Call 8-1-1 Before You Dig on Your Next Outdoor Project

Putting in a new deck?  New fence?  Mailbox?  Shrub, bush or other landscaping?  What are your responsibilities when it comes to any outdoor project you may be interested in?  Many people think that the company you hire is going to take care of everything.  Well, when it comes to underground utility wires  you may want to error on the side of caution and make the request yourself.  A minimum of two days before you start your project (whether you do it yourself or hire professionals) you must contact someone to mark the utility lines that are underground.  So who do we call?

I installed a wood fence in my yard last summer for my two dogs.  I found the company I wanted to use, filled out the proper paperwork, applied for the proper permits and wrote the proper checks.  At the end of it all I was told to call 8-1-1 and put in a request for utility wires to be properly marked.  8-1-1 is an easy to remember number that will connect you to the right company depending on where you live.  If you’re in the suburbs of Chicago you’ve probably heard of J.U.L.I.E. and you can contact them direct if you’d like.  If you’re in the City of Chicago limits you’re looking at contacting DIGGER.  Rather than remember all of this PLUS their phone numbers all you have to do is call 8-1-1 and they’ll get you set up.

Any project in your yard that require a shovel and you must follow these simple instructions.  Cost to you for calling 8-1-1?  NOTHING! They are a non-profit organization that was put together to make sure you don’t wind up dead putting in that new shrub in the back corner or the new mailbox that looks like a miniature version of your house.  Any digging and you must!  Here are some forms and brochures from JULIE & DIGGER:

Click Here to Download Digger Direct Brochure (City of Chicago)

J.U.L.I.E. Locate Request Form (Suburbs of Chicago)

Good luck and feel free to contact me with any questions.  Visit the website above as well as they are packed with information and statistics regarding properly marking these utility wires.  Enjoy!