Call MISS DIG 811 before you dig up your yard this year

Chandra Fleming, Detroit Free Press
Updated ·2 min read
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

Before you dig, call MISS DIG 811.

April is National Safe Digging Month and Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer want Michiganders to call MISS DIG 811 (800 482-7171) before they start digging up their yards for excavation projects, according to a news release.

Here is what you need to know:

What's MISS DIG?

MISS DIG 811 is a free service that checks for underground utilities and marks them in advance to prevent damage and potentially deadly consequences if utilities are damaged while digging.

Whitmer issued a proclamation marking Michigan's participation in April for National Safe Digging Month. Folks who are planning a project that involves digging are encouraged to call 811 three business days in advance to make sure that buried utilities aren't damaged, no matter the size of the excavation project.

The service ensures that buried gas, electric, water, sewer, phone, and other underground utilities are clearly marked before digging begins.

“Call 811 whenever your project includes digging, whether you’re a homeowner planting a tree or putting in a new deck, fence or mailbox, or you’re a construction crew with a major project,” MPSC Chair Dan Scripps said in a written statement. “A call to MISS DIG 811 helps prevent underground utility lines from being damaged, leading to possible service outages, injuries or deaths."

More: Dearborn native Mei Lin wins Food Network's 'Tournament of Champions' competition

More: Dutch Girl Donuts' iconic building on Detroit's Woodward Ave. is for sale

Contact information

Homeowners or contractors are encouraged to contact MISS DIGG Ton Monday or Tuesday if the digging project is planned for the weekend.

The company also says that individuals can fill out a request online. Trained utility workers from different utility companies will come out to the job site to mark the location of the utilities with spray paint or flags. You cannot dig in the area unless you dig by hand in the designated utility area.

More information is available on MPSC's tip sheet.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: MISS DIG 811 suggests calling before digging in yard this year