Page 6 - Texas811 Magazine 2022 Issue 3

National 811 Awareness Day
By Marci Garrott
Texas811 Marketing Manager
For National 811 Day, Texas811 is developing community outreach efforts and public awareness campaigns with
a focus on advertising the importance of calling 811 with messaging on Podcasts, Amazon video ads, Radio, and Geofencing campaigns. In addition, you will see Texas811 on YouTube, Next-door, and various social media outlets. If you see Texas811, August 1st - August 11th, tag us at #Texas811.
John Sparks, Director of Damage Prevention and Public Awareness, stated “It is critical for us to raise awareness for the service we provide. If we can prevent just one damage resulting in financial headache or even worse, injury or loss of life, then it is worth every ounce of effort put into
it. I often feel like homeowners fail to realize just how much underground infrastructure is out there, and the varying depths in which those utilities might be located. So, opportunities like 811 days provide a platform to heighten awareness and educate those who might have otherwise not known about what lies below.”
Learn up-to-date information on our marketing efforts by visiting Texas811.org.
August 11, 2022 brings awareness of the potential for injuries, roperty damage and outages if underground utilities are
alling Texas811 prior to digging has proven to be the pC
damaged.
foremost preventive measure in excavation safety and damage prevention. According to a Common Ground Alliance Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT)
Report, when an excavator calls 8-1-1 before digging, damage can be avoided more than 99 percent of the time.
According to the Texas Railroad Commission’s Pipeline Damage Prevention program, “Texas has more miles of pipeline than any other state. In reports submitted to the Texas Railroad Commission in 2020, 27 percent of pipeline damages are done by people digging with hand tools, such as shovels.”
Contacting Texas811 before digging is the easiest way to avoid damaging buried utilities. When calling Texas811, homeowners, DIYers, and contractors will connect to the local One-Call Center which notifies the appropriate utility company of their intent to dig. Professional locators then arrive at the digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground utility lines with flags, spray paint, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions What is 811?
811 is the national phone number designated by the Federal Communications Commission that connects professionals and homeowners who plan to dig with their local one-call center.
Can I submit a ticket online?
Yes.
Homeowners/DIYers can use the Homeowner
Portal at https://txhop.texas811.org/.
Professional Excavators can use the Texas811 Portal
at https://txgc.texas811.org/geocall/portal.
How many business days in advance should I
call?
Two business days before digging any time of the year.
Is calling 811 really a law in Texas?
“Is calling 811 really a law in Texas? Yes! Title 5: Chapter 251 of the Texas Utilities Code became law effective September 1999.
The mission of Texas811 is to facilitate damage prevention, promote public safety, and protect the environment through stakeholder education and communication.
4 • Texas811 2022, Issue 3