811 is the national number to call before any digging project, large or small, and in Georgia, 811 can even
be conveniently reached online. Georgia 811’s comprehensive notification and education services exist to
prevent utility line interruption and damage as well as personal injury before a dig begins.

Contacting Georgia 811 starts a critical process that should precede any outdoor digging project. It may
appear obvious to notify 811 before a large scale undertaking, but many homeowners are unaware that
even seemingly small projects that break ground still require notification.

Nearly 1,300 damages are reported to Georgia 811 each month. Damage to underground lines can result
in service interruptions, costly repair bills and fines. Hitting a line can be even more disastrous, potentially
causing serious harm to the digger and other individuals. Small weekend projects such as planting trees or
shrubbery, installing a mailbox or sprinkler system can quickly become a significant problem if the digger
does not inform Georgia 811 beforehand. Georgia 811 is a free service, and the process is simple: contact,
wait, then safely dig.

The homeowner or excavator would first contact Georgia 811 online at www.Georgia811.com or by
phone by dialing 8-1-1 at least three business days prior to the start of their digging project. After using
either method to contact Georgia 811, the wait begins and the homeowner or excavator will get a ticket
number for tracking ticket responses. Homeowners must check ticket responses before digging begins, and
can find more information about how to do so at MyGeorgia811.com. When Georgia 811 is notified, they
will notify affected member utility companies of the intent to dig. On average, seven utility member
companies are notified. These companies then send professional locate technicians to identify and mark
the approximate locations of underground lines with colored paint or flags.

Once all member utility companies have responded to the ticket, the homeowner or excavator may begin
safely digging as long as all the members have responded with a marked, clear, or no conflict code. The
digger should respect the flags and markings by making sure to always dig around them. Hand tools can
be used to expose existing utilities. No mechanized digging is allowed within 18 inches of the outer edge
of an existing utility. Additionally, some utility lines may not be far beneath the surface, so allowing
adequate room and steering clear of the marked areas is key.

Contacting Georgia 811 at least three days before breaking ground is simple, free and ensures peace of
mind during a project. Digging safely is the final step in the 811 process, but diggers should contact 811
during the planning stages of any future projects that require digging. Over time, root system changes
and erosion can shift utility line locations, so it’s important to contact Georgia 811 every time.

For more information on Georgia’s “Dig Law”, the Georgia Facilities Protection Act, visit the Georgia Public
Service Commission’s web site at psc.state.ga.us/. Georgia 811 can be reached with any process related
questions by dialing 811 or emailing WebServices@georgia811.com.