811 is a three-digit calling code that has been mandated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It is the national "call before you dig" number that is used to request an underground locate before any excavation activity.
As of April 2007, when a person dials 811, they will be connected with the one-call center for their area. The one-call center initiates locate requests to buried facility owners that are members of the one-call.
The utilities in the excavation area are marked, thereby greatly reducing the likelihood of hitting the buried cables and pipelines. Because service interruption, human injury and damage to the environment can occur with utility hits, it is of the utmost importance that anyone planning to dig place a one-call locate request.
Spearheaded by the Common Ground Alliance, the National 811 Awareness Campaign serves to communicate 811 to underground industry workers as well as the general public. With media campaigns being launched as early as May 2007, 811 promises to increase the cal-before-you-digl rate, especially among small businesses and homeowners.
More information can be found at
www.Call811.com
