fences, or building decks, requires calling 811.
Importance of National Safe Digging Month
National Safe Digging Month plays a crucial role in promoting public safety and protecting critical infrastructure. By raising awareness about the importance of calling 811, the initiative helps prevent accidents, injuries, and costly damages to underground utilities.
The observance also educates the public about the extensive network of underground utilities that support our daily lives. This knowledge encourages responsible digging practices and fosters a culture of safety in communities across the nation.
Furthermore, National Safe Digging Month serves as a reminder of the collaborative efforts between utility companies, government agencies, and the public in maintaining safe and reliable utility services for all.
Related
- Construction Safety Week
- Infrastructure Week
- Earth Day
- Arbor Day
- National Public Works Week
